A preview audience Thursday night took in “25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee” by the Musical Theater Guild at the William A. Lehnerd Production Center in Memorial Park.

Simple sets and costumes underscore a play with serious undertones about what it means to be a winner or a loser. The cast was on point as it carried out a spelling bee all the while revealing details about each member that made them special and showed their motives for competing at the bee.

The cast was quite cohesive with no real standout star. They all came to spell and did it well and in their own way.

The production featured songs like “My Friend, The Dictionary,” and “The Rules.” The cast ensemble number “Pandemonium” was quite the zany scene.

Each of the six spellers had a featured song in which to shine and they were all quite compelling and at time raucous in their approach.

Jon Pincek was hilarious as William Barfee, and offered up an energetic and bold performance in “Magic Foot,” while the more shy and quiet Bella Johnson teamed up with her parents, played by Zach Frye and Kristen Double, for “The I love You Song,” which was a tender lament to parent and child.

As the spelling bee progressed, the spellers were ejected when they got a word incorrect. Some went off quietly while others contested and protested. Phil Ball, as Chip Tolentino, had quite an irreverent and memorable PG-13 departure.

Molly Miller was the shortest speller in the bleachers but was long on sass and personality. Her energy and verve were a delight.

Carrie Persichini put the B in bizarre with her hilarious liberal-minded character. From her facial expressions to her body language, she garnered her share of laughs from the audience.

Chase Livermore played the spacey but lovable Leaf Coneybear, who was a long shot at winning but impressed the judges and himself at getting as far as he did.

Kristen Double also played Rona Lisa Perretti, coordinator of the bee and a past champion. Her chemistry with her co-host, Chuck McMichael, was amusing. She had several solos which she capably delivered.

The unusual one-act musical comedy was conceived by Rebecca Feldman with the music and lyrics by William Finn. It is centered on a fictional spelling bee set at the Putnam Valley Middle School.

It was a great escape from real life with many laugh out loud moments. Adult humor and language were sprinkled throughout.

Director Randy Krampert did a super job in assembling a cast to produce some eclectic characters.

Jessica Sanzotti is the musical director.

WHAT: Musical Theatre Guild’s production of “25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until April 30 and 3 p.m. on May 1WHERE: William A. Lehnerd Production Center in Memorial ParkTICKETS: $15; Reserved tickets available by calling 724-287-8243