‘Spelling Bee’ Extends Off-Broadway Run at New World Stages

Off-Broadway’s revival of William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will continue its run in New York, with the production adding a second extension at New World Stages. The show is now scheduled to play through September 6. 

The current production marks 20 years since the musical’s original Broadway debut in 2005. The limited engagement officially opened on November 16, 2025. Danny Mefford, whose recent Broadway work includes “Kimberly Akimbo,” is at the helm as director.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” traces its roots to an earlier Off-Broadway incarnation before transferring to Broadway in 2005. Featuring a Tony Award–winning book by Sheinkin, adapted from Rebecca Feldman’s original play, and music and lyrics by the late William Finn, the musical centers on a fictional middle school spelling competition. 

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The cast includes Justin Cooley, starring as Leaf Coneybear, while Kevin McHale takes on the role of William Barfée. Lilli Cooper appears as Rona Lisa Peretti, with Jason Kravits portraying Vice Principal Douglas Panch. 

The ensemble also includes Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Jasmine Amy Rogers as Olive Ostrovsky, Autumn Best as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, and Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney. McHale, Arroyo, and Concepcion are reprising roles they previously played during the production’s earlier engagement at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center.

Several members of the creative team have returned from that Kennedy Center run as well. Emily Rebholz is responsible for costume design, David Weiner oversees lighting, and Haley Parcher handles sound design. 

Joining the Off-Broadway production as a new collaborator is scenic designer Teresa L. Williams. Music supervision is provided by Carmel Dean, with Elizabeth Doran serving as music director. General management is led by 321 Theatrical Management, and Rachel Zucker acts as production stage manager.

For more information and additional details, theatergoers can visit spellingbeenyc.com.