
Duration
Can you spell i-r-r-e-s-i-s-t-i-b-l-e? The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Tony winner) returns to New York with a fresh revival full of quirky kids, witty songs, and awkward hilarity.
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A Tony-winning cult hit returns to NYC. This sharp, quirky musical celebrates the awkward joy of competition and growing up, now revived at New World Stages.
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Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, the revival stars Kevin McHale (Glee) in his stage debut.
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Winner of the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical and Drama Desk Awards, the show earned rave reviews in its original Broadway run and has been beloved worldwide since.
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Expect off-beat characters, audience participation, and songs like Pandemonium and I Speak Six Languages, capturing adolescence with wit and heart.
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Back for its 20th-anniversary revival, critics call it “lovingly hand-stitched and entirely adorable” (New York Times). Book The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tickets in New York now!
The story
Six quirky pre-teens (played by adults) converge onstage to vie for the county spelling bee crown. Between wordplay, fierce nerves, personal secrets, and sibling rivalries, they spell more than letters. Expect audience players to be drafted, emotional stakes to rise, and laughter to follow every misstep. But when the final round looms, who will crack, and who might spell their way into the unexpected?
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Show details
Categories: Musical, Tony winner, Off Broadway, Comedy
Audience: Suitable for 13+ yrs
Theater name: New World Stages
Theater facilities: cloakroom, bar, restrooms, drinking water fountain
Theater accessibility: wheelchair accessible, hearing assistance
Dress code: Smart casual
Cast & crew
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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.
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Director: Danny Mefford
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Book: Rachel Sheinkin
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Choreographer: Danny Mefford
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Music & Lyrics: William Finn
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Set designer: Teresa L. Williams
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Lighting designer: David Weiner
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Costume designer: Emily Rebholz
Additional info
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This show is suitable for ages 13 years and above. Children under the age of 4 years are not permitted inside the theater.
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Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
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Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Frequently asked questions about The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Q: How much do The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tickets cost?
A: Prices vary depending on seat location and show dates.
Q: Where is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee playing in New York?
A: The show is running at New World Stages in New York.
Q: How long does the performance run?
A: The show runs for about 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.
Q: What’s the story about?
A: Six eccentric middle-schoolers face off at a county spelling bee, revealing hopes, quirks, and insecurities as the words and stakes get tougher.
Q: Is the show suitable for children?
A: The musical is recommended for ages 13 and above. Children under the age of 4 years are not permitted inside the theater.
Q: What awards has the show won?
A: The original Broadway production won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical and received multiple Drama Desk Awards.
Q: What are some of the popular songs in the show?
A: Audience favorites include Pandemonium, I Speak Six Languages, My Friend, the Dictionary, and The I Love You Song. You can listen to the album here.
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