The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Score by William Finn
Presented by Canberra Philharmonic Society

In a moment of perfect syzygy, Canberra Philharmonic is ecstatic, elated, euphoric, thrilled, overjoyed and rapturously happy to announce that our first show for 2026 is the delightful, whimsical, sweet and hilarious 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, coming to you from 12 – 28 March 2026.

We are thrilled to announce that we will be staging Spelling Bee at ACT HUB, in Kingston. This is something that’s been in the works for a while, and we’re hoping it’s the first of many smaller ’boutique’ shows that this venue is perfectly suited to.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

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 unaffirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a
champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. With a small cast, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.

CREATIVE TEAM

Director – Nathan Patrech

Usually found in the dark, dressed in black (in entirely appropriate, in-context ways), Nathan is climbing back into the directors chair for the first time in over ten years, previously having co-directed High Fidelity for Phoenix Players with Sarah Hull. Having most recently production managed Philo’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nathan is thrilled to be directing again, even if he has to deal with a theatre-mad 9 year old that is devastated that he won’t create a part for her in the show.

Choreographer: Lachlan Ruffy

Canberra’s favourite son, Ruffy has been in and around theatre and TV for over twenty years, which makes his back hurt. Recent performances include Brutus in Julius Caesar, Banquo in Macbeth, Little Charles in August: Osage County and Mitch in Streetcar Named Desire. Directing credits include Pippin, Kiss Me Kate, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and he’s currently directing The Comedy of Errors, and assistant directing Low Pay? Don’t Pay!. Earlier this year he assistant directed Antigone. He has also been busy as a fight and intimacy choreographer across Canberra.

Musical Director – Samara Marinelli

Despite being a relative newcomer to the Canberra theatre community (she was last heard – but not seen – as Audrey II in Dramatic Productions’ Little Shop of Horrors), Samara is no stranger to theatre, being an accomplished MD in her native Brisbane. Samara is now an in-demand vocal coach and choral director, as well as an experienced violin/viola teacher.

ABOUT PHILO

Canberra Philharmonic Society (‘Philo’) is one of Canberra’s oldest community theatre companies,
having fostered the love of musical theatre in the capital for over 75 years.

Philo prides itself on upholding both the ‘community’ and ‘theatre’ parts of the ‘community theatre’ label. Philo shows are high-quality theatrical experiences with top-tier local talent, full bands and orchestras, and impressive sets, sound, and lighting.

At the same time, Philo shows are rehearsed in a fun and respectful environment open to the whole Canberra community, with a focus on developing skills and creating friendships.

Philo has a long and storied history of impressive productions with lots of opportunities to get involved, and Spelling Bee promises to bring the Philo brand of fun and quality theatre to the ACT HUB in 2026.

Details

When: 12 March – 28 March 2026
Where:
ACT Hub
Causeway Hall, Kingston
14 Spinifex Street, Kingston ACT 2604

Performances

• Thu, 12 Mar 7:30pm
• Fri, 13 Mar 7:30pm
• Sat, 14 Mar 7:30pm
• Wed, 18 Mar 7:30pm
• Thu, 19 Mar 7:30pm
• Fri, 20 Mar 7:30pm
• Sat, 21 Mar 2pm
• Sat, 21 Mar 7:30pm
• Wed, 25 Mar 7:30pm
• Thu, 26 Mar 7:30pm
• Fri, 27 Mar 7:30pm
• Sat, 28 Mar 2pm
• Sat, 28 Mar 7:30pm

Ticket prices

• Adult: $45
• Concession: $35

Cast

Olive – Amelia Andersson-Nickson
Barfee – Dave Collins
Marcy – Ella Colquhoun
Chip – Sterling Notley
Logan – Meaghan Stewart
Leaf – Joe Mansell
Rona – Amy Kowalczuk
Mitch – Tim Stiles
Panch – Michael Cooper

Swings

Hannah Miller & Lachlan Nicholls

Creative Team

Director – Nathan Patrech
Musical Director – Samara Marinelli
Choreographer – Lachlan Ruffy