The Lufkin High School Theatre Department will perform its first play of the year this week.

“‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is a musical about a group of kids who compete in a spelling bee trying to live up to their parents’ expectations,” Theatre Director William Odom said. “Throughout the play they learn the importance of not being too hard on themselves.”

Showtimes include 7 o’clock tonight, 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on the Lufkin High School website. Tickets will not be sold at the gate due to COVID-19 precautions.

Cast members include Ian Jurgononski as Chip Tontino, Madeline Gipson as Logainne Schwartz and Gruberniere, Hayden Futch as Leaf Coneybear, Adam Awtrey as William Barfee, Olivia Soule as Marcy Park, Caroline McDaniel as Olive Ostrovsky, Emma Carlile as Rona Lisa Perretti, Dalton Currie as Vice President Diuglass Panch, Michael Burlon as Mitch Mahoney, Connor Clifton as Dan’s Dad, Madeline McCollum as Olives Mom, Carson Wojasinski, and Diego Barahona as Jesus. Guest spellers include Allie Pierce, Chloe Flack, Victoria Steptoe, Addison Thompson, Malaya Fluellen and Drew Dempsey.

Members of the crew include Nicholas Hineman, Darah Lawrence, Elizabeth Tatum, Lilly Langston, Gustavo Garcia, A.J. Sabani, Christian Caldera, Diego Barahona, Rhylee Berwick, Ashley Castano, Larsen Goforth, Victoria Jacobo, Dillon Johnson, Rene Ramos Jr. and Taryn Trapp. The director is William Odom, the musical director is Nicole Stewart, and the Technical Director is Deborah Garrett.