'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' to play off Broadway this fall

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 musical comedy will play at New World Stages, marking the show's first major NYC production since its Off-Broadway and Broadway premieres in 2005.

Gillian RussoJune 16, 2025, 17:00

We'll spell it out: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will return off Broadway this fall, with performances beginning November 7 at New World Stages. Opening night is November 17.

Featuring songs by two-time Tony Award winner William Finn and a book by Tony winner Rachel Sheinkin, Spelling Bee centers on six students fiercely competing in a spelling bee run by a quirky trio of adults: a local realtor, a vice principal, and a "comfort counselor" performing community service.

The musical comedy premiered off Broadway with Second Stage Theater in 2005, when it also launched a Broadway transfer that won two Tony Awards and ran until 2008.

The 2025 Off-Broadway revival, directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in fall 2024. The cast included Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Beanie Feldstein as Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, Noah Galvin as Leaf Coneybear, Alex Joseph Grayson as Mitch Mahoney, Taran Killam as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Kevin McHale as William Barfée, Bonnie Milligan as Rona Lisa Peretti, and Nina White as Olive Ostrovsky.

Casting for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off Broadway has yet to be announced.

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

Photo credit: Original 2005 Spelling Bee cast. (Photo by Joan Marcus)

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).