Funny winter musical production teaches a lesson in self-esteem

If you're looking to be entertained, don't miss Mission Viejo High School's hysterical musical production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" December 6-8.

Directed by Kathy Cannarozzi Harris with vocal direction by John Massey Jr., this hilarious musical teaches us that winning isn't everything and losing does not necessarily make you a loser. The Tony Award-winning musical follows six semi-pubescent middle-schoolers competing to be the best speller to advance to the finals in Washington D.C and their equally quirky adult moderators and families. 

Choreographed and stage managed by students Jacob Beaver and Makena Kobayashi, respectively, the production's cast of misfit spellers includes Ethan Cox (Leaf); Charlie Massey (Barfee); Carson Roman (Chip); Kayla Holliday (Logainne); Seadona Taloma (Marcie); and Emily Boyer (Olive) along with Sarah Smith (Mrs. Perretti); Liam Shannon (Panch, the Vice-Principal); and Adnan Maksoud (The Comfort Counselor). 

The production will be adjudicated by the National Youth Arts Organization and entered in the Spirit of the Macy Awards.