Whole cast music rehearsal with Music Director Cassie Fifield. Courtesy photo

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Stage 754 will present the Tony Award-winning musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this month at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts.

The production opens May 8 and runs through May 24 at the theater, 754 Plumas St. Evening performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23, with matinees at 2 p.m. on May 10, 17 and 24.

The musical follows a group of middle school students competing in a spelling bee while navigating the challenges of growing up. The show features humor, audience interaction and improvisational elements that vary by performance.

The cast includes DJ Justus, Bill Buchner, Jaie Wilder, Chris Wilder, Aiden Hayes, Grayson Hayes, Sam Machado, Mccai Phelps, Jessy Stein, Maysann Phelps and Lexy Osburn. Organizers said many performers will be familiar to local theater audiences.

Tickets cost $20 and are available through the Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture website, yubasutterarts.org, at the box office or by calling 530-742-2787.

Stage 754 operates as a resident company of Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture. The group aims to expand local access to live theater with productions that feature regional performers.