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 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional Materials by Jay Reiss

Music and Lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin 

 

Directed and Produced by Chris Brindley 

 May 2026

 

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

 

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

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Produced through special arrangements with Music Theatre International.​​​