25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | New Mexico State University

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman / Book By Rachel Sheinkin / Music & Lyrics by William Finn / Additional Material by Jay Reiss

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 hyper-allergic 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. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups.

Director - Wil Kilroy

Music Director - Lisa Hermanson

Stage Manager - Jazmen Escarcega

Choreographer - Brianna Horvath

Scenic & Lighting Designer - Jim Billings

Costume Designer - Yamilex Holguin

Sound Designer - Jim Wilkinson

Props Designer - David Hereford

Cast:

Rona Lisa Peretti - Kamryn Neill

Vice Principle Douglas Panch - Nicholas Mayeux

Mitch Mahoney - Ben Muckenthaler