‘Putnam County Spelling Bee’ revival is a h-i-t

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’: Kevin McHale (center) & cast. Photo: Joan Marcus.

THE 25^TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Music & lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Music supervision & vocal arrangements by Carmel Dean
Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Directed & choreographed by Danny Mefford
Through April 12, 2026
New World Stages
340 West 50^th Street
https://spellingbeenyc.com/

By Scott Harrah

Two decades after it first appeared on Broadway, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is back. This Off‑Broadway revival feels both nostalgic and fresh. Spelling Bee was originally nominated for six Tony Awards and winner of two, including Best Book of a Musical for Rachel Sheinkin and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Dan Fogler. The show also helped launch the careers of Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Josh Gad. Now, with an updated script and a marvelous cast, this beloved show proves why it has remained such an enduring hit.

The story of Spelling Bee

At its core, Spelling Bee is a musical comedy about six offbeat middle-school students competing in a regional spelling bee. Set inside a school gymnasium, the competition is a forum for the kids to show off their spelling skills and vent about their personal insecurities, hope and dreams. They share the stage with Vice Principal Douglas Panch (Jason Kravits), the weary “pronouncer” of the competition. Other characters include moderator and former champion Rona Lisa Peretti (Lilli Cooper); and overprotective parents who hover on the sidelines.

The competitors

Meanwhile, the characters and their many quirks quickly overshadow the actual spelling. Each contestant delivers a humorous monologue before attempting a word.

For example, there’s Olive Ostrovsky (Jasmine Amy Rogers), a nervous speller who’s upset because her mother is in India at an ashram, her father is running late to the event and she doesn’t have the $25 entrance fee.

William Barfée (Kevin McHale) is a cocky guy with many physical ailments who uses his “magic foot” technique to help him spell out words.

Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Autumn Best) is a spunky speller with a lisp who cannot spell a word without her two fathers standing by her on the podium to encourage her.

The remaining contestants include Chip Tolentino (Phillipe Arroyo), a former champion and Boy Scout facing the awkward (and sometimes funny) realities of puberty; Leaf Coneybear (Justin Cooley), an unfocused speller with ADHD; and Marcy Park (Leana Rae Concepcion), a hyper‑accomplished overachiever who speaks six languages, practices karate, and sleeps just three hours a night.

Adding to the fun, several audience volunteers are selected at random to compete alongside the actors, creating spontaneous moments each night.

Winning ensemble cast

Spelling Bee relies on a cohesive company of the six spelling contestants. All of the six actors form a winning ensemble, thanks to tight direction and choreography by Danny Mefford.

First, Jasmine Amy Rogers is an emotional powerhouse as Olive, the anxious girl who is devastated that her parents are not attending the competition. Her delivery and timing are top notch. Her vocals in the solo numbers “My Friend, the Dictionary” and “The I Love You Song” are heartwarming highlights.

Next, Kevin McHale (of “Glee” fame) is perfect as William, the overzealous nerd. Mr. McHale is superb singing his solo “Magic Foot” and sometimes steals the show with his many outbursts and nervous tics.

Additionally, Justin Cooley’s quirky, trance‑like Leaf is consistently hilarious, while Phillipe Arroyo earns big laughs as Chip in “My Unfortunate Erection (Chip’s Lament).”

In addition, two of the other young actresses in the show are also crowd pleasers. Leana Rae Concepcion is hysterical as Marcy, the annoying overachiever, and she sings “I Speak Six Languages” with conviction. Autumn Best is charming as Logainne, the know-it-all girl with a speech impediment and a problem with low blood sugar.

Among the adults, Lilli Cooper shines as the spunky, high-spirited Rona. Jason Kravits brings charm and perfectly calibrated frustration to Vice Principal Douglas Panch.

A Spelling Bee for the 2020s

Although much of the original 2005 show remains intact, the script includes contemporary updates. For instance, Logainne references “hot” mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani. Also, the epilogue humorously notes her later role in “President AOC’s administration.” Together, these touches keep the show grounded in present-day America without sacrificing its timeless appeal.

Ultimately, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee celebrates underdogs navigating competition, identity, and the pressure to succeed—all themes as resonant now as they were two decades ago. This joyous revival is sure to be a big h‑i‑t.

Published November 17, 2025
Reviewed at press performance on November 14, 2025

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’: (left to right from top) Philippe Arroyo & Leana Rae Concepcion; (left to right from bottom) Autumn Best & Justin Cooley. Photos: Joan Marcus.

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’: The cast. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’: Jason Kravits & Lilli Cooper. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’: Matt Manuel, Autumn Best & Justin Cooley. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’: Matt Manuel & Philippe Arroyo. Photo: Joan Marcus.