When it debuted in 2005, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee featured a monologue where a daughter of two gay dads railed about the fact that her parents couldn’t get married. However, that speech has understandably been updated to reflect the times.
The rest of the two-time Tony Award-winning musical is still hilarious as adults depict quirky little kids facing high-stakes stress to win. Drury Lane Theatre’s production may only be just the latest version to pop up around town, but this version lends a grandeur that isn’t typically applied to the show. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee continues through Sunday, Aug. 17, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets are $40-$50; call 630-530-0111 or visit www.drurylane.com. Photo courtesy of Brett Beiner/Drury Lane Theatre