Mars High School students rehearse Feb. 29 for the “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Front row, from left, are Julie Koenig, Alex Manalo and Maddie Smith. Second row, from left, are Troy Giel, Karac O'Brien and Will Ashmore. Third row, from left, are Phillip Lowry, Michaela Valenta and Matthew Lofstrom.

MARS — Mars High School will present the musical-comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at 7:30 p.m. March 16 and 17 in the high school auditorium, 520 Route 228.

Tickets are $10 per person for reserved seating. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Mars Planet Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

The musical by Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn chronicles the lives of six young people overseen by adults who are clinging to their childhoods. The group learns that winning isn’t everything and losing is OK. The bee gives the adolescents a forum to stand out, as well as an opportunity to fit in.

Charlesa Fassinger is the director. Grace Morgan and Katie Richards are student directors.

CAST (in order of appearance)Rona Lisa Peretti, Michaela Valenta; Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Phillip Lowry; Mitch Mahoney, Matthew Lofstrom; Olive Ostrovsky, Julie Koenig; William Barfée, Karac O’Brien; Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, Maddie Smith; Marcy Park, Alex Manalo; Leaf Coneybear, Will Ashmore; Charlito “Chip” Tolentino, Troy Giel; Carl Grubenierre, Alan Shaffer; Dan Schwartz, Dalton Smith; Leaf’s Dad, Andy Fredley; Leaf’s Mom, Olivia Laughlin; Marigold Coneybear, Elizabeth Meyer; Brooke Coneybear, Lindsey Seipp; Pinecone Coneybear, Jasmine Jockel;Landscape Coneybear, Anna Harjung; Raisin Coneybear, Sara Lofstrom;Paul Coneybear, Gregory Campbell; Olive’s Mom, Callie Drennen; Olive’s Dad; Zack McManus; and J.C., Cole McManus.

SUPPORTING CASTValerie Cesare, Olivia Erickson, Catherine Paletta, Kyra Walters and Taylor Zediker

STAGE CREWChristopher Arthur, Samantha Strawn and Samantha Woodward

SPOTLIGHTSConnor Blakeney and Gabe Ward.

PIT ENSEMBLEAaron Wagner, Alex Skander, Sara Chodkowski, Chrissy Riley, Jendiss Robinson and Marissa Lyerly.