Make a beeline for Putnam County

The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. (Supplied)

There’s something special about watching a story unfold on stage — especially when that story is packed with humor, heart and a little friendly competition.

From April 10–12 at the Melton Community Centre, audiences will have the chance to step into the world of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical that celebrates the awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly moving journey of six young spellers chasing their moment of glory.

What makes this Melton Performing Arts production truly shine is its cast — a group of talented performers who bring these quirky characters to life with warmth and energy. Each contestant has their own story, their own dreams, and their own way of handling the pressure of the bee. Whether it’s through song, sharp comedic timing, or the raw emotion that sneaks up in unexpected moments, they make it easy to see a little of ourselves in them.

But it’s not just the spellers who get in on the fun — audience participation keeps every performance fresh, making each show a unique experience. Under the direction of Derek Bendall, with musical director Carla Bendall, producer Josh Tooth, and producer/choreographer Rachel Chetcuti guiding the way, this production promises a night filled with laughter, heartwarming surprises, and maybe even a few unexpected spelling lessons.

Spelling Bee marks the second successful musical and fourth successful production overall for Melton Performing Arts, a non-profit community performing arts organisation dedicated to creating and maintaining performing arts opportunities in the Melton area.

For those who love theatre, Spelling Bee is a reminder of why live performance is so special—it’s unpredictable, it’s electric, and it brings people together in the most wonderful way.

Catch the show from Thursday April 10 until Saturday April 12 at the Melton Community Hall. Tickets at www.trybooking.com/CYMED