The Black Box at Theatre UCF has been transformed into a rustic fishing lodge for a production of The Foreigner, which runs on the university’s main Orlando campus June 12-29.

Larry Shue’s comedy is directed by Mark Brotherton (The Music Man, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment). The play centers on two friends, one British, who visit a fishing lodge in a small town in Georgia. Since one of the gentlemen is shy and not keen on talking about his recent divorce, the pair tells the local residents that he doesn’t speak English. Believing them, the residents openly discuss some of their nefarious plans, causing “The Foreigner” to have to “learn” English in a very short time in order to stop them.

Patrons familiar with the UCF Black Box will be pleased to learn that new seats have been installed in the theater, thanks to a donation from the Greene Family Fund. The old, uncomfortable seats had been a deterrent fo rmany patrons attending productions in that space.

Following The Foreigner, Theatre UCF will run The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on the Main Stage on July 10-20. The show is directed by Be Boyd (The Fantasticks, Stop Kiss). The light-hearted musical about six spelling champions and their mentors includes optional participation from audience members. Patrons should arrive early in order to apply to be part of the show (no “speshal” spelling skills are needed!)

Both summer productions will begin evening performances at 7 p.m.. (Please note the earlier start time. The regular curtain time of 8 p.m. will resume in August.) The matinees will start at 2 p.m.

Productions at a glance:

The Foreigner

By Larry Shue

Directed by Mark Brotherton

A comedic chain of events is set into action as a Georgia fishing lodge when two friends tell a small fib about one’s inability to speak English.

June 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7 p.m.

June 15, 22, 29 at 2 p.m.

$20 standard, $18 senior, $10 student

Black Box Theatre, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music and lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional material by Jay Reiss

Directed by Be Boyd

Six spelling champs vie for ultimate glory in this spirited musical. Audience participation encouraged.

July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 7 p.m.

July 13, 20 at 2 p.m.

$20 standard, $18 senior, $10 student

Main Stage, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando              

For tickets and more information about Theatre UCF, visit http://theatre.ucf.edu.