(Oceanside, CA) April 28, 2026 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC at the Brooks) will present the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from May 29 through June 14, 2026 at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater (217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA).
This production features a dynamic cast of professional actors and college students participating in the company’s STAGES program, which provides hands-on experience in a working theatre environment. This collaboration reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to cultivating local talent while producing high-quality theatrical productions for the community.
Producing Artistic Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs shared, “One of the most exciting parts of this production is bringing together artists at different stages of their careers. Spelling Bee is a perfect fit — it’s playful, heartfelt, and gives each performer a chance to shine while learning from one another.”
The cast includes Sarah Jane Salonga as Rona Lisa Peretti, Dallas McLaughlin as Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Riohn Jones as Mitch Mahoney, along with Cooper Ogden, Luis Sherlinee, Em Danque, Amy Oliverio, Carly O’Rear and Wyatt Van Hazel as the competing spellers. Understudies are Loretta Pfaff-Carano, Rachel Dovsky, Iker Leal, Murphy Smith and Zaine Hahn.
Many of the performers are making their Oceanside Theatre Company debut, alongside returning collaborator McLaughlin. Students in the STAGES program rehearse and perform alongside established actors, gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting.
“At its core, Spelling Bee is about belonging,” said Director/Choreographer Melissa Glasgow. “It’s zany and full of personality, but underneath is something deeply human — a celebration of individuality and a reminder of how awkward and meaningful growing up can be.”
The creative team is led by Director/Choreographer Melissa Glasgow and Musical Director Richard Dueñez Morrison, with Gabriela LeBaron serving as Stage Manager. Designers include Michael Wogulis (Scenic), Sammy Webster (Lighting), Grace Wong (Costume), and Geronimo Omabtang (Sound). OTC’s Associate Technical Director Nate Cargill oversees Props and Set Dressing, with Nathan Waits serving as Carpenter.
Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee follows an eclectic group of six adolescents as they compete in a spelling championship, revealing humorous and heartfelt glimpses into their home lives — all while trying to avoid the dreaded “ding” of elimination.
Tickets are available at OceansideTheatre.org or by phone at (760) 433-8900.
Show Details
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman | Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Music & Lyrics by William Finn | Book by Rachel Sheinkin
May 29 – June 14, 2026
Sunshine Brooks Theater (217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA, 92054)
OceansideTheatre.org | 760-433-8900
Tickets: $20-$50
Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 3 pm (except first weekend) & 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Special Events
Preview Night – Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8 PM
Opening Night – Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 8 PM
Military Matinee – Sunday, May 31, 2026, 3 PM
Artist Talkbacks – Saturday, June 6 & 13, 2026, 3 PM
*Student Night – Saturday, June 6, 2026, 8 PM
*Student Night will feature the understudies stepping into principal roles for a one-night-only performance.
Industry Night – Monday, June 8, 2026, 8 PM
Content Disclaimer: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is not recommended for audiences under the age of 13. Content includes mature themes, adult language, sexual innuendos, and sensitive discussions about family, anxiety, puberty.
ABOUT OCEANSIDE THEATRE COMPANY
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, live music, and visual arts, along with year-round educational programs and youth outreach initiatives. Learn more at oceansidetheatre.org or follow @oceansidetheatrecompany on social media.
