Can you spell "irresistible?"

The Gainesville Theatre Alliance’s hilarious musical, "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," celebrates six adolescent outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

This week, Atlanta actor and director Alan Kilpatrick will guest direct GTA’s production of "Spelling Bee."

The show runs Feb. 17-25.

GTA audiences saw Kilpatrick most recently as the foppish Foigard in "The Beaux’ Stratagem" in 2010; he also directed last season’s production of Steve Martin’s adaptation of "The Underpants."

"Spelling Bee" will be performed in the intimate, 200-seat Ed Cabell Theatre on the Gainesville State College campus, a three-quarter thrust stage with audience on three sides.

There will be a free opening night reception following the show, which has no intermission. The show is rated PG-13 for suggestive language.

All tickets for this event are $12. Patrons can select their own seats at www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org or purchase tickets through the GTA Box Office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at 678-717-3624.

There is an automatic discount of 20 percent for groups of 12 or more. Patrons purchasing tickets to "Spelling Bee" and one additional show on the 2011-12 season receive a package discount.

ADA is seating available through the box office only.