Foothill stages musical about bees and underdogs

For the kids who spend their days dreaming of Putnam County Spelling Bee glory, words are the things that set them free.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” in a tender production from Foothill Music Theatre, understands what it means to be the underdog. The musical is a tribute to the awkwardness of being different, kids who read the dictionary with urgent ferocity. But behind the competitive spirit that comes with devouring Latin and Greek roots are stories of kids who overcompensate...