This year, the CHS Theater Department is putting together the musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The show is being co-directed by Ms. Josephine Annelin, the CHS choir teacher, as well as Mrs. Charlotte Deehr, a second-grade teacher.

The performances will be held on November 3rd and 5th at 7:00 p.m. and November 6th at 1:30 p.m. More information about the shows and tickets can be found at the Engler Center website: EnglerCenter.com.

The musical features an eclectic group of sixth-grade characters — played by seniors Alex Hein, Karin Juhl, Alex Bowe, Auggie Knaus, Annalia Lopez and Jenna Christenson — all eager to win the Putnam County Spelling Bee.

“(The musical) is an ensemble-style show, providing multiple lead roles for a multitude of students to portray,” Ms. Annelin said. “The characters are all incredibly quirky and challenge all students to stay in character and to push their skills beyond merely singing the roles.”

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will also be the first time the CHS musical will have a pit band instead of pre-recorded show tracks since the department’s production of “The Addams Family.”

“I enjoy the challenge of pit band because it makes me step out of my comfort zone and makes me a better musician overall,” said senior Alexis Schwobe, a clarinetist in the pit band. “It is fun learning the music with other people, and I can’t wait to see the whole show come together.”

While this year’s musical isn’t as well known as previous shows, such as “Legally Blonde” and “The Addams Family,” “Putnam” provides “an upbeat, silly and interactive experience” said Ms. Annelin.

A unique aspect to “Putnam” is the use of audience participation throughout the show.