Venice Theatre is transforming its 90-seat black box Pinkerton Theatre into a school gymnasium where six quirky kids will compete in a high-stakes spelling bee. The theatre's SummerStock program returns after a two-year hiatus on Friday, July 18, 2025 with "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." The "effortlessly endearing" (The New York Times) musical comedy penned by beloved three-time Tony Award® winner William Finn, who passed away at 73 this April, will run for 16 performances through Aug. 3, 2025. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. There is also a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2025. Tickets are $40 for adults, $28 for college students and educators, and $18 for youth in middle school and older. The show is not recommended for younger children. Audiences can buy now at www.venicetheatre.org or 941-488-1115. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is generously sponsored by Neil and Michelle Kasanofsky.