Riding the wave of success from last year's production of 9 to 5: The Musical, director Jonathan Silver (NMHS '05) returns to lead the ensemble cast of New Milford High School students in a stage presentation of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Silver describes Spelling Bee as "more of an event than than a show." The musical invites participation from audience members and allows them to be on stage as spelling contestants, which, according to Silver, will make each performance "different, thrilling and special."

For Silver, this year is all about passion. "I want them to extract the passion from their lives and infuse it into their characters."

This Saturday, the cast and crew will be on hand with volunteers building the set.

Performances are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, March 20
• Thursday, March 21
• Friday, March 22
• Saturday, March 23

On Friday, Feb. 22, New Milford High School is presenting a fundraiser, "Growing Up," to support the annual spring musical. The fundraiser is an evening of musical performances from the Broadway Songbook about coming-of-age and relationships.

Performers include New Milford High School alumni and professional actors from the Philadelphia and Broadway stage community. Special appearances by Superintendent Michael Polizzi and other surprise guests.

The show is developed and produced by Josh Dela Cruz (NMHS '07) and Silver. The show will be performed in the James Africano Auditorium at New Milford High School. Tickets are $20, $10 with NM student ID, and can be ordered by emailing NMHSmusical@gmail.com or calling Nicolette Perna at 201-262-0172 ext. 2243.