Initial casting announced for Off-Broadway revival of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
A buzzy quadrumvirate of cast members have been announced to star in the first New York revival of the landmark Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which plays at New World Stages from 7 November 2025 - 15 February 2026.
Philippe Arroyo (& Juliet) will play Chip Tolentino, with Leana Rae Concepcion (Merrily We Roll Along) as Marcy Park, Grammy & Tony Award Nominee Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo) as Leaf Coneybear, and Grammy Nominee & SAG Award winner Kevin McHale (Glee) in his New York stage debut as William Barfée. Additional casting for the 20th Anniversary production will be announced shortly.
Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin and a vibrant score by Tony Award winner William Finn, this new production of the musical is directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced and funny D-E-L-I-G-H-T. As six wonderfully unique and impassioned contestants vie for the championship by spelling their way through vexing vocabulary, hilarious and poignant personal stories unfold…along with a dash of riotous audience participation.
Six spellers enter, but only one can win The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! This charmingly witty and touching musical has entertained audiences across the world since its Tony–winning Broadway debut in 2005. It now returns to New York in a special 20th Anniversary production that celebrates the singular heart, humor, and verve that cemented its place in the musical theater canon.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will feature set design by Teresa L. Williams, costumes by Emily Rebholz, lighting by David Weiner, sound by Haley Parcher, music supervision by Carmel Dean, and casting by Geoff Josselson Casting.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday (25 July) at 10am ET, with further info here.