MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY
Home » News » Make a beeline for Putnam County

Make a beeline for Putnam County

There’s something special about watching a story unfold on stage — especially when that story is packed with humor, heart and a little friendly competition.

From April 10–12 at the Melton Community Centre, audiences will have the chance to step into the world of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical that celebrates the awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly moving journey of six young spellers chasing their moment of glory.

What makes this Melton Performing Arts production truly shine is its cast — a group of talented performers who bring these quirky characters to life with warmth and energy. Each contestant has their own story, their own dreams, and their own way of handling the pressure of the bee. Whether it’s through song, sharp comedic timing, or the raw emotion that sneaks up in unexpected moments, they make it easy to see a little of ourselves in them.

But it’s not just the spellers who get in on the fun — audience participation keeps every performance fresh, making each show a unique experience. Under the direction of Derek Bendall, with musical director Carla Bendall, producer Josh Tooth, and producer/choreographer Rachel Chetcuti guiding the way, this production promises a night filled with laughter, heartwarming surprises, and maybe even a few unexpected spelling lessons.

Spelling Bee marks the second successful musical and fourth successful production overall for Melton Performing Arts, a non-profit community performing arts organisation dedicated to creating and maintaining performing arts opportunities in the Melton area.

For those who love theatre, Spelling Bee is a reminder of why live performance is so special—it’s unpredictable, it’s electric, and it brings people together in the most wonderful way.

Catch the show from Thursday April 10 until Saturday April 12 at the Melton Community Hall. Tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/CYMED

Digital Editions


  • ’Shame’ as security trial extended

    ’Shame’ as security trial extended

    Security guards will continue to patrol the Footscray CBD until June after Maribyrnong council voted in favour of extending the controversial program at its meeting…

More News

  • Eskimo Joe to headline west festival

    Eskimo Joe to headline west festival

    Australia’s beloved alt-rock power trio Eskimo Joe are sure to have audiences up on their feet when they headline the Lincoln Park Twilight Festival. Held on Saturday 28 February at…

  • Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes

    Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes

    The Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee is moving forward with an inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes. The investigation is designed to analyse the frequency of targeted attacks, examine…

  • Festival for all abilities

    Festival for all abilities

    Ability Fest is returning to Melbourne on 11 April, 2026, with a new focus on industrial venue accessibility at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. The event marks a shift…

  • The sport of kings in Werribee

    The sport of kings in Werribee

    What many call the sport of kings will be on full display at Werribee Park as the historic Urquhart Cup polo tournament gallops into town on Sunday 1 March. More…

  • Women’s history centre stage

    Women’s history centre stage

    A special one-off theatrical performance is coming to the Kyneton Town Hall in celebration of International Women’s Day. In 2026, the theme for International Women’s Day is #BalanceTheScales – a…

  • Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post is celebrating the Year of the Horse with the release of its Lunar New Year stamp as well as its first ever ‘DigiStamp’. The traditional Lunar New Year…

  • New treatment options for anaphylaxis

    New treatment options for anaphylaxis

    Two new emergency treatment options are set to become available in Victorian schools to support students at risk of anaphylaxis. Education Minister Ben Carroll announced the two new services will…

  • More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    The state government will roll out 35 new fixed cameras, two point-to-point networks and tougher seatbelt and distracted-driving enforcement as part of its Road Safety Action Plan. The state government…

  • Crack down on dodgy drivers

    Crack down on dodgy drivers

    New reforms are being introduced to protect Victorian taxi or ride-share passengers from being ripped off. The reforms, which come into effect on Sunday 1 March, will make it easier…

  • Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police are appealing for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Brendan Breen 14 years ago. The then 55-year-old was last seen in Melbourne on 12…