JMDrama’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was the most fun I’ve had at the theatre this year. Do yourself a favor and check out the remaining three shows on August 18,19 and 20. Tickets are available here.

Held at the Registry Theatre on Frederick Street, it’s a tiny little space, no larger than an elementary school gymnasium. One of the last remaining Art Deco buildings in Kitchener it’s the perfect venue for a show.

As we settled into our seats we could overhear Director Allan Hoch loudly bemoaning the KW Record’s unwillingness to cover such unremittingly regional fare. At least he enjoyed the show, laughing uproariously behind us.

While I’m not running out to buy a CD of the performance – which has less to do with the talent onstage and more to do with a score that feels like it’s often just spoken word put to music – it was hella funny. From unfortunate erections, scheming gay fathers, a magic spelling foot, the Big Lebowski as Jesus, conciliatory juiceboxes and some game audience members – it was, as theatre pundits are wont to say, a comedic romp.

The second half started meandering off into the surreal but on the whole the production reminded me a lot of Avenue Q. Even though they resisted the temptation to improv their way to a more R rated production, keeping it mostly PG for the audience, it had me laughing throughout. It’s hard not to like this production.

Photo from the ObserverXtra

What started off as a show of solidarity for a fellow co-worker’s role in the production, ended up being an ROFL evening out. Even better, Hilary over at RQ Magazine is offering up discounted tickets with the Promo code RQBLOG – not to mention a ringing endorsement herself.  Do yourself a favor and check it out.