Winning isn’t everything, nor does losing a round or two in life make you a loser.

That’s the central message behind the witty dialogue and lyrics of the musical, “The 25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Dionysus Theatre will perform this show June 12th-30th with a troupe of actors who live that theme every day of their lives.

Dionysus Theatre is composed of actors with disabilities and those who are able-bodied and for 12 years have brought song, laughter and the spirit of inclusion and diversity to appreciative audiences and ovations from Houston to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Actor Maredith Zaritski, a familiar name to Woodlands theater goers, is cast in the show as Olive Ostrobsky, a character left to herself by an overly-unconcerned mother traveling India, Maredith Zaritski, 20, sings her heart out, demonstrating her strong, soprano voice that has helped her net plum leads in musicals. A few are Winifred in “Once Upon a Mattress;” Louisa, “The Fantasticks;” Ado Annie, “Oklahoma;” Winnie Tate, “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Playing that role is quite a jump from playing musical leads at Mayde Creek High School before graduation in 2006, roles she took on while earning her bachelor's degree in theater arts at Sam Houston University and as an actress in productions in the Woodlands and near her Conroe residence.

Winner of two 2005 Tony Awards, the musical was written by Rachel Sheinkin, with music and lyrics by William Finn.

For this show, Dionysus Theatre’s mission and inclusion reaches into the audience. In each of the productions 11 shows, four audience members will join the cast to become part of the fun on stage. Each performance will have surprise guests, guaranteeing that “no two shows will be alike,” says Deborah Nowinski, founding artistic director.

Under Nowinski’s direction and musical direction by Stephen W. Jones, the play’s story will unfold.

The SYNOPSIS: A diverse group of six funny, lovable junior high misfits in the throes of puberty experience the mania of competition under the supervision of wacky adults who have barely escaped the trauma of childhood themselves.

In the hands of Nowinski, Jones and Dionysus Theatre, the show is tailor made for this unique theater troupe. “This show ends our twelfth season celebrating communities of difference” says Nowinski. 'We’ve honored the deaf community in 'Children of a Lesser God,' autistic in the original show 'Autistic License' and in 'The Boys Next Door', four developmentally challenged took the stage -- a first in theater history, as no one had cast
this show correctly.”

With 'Putnam,' Nowinski said, "we can all relate to the ups and downs of childhood and
surviving that community!"

When and Where:

Opening night is June 12th and all Wednesday Thursday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 1:00 p.m. The show runs through the 30th. All shows are captioned. On Sunday, June 27th, the show will be described for visually impaired patrons. Dionysus Theatre is located at 5601 S. Braeswood inside the Joe Frank Theatre, where they rent from the Jewish Community Center.

For more information about the theater, classes, upcoming shows, touring and youth theater troupe, please call 713.728-0041 or visit the website: www.dionysustheatre.org