The show, written by Rachel Sheinkin, has a quick-paced story enhanced by a new and original score made by William Finn. Banner printing is a common feature used to promote events and shows like these.
The plot centers on six eccentric preteens competing during an enormous spelling competition. They share stories from their everyday experiences while spelling odd, and possibly fabricated, words while fearing the ringing that denotes a spelling mistake. Only one of them can win, and the rest will have to settle for a box of juice.
This rendition's inclusive style that uses audience participation is what makes this show unique. For instance, the characters identify specific people in the audience and refer to them as "family" members. The theatre program at Oakland Community College also pairs hearing actors with signing actors sourced from a local sign language interpreting program. Children under the age of 13 should not watch this production.
Charles Isherwood critiqued the Broadway production of this show in The New York Times where he stated that:
“The affectionate performances of the six actors burdened with the daunting challenge of inhabiting young souls have not been stretched into grotesque shape by the move to a large theater.”
The show will be held on multiple nights through November at the Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills.