About the Show

Middle‑school spellers (played by adults) compete in a quirky audience‑interactive musical comedy.

In a fictional school gym in Putnam County, New York, six eccentric middle‑school contestants vie to become the local spelling champion. As each speller faces increasingly difficult words, personal insecurities, family pressures and humorous quirks emerge—all through unexpected eliminations and heartfelt competition.

Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford (Kimberly Akimbo, Dear Evan Hansen), the production features music and lyrics by two‑time Tony winner William Finn and a witty book by Tony winner Rachel Sheinkin (with additional material by Jay Reiss).

This 20th‑anniversary revival runs at New World Stages off‑Broadway, with previews beginning November 7, 2025, opening November 17, and closing February 15, 2026. The production is presented by New World Stages under the Shubert Organization banner.

Critic Reviews (6)

Critic’s Pick: "A tender, joyous, bittersweet and very, very funny tribute to kids obsessed with words...a perfect salve for an ugly world, the gift we didn’t realize we desperately needed."
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"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is an opportunity to reflect on that behavior through a laugh-out-loud musical comedy that is both funnier and darker now than it was in 2005."
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"this delightfully wise and witty musical is the ideal antidote for anyone needing a return of innocence and laughter in their upended lives."
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"This new production of Spelling Bee swoops in like a big hug from an old friend, reminding us of everything we fell in love with two decades ago."
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‘Spelling Bee’ is the perfect antidote to these dreary anxiety-ridden times, and it’s worth settling down for a long, laughter-induced spell
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The positive energy from the cast was infectious.
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