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Contact Name: Amanda Heisey Contact Email: amandah@theplayers.org Contact Phone Number: 941.365.2494 Sarasota, FL – Feb. 13, 2019 – From Feb. 21 to March 10, 2019, visit Putnam Valley Middle School as six quirky kids fight to be the winner of its coveted annual spelling bee. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! This Tony Award winning musical has delighted audiences since its inception and its cast recording was nominated for a Grammy Award! Story: An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Directed and choreographed by Danae DeShazer with help from assistant director/choreographer Kelly Burnette, Rehearsal Stage Manager Derek Brookens, Production Stage Manager Sarah Martin and musical direction by Rick Bogner, costumes by Georgina Wilmott, lighting design by Corey Basham and set design by Ralph Nurmela, this musical is a riotous ride, complete with audience participation! Performance Dates: Feb. 20 – March 10, 2019 Feb. 20, 2019 – Preview Night at 7:30pm Feb. 21, 2019 – Opening Night at 7:30pm Feb. 23, 26-28, March 2, March 7-9, 2019 at 7:30pm Feb. 24, March 2-3 and 10, 2019 at 2pm Tickets: $32 Premium $27 Regular $14 Students 24 and under with valid ID Group rates: Groups of 10 – 24 25% off ($20.25 each) Groups of 25 – 74 30% off ($18.90 each) Groups of 75 or more 35% off ($17.55 each) Cast: Chip Tolentino - Dave Addis Logainne Schwartzandgrubbeniere - Natalie Taylor Leaf Coneybear - Amelia Woerner William Barfee - Jalex Scott Marcy Park - Eliza Engle-Morehouse Olive Ostrovsky - Grace Callahan Rona Lisa Perreti - Lacey Knispel Douglas Panch – Tony Boothby Mitch Mahoney – Kenn C. Rapczynski Crew: Director/Choreographer – Danae DeShazer Music Director – Rick Bogner Managing Artistic Director – Jeffery Kin Production Manager – Alyssa Goudy Costumes – Georgina Wilmott Set Design – Ralph Nurmela Lighting Design – Corey Basham Production Stage Manager – Sarah Martin Rehearsal Stage Manager – Derek Brookens Props – Alyssa Goudy Technical Director – Ken Junkins Asst. Tech Director – Matt Neier AVE – Josh Linderman Promotional Images available at the following URL: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kfp27renfk50jla/AACKKzVXQ-KiSoDZC7YFu2Hxa?dl=0 About The Players Centre for Performing Arts The Players Centre for Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to presenting diverse, high quality, popular theatrical performances that entertain and captivate. The overall intent is to stimulate, enrich and educate the entire community. Its Main Stage features the Broadway Series, SNAP (Something New At the Players) and Summer Sizzler Series. Backstage at the Players is home to more thought-provoking, eclectic pieces. In addition to providing entertainment to the community, The Arnold Simonsen Players Studio offers a wide range of education and outreach programs for children and adults. # # # The Players Centre For Performing Arts 838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34236, 941-365-2494, Fax: 941-954-0282 www.theplayers.org. Box Office: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and one hour prior to curtain time. The Players Box Office is located on Tamiami Trail between 10th Street and Blvd. of the Arts.