Tony-winning 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE to return to NYC this Autumn
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of William Finn & Rachel Sheinkin’s landmark Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will return to the New York stage this Autumn.
Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, the musical will begin performances at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street) from 7 November 2025, running until 15 February 2026.
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, humour, and verve that cemented its place in the musical theatre canon.
Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin and a vibrant score by Tony Award winner William Finn, 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. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee delivers an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave audiences spellbound.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, first developed at Barrington Stage Company, debuted Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater in 2005 – earning widespread critical acclaim, and winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding New Musical. The show immediately transferred to Broadway’s Circle in The Square Theatre, where it won two Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards, and enjoyed a hugely successful run of nearly three years.
The new production of Spelling Bee will feature set design by Teresa L. Williams, costumes by Tony Award nominee Emily Rebholz, lighting by David Weiner, sound by Haley Parcher, musical supervision by Carmel Dean, and casting by Geoff Josselson Casting.
Casting and further creative team details for the production will be announced at a later date.