HENRY — Polish up those spelling skills and clear your throat in preparation for the fun-filled and hysterical musical journey of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, presented by the River Valley Players at St. Mary’s Center in Henry.

This musical comedy follows a rag-tag group of prepubescent spellers on their battle for orthographic prowess at the 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Hilarious, irreverent and full of heart, the musical shines a light on the spirit of competition, what it means to belong, and the fact that the thing that makes us strange is often the thing that makes us special.

In conjunction with the theme, what makes this musical extra special and a little out of the ordinary is the vital role of audience members who will also be in competition for the spelling spotlight. Each show brings up four audience volunteers to participate as on-stage guest spellers which promises unpredictable circumstances and the assurance that no two performances will be the same.