Root for the underdog when Theatre UAB presents the musical comedy that has charmed audiences across the country, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Theatre UAB is the performance company of the University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” follows an eclectic group of six quirky adolescents who are competing at the regional championship. The riotous story follows these six spellers, who candidly disclose hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, as they spell their way through a series of words, hoping to never hear the ding of the bell.

This bombastic, yet touching, adventure is complete with audience participation. Four audience members will be chosen to compete alongside the six spellers in the bee, as they all compete to win the title of regional champion.

This play contains adult language and situations. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. nightly Oct. 17-20 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Sirote Theatre. Admission is $15 and $20; student tickets are $6. Tickets for UAB employees and senior citizens are $10. For tickets, call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org. Visit Theatre UAB online at www.uab.edu/cas/theatre.

Music and lyrics are by William Finn, with book by Rachel Sheinkin. It was conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with additional material by Jay Reiss. Royzell D. Lightner will direct the production, with music direction by Carolyn Violi.