Local actors find their letters in 'Spelling Bee'

After successful collaborations producing "On Golden Pond" and "Rent," Big Noise Theatre Company and Ouroboros Theatre Company join forces again to present the Tony Award-winning musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

The show, running at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays from Sept. 24 through Oct. 17, transforms the stage at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines, into a real spelling bee.

In this witty and wise Broadway hit, a quirky mix of adolescents discover themselves as they vie for the spelling bee championship. Much like "Glee" on stage, these misfits find a way to stand out and fit in, learning that winning isn't everything.

This production features local actors such as Des Plaines resident Teresa Scalise, who plays Olive Ostrovsky, one of the competitive spellers in the show, and Aaron Stash, of Mt. Prospect. Stash's role as Vice Principal Douglas Panch marks his return to the Big Noise stage after previous performances in "The Kiss of the Spiderwoman" and "I Hate Hamlet."

Scalise grew up in Des Plaines and credits two mentors from Maine West High School for inspiring her to pursue her future in the arts. These "outstanding teachers" were the late Paul Magnusson, who was her choir director, and Bernie Gersmayer, her band director who is still teaching at the high school.

Though this is Scalise's first production with Big Noise Theatre, it is not her first time on the Prairie Lakes stage. At the age of 9, Scalise performed there in a summer camp production of "A Little Princess" in the lead role of Sarah. Scalise has worked with Ouroboros Theatre Company before, having appeared in "A Winter's Feast" in 2007. She is also a founding member of Catalyst, a new Chicago cabaret troupe.

For those audience members who are new to the show: Before every performance of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," volunteers from the audience will be recruited to participate on stage as guest spellers. Each show guarantees a new set of unexpected experiences.

Tickets cost $23 for adults and $21 for seniors. They can be purchased online at bignoisetheatre.org by following the link to OvationTix or by calling (847) 604-0275.