Manoa Valley Theatre is going interactive for its season finale, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

So, if you've ever wondered what it's like to feel the pressure of trying to spell out H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S in front of a large crowd, this is your chance.

The stage comedy opens Wednesday and runs through July 19, and trust us when we say it's not your typical play.

For this one, audience members can join the cast of nine on stage as volunteer spellers, and the traditional seating arrangements for the audience is changing to have more of a school-gymnasium feel.

Even the wait staff is getting into the act, dressing up as cheerleaders while providing in-house beverage services and $5 sack lunches — courtesy of the scary "Lunch Lady," played by Braddoc DeCaires, the star of MVT's most recent production "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel."

The changes are all part of making the play that much more real for viewers as they follow six young spelling masters through the troubles of growing up.

Along the way, they learn winning isn't everything, and how you deal with losses, as well as wins, is part of life.

Linda Johnson, the guest director for the production, predicts the audience will be able to connect with their younger selves when they see cliques portrayed on stage.

In the end, it's more of a learning experience than a spelling bee.

"There's the Boy Scout going through puberty, the hypochondriac nerd with all sorts of allergies, the sweet, perfect little girl with parents who are always away on business trips, and more," Johnson said.

Best of all, it looks like a lot of fun.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a one-act musical comedy, with music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinkin.

It was one of the most-lauded Broadway hits of 2005 and won two Tony Awards.

"It's summer and there's no excuse not to see it," Johnson said. "You'll leave with so much laughter."