One of the most ingeniously funny Broadway musicals around will light up the stage at Pantages Theater for one night only on Oct. 29: the multi-Tony Award winning “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The story centers on a real-time version of a small town spelling bee complete with a set of young overachievers full of angst over winning, even though their parents tell them that just being there is a win in and of itself. “I know it isn’t so,” sings an extremely anxious looking teenager in the opening scene, something audiences everywhere can relate to through their own childhood memories of pressure put on them by parents reliving their own lost youth vicariously through their children.

“Putnam” offers lots of laughs, fabulous musical numbers, and even a heartwarming moment or two. “I saw it a few years ago in Seattle and it was wonderful! We’re thrilled the Broadway Center can be part of the national tour for this production,” said Lacey Leffler, associate director of marketing for the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. She noted that presenting this show during this economic focused period “is perfect timing for much needed laughter.” Purchase tickets at the Broadway Center Box Office at 9th and Broadway, online at www.broadwaycenter.org, or by calling (253) 591-5894.