The language of fun

The word is engaging. E-N-G-A-G-I-N-G. Please use in a sentence. “Runaway Stage’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is thoroughly engaging, from the musical itself to every single performance by the charming and talented cast, including good-sport audience participants.” Yep, it’s a kid’s spelling bee, but so much more. The audience gets a peek into the insecure world of spelling bees and burgeoning adolescence through thoughtful songs and sweet portrayals. And for some of us, it also provides painful flashbacks of spelling bees from our past. This is not a show for kids, but OK for mature teens—think naughty, not raunchy.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; $15-$20. Runaway Stage at the 24th Street Theatre, 2791 24th Street; (916) 207-1226; www.runawaystage.com. Through January 31.