By Paula Pyzik Scott

This week ONU's Freed Center for the Performing Arts presents the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The guest director and choreographer is Jenni Barber, who made her Broadway debut in this show.

Barber's Broadway credits include Beetlejuice, The Performers, The Nance (w/ Nathan Lane), Annie, Sunday In The Park with George, All My Sons (w/ Tracy Letts & Annette Bening), and as Glinda in Wicked.

Performances are October 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. and October 3-4 at 2:00 p.m.

There will be an Opening Night Reception with the cast and crew in the Freed Lobby immediately following the Oct. 1 performance.

After the Sunday matinee, the audience is invited to join a Talkback conversation with the show’s creative team and performers.

AUDIENCE ADVISORIES

• Recommended for ages 12-13 and up.
• Contains mild profanity, suggestive adolescent humor, and themes regarding intense parental expectations and growing up.
• Uses haze and fog effects.