TYR Mainstage Presents

The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee

It's time for the 25th Anniversary Putnum County Spelling Bee, and a talented and eclectic group of sixth-graders will arrive 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.

Directed by Justin DuPuis 
Musical Director Daniel Savio  

Music & Lyrics by William Finn 
Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Produced by Special Arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI) All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.