MARINE CITY, Mich.–When you think of spelling bees, you often think of nerdy kids who know endless lists of arcane words, their definitions, languages of origin, and (of course) their spellings. What you don’t see are the other thoughts that abound in the heads of contestants, their families, and contest organizers. Wouldn’t it be funny if you could hear what they are really thinking? And then hear them sing about it?

Actually, yes it would be—very funny. The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, playing at The Snug Theatre in Marine City, has a cast that represents some stereotypical (and not so stereotypical) adolescent spellers. There is Logainne, the girl with two dads (Jordan Frontiero); Chip, the athlete with a brain (Caleb Kreidler); Leaf, the free-spirit who wears a cape and a helmet (Anson Pavlov); William, the nerd with an unfortunate surname and peanut allergy (Casey S. Hibbert); Marcy, the girl who excels at absolutely everything (Anita Newby); and Olive, the girl whose mom is on a spiritual journey in India (Jenna Russell).

The bee is moderated by the refined Ms. Perretti (Christy Kreidler), who gives “interesting” facts about each contestant. She is assisted by Vice Principal Panch (Brian Ross), whose job is to read the words and definitions, and to use the words in utterly ridiculous and unhelpful sentences. Finally, they have Mitch (Matthew Redmond), a parolee who performs community service by comforting losers with a hug and a juice box.

Additionally, a few lucky audience members may find themselves participating not only in the spelling bee, but in a bit of the “Pandemonium” as well. Don’t worry, the words start out simple!

Each contestant in the cast immediately reveals personality quirks and contest strategies–a finger puppet, a magic foot, visualization techniques—and the bee is on! Along the way, we get a glimpse into their minds. Some recall words from their families; some remember events of past spelling bees; some are starting to think like adults; and they all reveal their self-images. We learn that Marcy gets no joy out of being good at everything; that Olive seems to be caught in the middle of parents who are lost; that Chip is becoming less interested in words and more interested in girls; and that Leaf doesn’t even know why he is there. The distractions are humorous and sometimes touching.

Eventually, as happens in every spelling bee, contestants (including audience spellers) are knocked out. The first one goes out not because he doesn’t know how to spell the word, but because of . . . alright, I can’t really say it here. But his departure is unique, hilarious, and will be all-too familiar to some of the audience. His musical lament creatively uses many words that rhyme with . . . well, I can’t say it here.

When the bee gets down to two finalists, we see them mentally wanting to take down the opponent, but deciding to treat each other with respect. Ultimately, the contestant that goes home with the trophy truly deserves it.

The cast members playing the contestants do a wonderful job of portraying adolescent awkwardness, nerdiness and insecurity even though outwardly they are supposed to be top students. The moderators are remarkably serious in their dedication to making sure kids can spell words they may never use in real life; and the comfort counselor holds back on the brutal honesty of real life.

The musical numbers (directed and accompanied by Ron Pietrantoni) are impressive in several ways. The individual vocal performances feel natural and in character. When the company is singing together, the vocal harmonies are especially tight and well-blended. There is a nice balance of humorous songs (“Pandemonium,” “Chip’s Lament”) with thoughtful songs (“The I Love You Song”). Finally, the music fits well in the story, and the show flows rather seamlessly between dialogue and music.

The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (directed by Brittany Everitt Smith, book by Rachel Sheinkin, music by William Finn) delivers laughs and a heartwarming look at adolescent insecurities. While not intended for kids, its humor brings back memories of being a kid.

The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is playing at The Snug Theatre in Marine City through March 20, 2016.