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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

January 3, 2026 2:00 pm

New World Stages - Stage 3
340 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019

Witness the hilarious and heartwarming competition of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where a diverse group of quirky middle schoolers vie for the coveted spelling champion title. This Tony Award-winning musical comedy offers a delightful blend of humor, poignancy, and the high-stakes drama of an old-fashioned spelling bee.

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Why We Like It

  • Enjoy the clever, character-driven story and catchy musical numbers that have made this show a beloved Broadway classic.
  • See the talented young cast bring the endearing, idiosyncratic spellers to life with their engaging performances.
  • Experience the thrill of the competition as the contestants navigate the tricky words and emotional rollercoaster of the bee.

Who Should Attend

This event will delight audiences of all ages, from families with middle-schoolers to theater enthusiasts who appreciate smart, character-driven comedy. Fans of the original Broadway production or the 2005 film adaptation will especially enjoy this live stage performance.

In the Spotlight

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

A Tony Award-winning musical comedy that follows a group of quirky middle school students as they compete in the regional spelling championship, exploring themes of adolescence, individuality, and the high-stakes drama of an old-fashioned spelling bee.

William Finn

The composer and lyricist who created the original musical, known for his clever, character-driven storytelling and catchy, memorable songs.

Rachel Sheinkin

The book writer who collaborated with Finn to adapt the original one-act play into the Tony-winning Broadway musical.

About the Venue

New World Stages - Stage 3

An intimate, off-Broadway theater space that provides an immersive, up-close experience for audiences, with excellent sightlines and acoustics to fully appreciate the live performance.

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