A woman with long, dark wavy hair and a neutral expression poses against a textured dark green background.

Laura Marano to make stage debut in 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

Q: What is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee about?

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a beloved musical about student competitors spelling their way to the top...and dealing with comedic adolescent issues along the way.

The star of Disney Channel's Austin & Ally will replace original cast member Autumn Best in the award-winning Off-Broadway musical revival later this month.

Summary

Austin & Ally star Laura Marano will make her stage debut in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off Broadway at New World Stages starting June 24
She will play Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre
Original cast member Autumn Best departs June 22

Gillian RussoJune 4, 2026, 04:00

How do you spell M-A-R-A-N-O? Laura Marano, best known for her breakout role on Disney Channel's Austin & Ally, will make her stage debut in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off Broadway starting June 24.

She will adopt the role of Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre from original cast member Autumn Best, who departs the show June 22 for a yet-unannounced project. Marano joins continuing cast members Jon Cryer as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Lilli Cooper as Rona Lisa Peretti, Jasmine Amy Rogers as Olive Ostrovsky, Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney, Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Justin Cooley as Leaf Coneybear, and Kevin McHale as William Barfée.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee centers on a regional spelling contest between six quirky students, run by three equally quirky adults. The 20th-anniversary revival of the musical at New World Stages received critical acclaim and the 2026 Lucille Lortel, Off-Broadway Alliance, and Dorian Theater awards for Outstanding Revival.

Get The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tickets now.

Photo credit: Laura Marano. (Photo by Storm Santos)

Frequently asked questions

What is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee about?

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a beloved musical about student competitors spelling their way to the top...and dealing with comedic adolescent issues along the way.

How long is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?

The running time of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is 1hr 45min.

Where is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee playing?

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is playing at New World Stages. The theatre is located at 340 West 50th Street, New York, 10019.

How much do tickets cost for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?

Tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee start at $65.

What's the age recommendation for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?

The recommended age for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is Ages 13+. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted..

How do you book tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?

Book tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on New York Theatre Guide.

Is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Broadway or Off-Broadway?

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is playing Off Broadway.

Is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee accessible?

Wheelchair accessible

How long is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee running?

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee currently has tickets available through 11 October 2026. Check calendar for availability.

Who is in the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?

The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee includes Jon Cryer (as Vice Principal Douglas Panch), Ali Stroker (as Rona Lisa Peretti), Laurie Hernandez (as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre), Philippe Arroyo (as Chip Tolentino), Leana Rae Concepcion (as Marcy Park), Fernell Hogan (as Leaf Coneybear), Julian Sewell (as William Barfée), Nina White (as Olive Ostrovsky), Matt Manuel (as Mitch Mahoney).