Fri. Dec. 1

Why have we been reluctant to tout the Tony Award-winning play "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" which is in our midst, at the Wilbur Theatre, through the end of the year? Simple: An aversion to spelling bees. Let's just say we didn't get real far in this schoolboy rite of humiliation - and yes, we became a writer (go figure). We just haven't been able to recommend the musical no matter how good it's propped up to be. But we can advise you to attend the Friday Dec. 1 8 p.m. performance. Why? Because it's a dirty bee! Yes, that's right. Director Jay Reiss, who originated the role of Vice Principal Douglas Panch on Broadway, says "During rehearsals, I would occasionally cross the line a bit with the definitions and sentences and use some material that was pretty filthy. The case would crack up and director James Lapine would say 'That is so wrong.'" And genius. It's been done in New York and San Francisco productions and now Boston gets an 17-plus "Bee." We don't know what the words and definitions are, but wouldn't tell you if we did. It's all about the shock and surprise and the humor. Tickets: $75-$25. (The normal show is up regularly Tues-Sun.)

246 Tremont St., 617-931-2787 ticketmaster.com