Messiah Players, a local community theatre company based out of Messiah Lutheran Church, presents spring play, the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Eight performances span March 9-11 and March 16-18 at the church’s Galli Hall, 410 H St., Auburn. Show times are 7 p.m. March 9, 10, 16, 17, with 2 o’clock matinees added for March 10, 11, 17 and 18.

The musical features six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by adults who barely escaped childhood themselves. They learn that winning isn’t everything and losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

The show, which premiered on Broadway in 2005, where it received rave reviews and two Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor, is designed for a multi-generational audience.

The Messiah Players cast is a mixture of local youth and adults, including three students from Auburn Riverside High School as well as students from Tacoma School of the Arts and the Federal Way Academy.

The cast and crew are a mixture of church members, visitors and other drama enthusiasts.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for kids 14 and under and $10 for seniors 55 and older. Families of four or more can purchase a ticket for $40 and groups of eight or more can buy tickets with a $1 discount off each one.

Tickets are available at the church, from cast members, or at the door.

For anyone wanting to attend the show who cannot afford a ticket, scholarships are available.