MONROE - "Life is pandemonium" and it is on uproarious display, with all its quirks, struggles and emotions, in Two Planks Theater Company's wonderful production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee.Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, with Sunday matinees at 5 pm, through March 6, at the United Methodist Church, 515 Cutlers Farm Road in Monroe.Tickets purchased in advance are $20 for adults, $18 students and seniors; or $25 and $20 at the door, respectively. Additional information on the show and online ticket ordering can be done at twoplankstheater.org/buy-tickets/ or by emailing boxoffice@twoplankstheater.org.Partial proceeds from this production's ticket sales will benefit The Jesse Love Choose Love Movement.

Staged in the nave of a church, the production is directed by Susan Halliwell, who has used the structure to enhance the communal effect of this piece. The audience is part of the performance. The staging and direction of this funny and touching musical is an effort which truly succeeds in making it seem free form and spontaneous.

Gathered together is an eclectic blend of misfits, toting a full array of emotional baggage, to compete in the annual spelling bee. Moderators Rona Lisa Peretti and Douglas Panch move the contest toward an eventual winner, all while revealing the inner lives, experiences and circumstances of the competitors. And there is much to reveal.

The "adults" in the room are assisted in wrangling the spellers by a comfort counselor, Mitch Mahoney, who is also fulfilling a community service sentence. His only function is to escort losers from the stage with support in the form of an apple juice box and a hug.

The fabulous cast of spellers serves up all of their hopes, dreams and fears with each turn at the microphone. It is funny and moving, all at once. These "kids" understand themselves and yet struggle under the pressure to be winners. They are all winners.

Rounding out the cast was a brave group of four audience members, an antic that added to the amusement.

Comedy works because it strikes a chord and is meticulously delivered. This play provides ample connections to human nature, and this excellent cast expresses it impeccably. Their skills, both vocally and theatrically, are remarkable. Each of them deserves a mention.

Nathan Borum as Leaf Coneybear is flawless and adorable as the spacey hippie child who spells transcendentally. He also effortlessly and effectively steps in as a dad in a single sex couple.

The daughter, Logainne Schwartzandgrunierre, with her Pippi Longstocking braids, is endearingly and emphatically played by Alexandra Petrova.

Amanda Friedman portrays her Marcy Parks of the multitudinous skill set with aplomb and a cool confidence which sets her free. She is the calm in the mayhem.

C.J. Landgrebe's Chip Tolentino is a hormonal teenager whose thoughts lean to the libidinous with hilarious affect. He is a hoot.

Catherine Gomez is a heartbreaking Olive Ostrovsky, with an innocence and sweetness that is completely endearing. She also sings like an angel, while for all the world looking like an angel.

William Barfee is the guy who fits in nowhere and yet is convinced he owns every space he occupies. In the very capable hands of actor Jason Michael Maur, everyone makes room for Contestant Barfee. This performance is rich and thorough.

As the moderators, Priscilla Squiers and Michael P. Cartwright are perfection, managing to be fully serious and utterly ridiculous. Ms. Squiers also fills the role of one student's mother. A consummate performer, Squiers gives every production she is in her absolute all.

Comfort counselor and possible felon Mitch Mahoney, played by Torrey Thomas, is a riot with his swagger, disdain and Dre's Beats. Mr Thomas also plays the other dad in the aforementioned same sex couple as well as the absent father to another speller. In this role the audience is treated to his magnificent vocal talent and acting skill. Mr. Torrey is a gifted performer.

This was a treat for the entire audience and an effort which is deserving of a regular full house. Everyone loves a good laugh and there are many on tap at

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