Spelling Bee will join PCPA’s lineup
The secret is out. PCPA’s mystery show of its 45th anniversary season has been revealed. Due to contractual limitations, the conservatory couldn’t announce the title of this Tony-Award winning play until December. Now it can proclaim: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will play at PCPA June 19 through August 2.
Where could six young people struggling with puberty stand out and fit in at the same time? The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
This musical spelling championship pits a quirky collection of heroes against one another. The contestants learn that winning isn’t everything, and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.
Theatergoers will want to practice their spelling ahead of time, because at each performance, four audience members will be recruited to participate on stage.
The show was nominated for six Tony Awards in 2005. Rachel Sheinkin was awarded Best Book of a Musical, and Dan Fogler won Best Featured Actor. Drama Desk Awards recognized the show for Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical (James Lapine), and Outstanding Ensemble Performance.
Spelling Bee will play June 19 through July 11 in Santa Maria’s Marian Theatre, then transfer to Solvang to play July 17 through August 2 in the outdoor Festival Theater.
B.B. King will take the Chumash Casino stage
B.B. King and his signature guitar Lucille take the stage at the Chumash Casino Resort on Jan. 2, 2009. The show starts at 8 p.m.
The 83-year-old King began his recording career more than 60 years ago and has released more than 50 albums and nearly countless singles, including “How Blue Can You Get,” “Payin’ the Cost to Be the Boss,” and “The Thrill is Gone.”
King was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 1987 and has received honorary doctorates from universities across the nation.
Tickets are on sale now and range from $35 to $95.
For more information or to buy tickets, call 1-800-585-3737 or visit chumashcasino.com. m
Arts Editor Shelly Cone compiles Arts Briefs. Send items for consideration to scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 11-18, 2008.