History Boy Theatre in Jefferson is gearing up for its summer production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Co-Director and cast member Robby Pederson says this musical won multiple Tony Awards in 2005, it ran for 3 ½ years on Broadway with over 1,000 shows and had two international tours with four full time casts.

The performances will include several local people.  The cast members are Gabe Bardole, Parker Willis, Rob Hoyt, Darren Jackson, Katie Hoskins, Yvette Bardole, Vicki Stafford along with Robby and Angie Pederson.

Pederson talks about how musicals have changed over the years and this production was one of the originals.

“It’s like a movie and there just happens to be music in it but it has to be great writing for them to work now and in a way that you even forget that there’s music in it.  It’s a whole different ballgame.  This show was one of the founders of this new style of Broadway musical.”

This weekend’s performance times are on Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm and Sunday is a matinee at 2pm.  Tickets are $12.50 and you can call ahead at 515-370-4306.