Spelling, songs and soul: ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ buzzes into Transy

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
Music and lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Directed by Derrick Ledbetter
Musical direction by Brent Merritt
Wednesday, Nov. 19 - Sunday, Nov. 23
Transylvania University's Little Theater

About the play

Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" has delighted audiences across the country with its clever humor, heartfelt songs and big dose of middle school nostalgia. With a witty, fast-paced script by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh, playful score by William Finn, "Spelling Bee" is an unforgettable celebration of growing up, fitting in and finding your voice.

An eclectic group of six eager spellers - each with their own quirks, hopes and heartbreaks - compete for the championship of a lifetime. Between spelling triumphs and missteps, they share hilariously honest stories that remind us what it feels like to want something deeply - and to risk being seen. Six spellers enter; one leaves a champion. At least the losers get a juice box.

A bee built on collaboration

Behind the laughter, this production is pure Transy: rooted in collaboration, creativity and curiosity.

This fall's "Spelling Bee" brings together director Derrick Ledbetter, music director Brent Merritt and a cast of passionate student performers from across majors and disciplines. Together, they're proving what the liberal arts do best - combine talents and ideas from different fields to create something extraordinary.

Ledbetter, who brings a background in movement, speech and physical acting, says that creative exchange is at the heart of every rehearsal. "Our goal is to stay curious and keep discovering. We only get to discover something once - and that's where the real joy lives," he said. "The best idea in the room wins, and it's usually the students'."

For Merritt, Transy's director of choral activities, the show is a masterclass in collaboration between theater and music. "We have a mix of students - some from choir, some who've never sung onstage before - and they've all been lifting each other up," he said. "It's everything you hope for when music and theater come together under one roof. These are some beautiful souls we get to work with."

Where the arts connect

At Transylvania, the arts aren't just performances - they're experiences that connect students across disciplines. Whether you're a biology major who loves to sing, a psychology student who designs costumes or a music major discovering acting for the first time, there's a place for you onstage or behind the scenes.

"Productions like "Spelling Bee" are where Transy shines," Ledbetter said. "Students are learning to take risks, collaborate and bring their authentic selves to the work. It's not just about performing - it's about growing."

About the directors

Ledbetter is an actor, director and teacher based in Louisville. An Atlanta native, he has worked in New York City and across the U.S. in theater and film. He holds an M.F.A. in acting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Merritt, director of choral activities, holds an M.M.E. from the University of Kentucky and a B.M.E. from Illinois Wesleyan University. He has led choral programs at Scott County, Franklin County and Olympia schools and has served as vocal director for more than 40 productions.

Don't miss the 'Bee'

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" runs Nov. 19-23 in Transylvania's Little Theater. Expect laughter, heart and maybe even a little audience participation - because at Transy, everyone's part of the story. Admission is free and open to the public. Ticket reservations will be available approximately two weeks prior opening night. Learn more about theater and music at Transylvania and how creativity connects across campus.