The Renton Civic Theater kicks off its 2010-11 season Friday with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

This Tony Award-winning musical comedy, directed by Alyson Soma, is the story of how six young people, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

The action takes place at a spelling bee.

Music and lyrics are by William Finn.

The play runs Sept. 10-25. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater is at 507 S. Third St., Renton.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. For tickets call the Box Office at 425-226-5529 or visit the theater’s website.