Photo provided

“Entertainment” is sure to be defined, spelled and likely used in more than one hilarious sentence Friday with the opening of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Norman’s historic Sooner Theatre at 101 E. Main.

The two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, composed by William Finn and written by Rachel Sheinkin, tells the story of six unique (and arguably misfit) adolescents competing in a spelling bee, and the three equally-idiosyncratic adults in charge of the competition, as well as a number of minor (albeit colorful) characters.

A promising feature of this production of “Spelling Bee” is its collaborative effort between The Sooner Theatre and OU’s Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre — a first-time partnership between the two institutions.

Directed and choreographed by Shawn Churchman, assistant professor in OU’s School of Musical Theatre, the production uses acting talents from OU students and faculty, community members and high school students to give life to the relatable tale.

“For me the story’s appeal is that it celebrates the misfit,” Churchman said. Or the nerd, or even the potential nerd — you know, the kids that, I think, live in all of us — the insecure kid, the kid who doesn’t fit in, and so on. And it celebrates that and gives them a place to be the top dog, to be in their element finally, to shine. And it does it with humor and a lot of heart.”

The production will feature an element of audience involvement that is sure to prove engaging and playful. In “Spelling Bee” tradition, the performers at Sooner Theatre will call four audience members to come onstage and actually compete in the spelling competition. To the shy spectator, though, take heart: Audience members will be screened and selected just before each show, and none will be forced to participate.

Indicative that “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is to be a veritable treasure trove of adult (read: fantastically funny) humor, the musical has been rated ‘R’ by theatrical licensing company Musical Theatre International and is intended for adult audiences.

“I think it really does appeal — very much so — to college-age students, because of the style of the humor,” Churchman said. “It’s always a favorite with college-age actors—they’re just chomping at the bit to be in this show, and so I really would strongly encourage OU students to come see it. The humor is going to be right up their alley.”