The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Practical Details
Lotteries & Rush
The Show
The Theatre
The Lowdown
Six young spellers — each more neurotic and hilarious than the last — compete for spelling glory in a church gymnasium in Putnam County, where moderated by adult officials who are barely keeping it together. The show weaves audience participation, confessional humor, and surprisingly touching moments into one of Off-Broadway’s most joyful revivals in recent memory.
With Kevin McHale (Glee) and Lilli Cooper (Tootsie) leading the cast, the show has become the hot ticket of the season — extending twice and drawing celebrity guest spellers including Daniel Radcliffe and Jon Cryer.
Original book by Rachel Sheinkin, music and lyrics by William Finn, directed by Danny Mefford.
Want a show with a live NYC lottery? Our Broadway lottery hub lists every open draw — and if these are new to you, start with Broadway Lotteries 101.
Reviews
Our verdict
The beloved spelling-bee musical gets a 20th-anniversary Off-Broadway revival that critics called pure joy — funnier and a touch darker than it was in 2005. Jon Cryer and Kevin McHale headline a charming cast, the audience-volunteer bit still kills, and the whole thing is a tender, bittersweet delight. A near-perfect 96% audience score. Lovely, low-key, and a great cheap night out.
Reader Lottery Reports
No lottery reports yet
Won a seat to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for the price of a deli lunch? Struck out a dozen times trying? Either way, the next New Yorker hitting refresh on the lottery wants to hear about it. Be the first on the board.
Enter your review → Hide the form
Add your review
1 review for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
You must be logged in to post a review.
Born in the City –
The beloved spelling-bee musical gets a 20th-anniversary Off-Broadway revival that critics called pure joy — funnier and a touch darker than it was in 2005. Jon Cryer and Kevin McHale headline a charming cast, the audience-volunteer bit still kills, and the whole thing is a tender, bittersweet delight. A near-perfect 96% audience score. Lovely, low-key, and a great cheap night out.