Inside The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | Along the Rock

Get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even spell your way onto the stage!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Ellen Bentley, Jenna Mingus, and Joel Megill from Woodlawn Arts Academy to preview this summer's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Learn why this fan-favorite musical is returning by popular demand, what makes every performance unique, how audience volunteers become part of the show, and why the cast says this hilarious production is unlike anything else you'll see this summer.

Whether you're a longtime theater fan or looking for a fun night out, this free outdoor performance is one you won't want to miss.

📅 Performance Dates:
July 9–11

📍 Location:
Woodlawn Arts Academy Outdoor Stage

💲 Admission:
FREE

🪑 What to Bring:
Lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

👨‍👩‍👧 Recommended Audience:
Ages 13+ due to some mature themes.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

0:00 – Introduction

0:22 – Why Woodlawn Theatre brought back The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

1:27 – Audience participation and volunteer spellers

2:50 – Rehearsals, music and organized chaos

3:34 – Building friendships through community theater

5:24 – Meet the characters: Rona Lisa Peretti & Doug Panch

6:34 – Improv, audience interaction and unique performances every night

8:25 – Why no two live theater performances are ever the same

10:01 – Favorite moments and challenges of playing each role

11:20 – Show dates, location and what to bring

12:17 – How to volunteer as a spelling bee contestant

13:12 – Final invitation to attend the show

13:31 – Closing remarks

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress

https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/

https://rumble.com/radarfreepress

https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress

https://x.com/radarfreepress

https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/

https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress

#PutnamCountySpellingBee #WoodlawnTheatre #CommunityTheater #LiveTheater #Theater #MusicalTheatre #SterlingIL #IllinoisEvents #AudienceParticipation #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #FamilyEntertainment #SupportLocalArts #SummerTheater #ThingsToDoIllinois