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 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 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.

Cast

(In alphabetical order)

William Barfèe..................................................................... Vincent Simpson

Leaf Coneybear.................................................. Luke Berninger (4/13, 4/21)

Benjamin Hajek (4/14, 4/20)

Carl Grubinerre (Dan’s Dad)......................... Matthew Ranagan (4/13, 4/21)

Matthew Webb (4/14, 4/20)

Mitch Mahoney/Olive's Dad ....................................James Zitelli (4/13, 4/21)

William FitzPatrick (4/14, 4/20)

Olive Ostrovsky.................................................. Janelle Emmolo (4/13, 4/21)

Chloe Hodnett (4/14, 4/20)

Douglas Panch............................................................... Christopher Marzulla

Marcy Park.......................................................... Caroline Dyson (4/13, 4/21)

Cara Gilbert (4/14, 4/20)

Rona Lisa Peretti/Olive’s Mom........................... Kassi McMillan (4/13, 4/21)

Sarah Becker (4/14, 4/20)

Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre............Alexandra DePinto (4/13, 4/21)

Connie Chianetta (4/14, 4/20)

Dan Schwartz (Dan Dad)............................................................ Mac Connors

Chip Tolentino/Jesus..................................................................... Marc Rivera