THREE AVENUE OF THE ARTS ORGANIZATIONS FORM PARTNERSHIP TO PROMOTE TONY AWARD WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOW IN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, September 25 2006 –The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is Philadelphia bound. Three Arts organizations on the Avenue of the Arts see it as an opportunity to promote not only the play, but also Philadelphia and the Avenue of the Arts as a great destination to enjoy incredible cultural events and dining.

The Merriam Theater, Sunoco Welcome America (SunWA) and Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI) have formed a partnership that will promote the musical show to the tri-state region through a media outreach program. A portion of individual ticket sales will benefit SunWA and AAI when theatergoers mention the word “Buzz” when ordering.

The Tony Award winning musical which opens at the Merriam Theater on October 17, 2006, is based on a book by Rachel Sheinkin from a conception by Rebecca Feldman, and a musical score by William Finn, is set in a high school gym where 10 finalists are battling it out in the county spelling championship with the hope of competing in the state finals. Six of the finalists are cast members and four are coaxed from the audience to participate in the spelling contest.

Clifton Davis, executive director of SunWA will be one of the guests ‘celebrity spellers’ on opening night. “I love musicals and ‘Spelling Bee’ promises to be a great evening of musical theater, said Davis. “Being a celebrity speller opening night is an honor and it’s scary…I might be eliminated on the first word! But, it’s all in fun and will benefit Welcome America, Avenue of the Arts, Inc. and the Merriam Theater, so let’s do it.”

The musical won two Tony awards in 2005 for Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor. The music score was also nominated for a 2006 Grammy in the category of Best Musical Show Album.

Charles Isherwood of the New York Times called it "irresistible and entirely lovable," praising William Finn's "nimble, upbeat score," Rachel Sheinkin's "riotously funny" book and James Lapine's "impeccable" direction.

“We are very excited to be a part of this partnership that highlights a great musical and a great working relationship with Avenue Stakeholders,” said Karen Lewis, executive director of AAI.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee musical is just one example of the diversity of programming featured at the Merriam Theater. Upcoming shows include 12 Angry Men, Tyler Perry's What's Done In the Dark, On Golden Pond and Camelot.

“We are happy to be working with both the Avenue of the Arts and Sunoco Welcome America! on this event. We hope that this will raise awareness for both these organizations that make a difference in the cultural fabric of Philadelphia,” said DeVida Jenkins, General Manager of the Merriam Theater.

Opening night for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is October 17, at the Merriam Theater at 250 S. Broad Street. Tickets prices range from $25.00 to $73.50 with an added service charge and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster or at the Merriam Theater box office. For more information call 215-336-1234. Or visit these websites at

www.avenueofthearts.org
www.americasbirthday.com
www.broadwayacrossamerica.com

Avenue of the Arts, Inc. is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1993 by the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and supported by public and private funds. Within the last eight years, AAI has overseen the transformation of North and South Broad Street into a world-class cultural and entertainment destination, through the development of performance, visual and educational facilities.

The Sunoco Welcome America! Festival is entering its 15th year and promises to be more exciting than ever. Organized in 1993 to “celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace,” the Festival surrounds the July 4th Independence Day Holiday with free events highlight the history and fun of Philadelphia. From historical tours to food fairs, from commemorative ceremonies to parades, from concerts to fireworks, the Sunoco Welcome America! Festival invites the region and the world to this wonderful city and guarantees a great holiday experience.

Broadway Across America presents annual subscription series of first-rate touring Broadway shows, family productions and other live theatrical events throughout a network of 49 North American cities. Broadway Across America is dedicated to creating memorable and accessible experiences for all patrons and is committed to presenting productions of the highest quality. Broadway Across America’s season ticket holders enjoy exclusive special services and benefits to over 500 performances throughout the network each year. Broadway Across America also is a leader in group sales and services across the country and in New York City. Broadway Across America is a division of Live Nation (NYSE: LYV), a leading live content and distribution company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. For information or to purchase tickets go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

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