BRATTLEBORO — For the third time in as many years, Brattleboro Arts Initiative is bringing Spell Check! A Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups to the main stage of the Latchis Theatre.
This year's event is April 2 at 6 p.m., and pits spelling teams against each other, the countdown jingle, Judge Archer Mayor's bicycle horn, Beekeeper Jim Maxwell's pronouncements and Master of Ceremonies Tom Bodett's tapestry of words, stories and running jokes. Each team is made up of three spellers.
Queen Bee Elizabeth Catlin yearned for spelling bee honors as a child, but never found the forum – until now.
“I love Spell Check! My team of Wannabees and I will be there with bells on, but not necessarily the beehive hairdos this year. Wait and see!”
Yes, teams are encouraged to dress for success, whatever that means to them. Last year's Strolling of the Heifers bovines spiced up the stage, as did Jerzee Grrlz and the Bee-Boppers.
At stake are the ever-popular bragging rights, as well as the opportunity to display your team name or short phrase on the Latchis Theatre marquee. Past winners are the team from New England Youth Theatre and wild card pick up team The Stragglurs.
“We had no idea we were so darn smart,” said Stragglur Zon Eastes. “But there you go!”
Teams are registering now. The registration fee for each team is $100. In addition, each team must find a sponsor for an additional $100. For a registration form and more information, contact Gail Nunziata at 802-254-1109, ext. 3, or info@brattleboroarts.org.
Deadline for team registration is March 18.