The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Musical

Writers: Rachel Sheinkin William Finn

Overview

Show Information

Music
Lyrics
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2005
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
a middle school gymnasium, putnam county, ny, present
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
Musical Staging
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult, adult characters

Synopsis

An eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. Sweet and shy Olive brings only her best friend (the dictionary) with her to the bee; bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip is struggling with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy is disappointed by her consistent success; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her gay dads. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. With an engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes audiences to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.

Lead Characters


The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee guide sections