Duration
2 hrs
Closing Date
Until October 11, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 13+ yrs
Why Watch The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
- A witty, heartfelt musical that balances comedy and teenage angst, letting the contest be the stage for personal stories and growth. It is led by Tony Award-winners William Finn (music & lyrics) and Rachel Sheinkin (book).
- Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen and Fun Home), this production marks the 20th-anniversary revival in New York, bringing fresh energy to a beloved classic.
- The new cast features Kevin McHale (Glee) in his New York stage debut, ensuring seasoned talent for this quirky classic. He is joined by Broadway regulars like Ann Harada, reprising her iconic role.
- Running at New World Stages, the production harnesses its intimate space to spotlight the cast’s performances and Finn’s witty, heartfelt score. Book The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tickets in New York now!
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee revolves around six quirky adolescent competitors who battle for spelling glory and try to navigate the pitfalls of growing up. The show originated Off-Broadway in 2005 and soon earned a Broadway transfer, winning Tony Awards for Sheinkin’s book and earning praise for Finn’s score. In this revival, the direction and choreography by Danny Mefford add subtle modern touches without losing the show’s core charm. Expect lively staging, playful audience engagement, and character costumes that reflect each speller’s personality.
Storyline
At a regional spelling bee, six hopeful contestants, each with distinct personalities, insecurities, and dreams, step up to the microphone, striving to spell their way to victory. Behind the words are stories of family pressure, ambition, and belonging. As the competition advances, contestants’ backstories and motivations emerge, and audience participation weaves into the performance. Will one speller emerge triumphant, and at what cost?
Show timings
Show timings for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Autumn Best as Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Justin Cooley as Leaf Coneybear, Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney, Kevin McHale as William Barfée, Jasmine Amy Rogers as Olive Ostrovsky.
Director: Danny Mefford
Book: Rachel Sheinkin
Choreographer: Danny Mefford
Music & Lyrics: William Finn
Set designer: Teresa L. Williams
Lighting designer: David Weiner
Costume designer: Emily Rebholz
Top songs
Audience favorites include Pandemonium, I Speak Six Languages, My Friend, the Dictionary, and The I Love You Song.
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 13 years and above. Children under the age of 4 years are not permitted inside the theater.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
New World Stages
Located in the heart of New York City's Theater District, New World Stages was originally built as a movie theater in the early 20th century. It was converted into a state-of-the-art complex of five stages in 2004, each equipped with modern amenities and seating configurations that cater to a wide range of productions. New World Stages has become a hub for off-Broadway shows, offering a platform for innovative and diverse performances that push artistic boundaries. Notable productions hosted here include the Tony Award-winning 'Avenue Q,' the long-running hit 'The Marvelous Wonderettes,' and the immersive theatrical experience 'Puffs.' Seating Capacity: 499
Getting There
- Address: 340 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
- By metro:
The nearest subway station is 50th Street, a 2-minute walk from the theater, accessible by N, Q, R, and W lines.
- By bus:
The nearest bus station is 9 Ave/ W 50 St, a 3–minute walk from the theater or W 49 St/9 Av, a 4-minute walk away.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Free parking, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Elevator access, Wheelchair accessible
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from $106.80 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The musical does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 13 years and above. Children under the age of 4 years will not be permitted inside the theater.
The show is playing at the New World Stages in New York.
It’s a comedy-musical about quirky middle-schoolers competing in a spelling bee, each confronting personal challenges and growth during the contest.
The running time is 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission(s).
The main stars of the show are Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Autumn Best as Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Justin Cooley as Leaf Coneybear, Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney, Kevin McHale as William Barfée, and Jasmine Amy Rogers as Olive Ostrovsky.
Expect witty, character-driven songs that balance humor and heart, such as “I Speak Six Languages” and “The I Love You Song”. You can find the playlist here.
