Benicia High School’s newest Panther Production aims to put audiences under a spell— figuratively speaking, of course.

The spring musical this year is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” based on the 2005 Broadway production about a group of quirky middle schoolers and their quest to win in a local spelling competition. The play, which opens tonight, is one where audiences can enjoy amusing comedy, catchy musical numbers and an inventive take on preadolescence— and even learn how to spell such words as “syzygy” and “acouchi.”

Much like the characters in “Spelling Bee,” director Nathan Day hopes the production can be a growing experience for all involved, particularly his cast.

“I want to see the kids grow,” he said. “I want to see them learn, build their characters and hone their craft. As they’re honing their craft, they’re also learning more about themselves and what they’re capable of.”

Day also sees it as an opportunity for himself to grow. Prior to taking over as the head of the drama department this year, he taught at Rodrgiuez High School which he said lacked the space and budget to perform musicals. He chose “Spelling Bee,” which previous drama department head Christine Mani had tried to put on at Benicia High in the past but was unable to get the rights, as a good musical to transition himself into Benicia High’s theater department.

“One of the reasons I chose ‘Spelling Bee’ was if I needed to do it with a smaller cast, I would be able to,” he said. “Very happily, I was able to do it with a large cast, so I was able to add a large ensemble to the show, so it allowed me to work with a lot of kids.”

Traditionally, the play has a smaller cast, with some actors even taking on double roles. Day incorporated an ensemble cast to be used as often as possible, which he said was a challenge. The goal was to “make sure they were a big part of the show and not just people that are in the background.”

The show also traditionally utilizes members of the audience to participate in the spelling bee with the students, usually after filling out cards in the lobby prior to the show. Day said this production will have a different take on it. The featured participants will be Benicia Unified School District staff and BHS theater alums, including 2016 graduate Sydney Chow, 2010 graduate Colleen McAdams, Vice Principal Sean Thompson, Band Director Patrick Martin, Benicia Middle School drama teacher Cathy Wright, Benicia High teachers Lisa Honeycutt, Ron Calderon, Alex Tuiolosega and other surprise guests. Day said that the cast made a list of teachers they wanted to be a part of the show and sent out invitations, and the ones who wanted to be a part of it accepted.

“These are teachers they’ve worked with a lot and admire,” Day said. “To have them join them up on stage, even in this little volunteer participation aspect, is something they’re really excited about.”

Day said putting on the play has had several challenges, including a new director working in a different space, utilizing the ensemble, coordinating rehearsal schedules and having Spring Break right before the opening, but he felt that every challenge was a fun one.

“It was a challenge of learning how to be successful in this space and with this program,” he said. “I feel we’ve done fairly well.”

Day credits a lot of the hard work to those involved, including musical director Vivian McLaughlin, choreographer and dance teacher Samantha Sanchez, the live orchestra and especially the cast, who Day feels have been very dedicated.

“The kids have been dynamite,” he said. “They’re never afraid, which is something I always push them to. I don’t want them to be afraid to try something in rehearsal. If they have an idea, try it. If I don’t like it or think it doesn’t work, I’m gonna let them know, but they’ve been really good at trying things, discovering their characters and pushing the boundaries of what’s going on. It’s so fun and powerful to see them all in character.”

Even the ensemble, Day said, puts in a lot of effort.

“They’re in the background, yet they’re in character the whole time,” he said. “Their reactions and the way they fully thrust themselves into their characters has been great.”

Although the play is a musical comedy with funny moments and eccentric characters, Day hopes audiences can see a little bit of truth in it.

“These characters are real people, and every member of the audience is going to identify with one of these characters,” he said. “As much as it’s entertainment, we want to have fun. I want them to be a part of the story rather than just watching it.”

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” premieres tonight with an opening night gala at 7 p.m. The show will run until Sunday, April 30 and will be performed at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for the opening gala, and for subsequent performances are $8 for children and students and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by going to bhs.beniciaunified.org/performing-arts/box-office/ and following the link. All shows will be performed in the school’s Performing Arts Building, located at 1101 Military West. For more information, call the school at 747-8325.