The Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro has announced the cast of its upcoming community theatre production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," the Tony and Drama Desk Award winning musical comedy. 

Cast members, drawn from across the Midcoast, began rehearsals this week. They include Imij Armstead, Emily-Sue Barker, Roosevelt Bishop, Honora Boothby, Anne Fanelli, Kjirsten Flores, Eliana Goldberg, Cameron Kinney, Niall Lessard, Joseph Lugosch, Merle MacFarlane, Kimberly Nutt and Rachael Schuster.

“What’s thrilling about our cast is the mix of familiar actors seen in recent local theatre productions, combined with several hugely talented people appearing for the very first time on The Waldo stage,” said director Soren Barker. “We had an amazing audition turnout, and selecting the final cast was challenging. This is a very demanding, fast-paced production that calls for superior singing ability, dancing and physical comedy skills, and even improvisation.”

The play focuses on an eclectic group of six “middle-schoolers” (each portrayed by adult actors) who will do anything it takes to be reigning champion of the bee, while revealing hilarious and often touching stories from their private lives.

An informational meeting for community members potentially interested in being a part of the “Bee” production crew - set decoration, costumes, sound, lighting, and promotion - will be held at The Waldo Monday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. No theatre experience necessary.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be directed at The Waldo by Soren Barker of Boothbay with choreography by Niall Lessard of Bristol Mills and costumes by Kathleen P. Brown of Camden. The show is being produced by George Bates of Waldoboro. 

Performances are scheduled for Sept. 5 - 7, 13 and 14. Tickets go on sale in July.