The Off-Broadway Theatre Review: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
By Ross
She walks in with a huge trophy and a grin, carrying the unmistakable confidence of someone who remembers exactly what this moment meant to her as a kid. “My Favorite Moment of the Bee,” Rona Lisa Peretti sings, as played beautifully by Lilli Cooper (Broadway’s Tootsie), and it is exactly as promised, “a very nice beginning“, even if I was not entirely sure of it when I first arrived at New World Stages. I was very curious about The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, but somewhat cautious. And even as the off-Broadway revival began, I felt a flicker of hesitation. Was I really in the mood for a musical about kids spelling big words for a trophy? That uncertainty vanished the instant contestant Chip Tolentino’s voice cracked on an early note, a purposeful and perfect imperfection that pulled me straight into the nervous inner lives of these kids. Suddenly, the show’s tone made complete sense. This was not about polish. It was about how much it meant just to stand at that microphone and try.
What followed was a beautifully crafted journey into vulnerability, hope, and the particular ache of wanting something very badly at a very young age. The Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin (Striking 12) is perfectly shaped, funny, and deeply empathetic, while William Finn’s vibrant and emotionally generous score wraps itself around these characters with complete care and curiosity. And under Danny Mefford’s focused and precise direction and choreography, the evening unfolds with a well-crafted sense of trust in the material and in the performers. The production understands that winning the bee is only part of the story. What truly matters is what each speller believes this moment might fix or prove. When Rona looks at the contestants and sings “I love what I see,” it lands with such quiet clarity and emotional force that I couldn’t help but see exactly what she was gazing at. And love it as well.
This show adores its characters, and in return, it invites us to love them too. Within this framing, we are all gifted with some solid, standout performances that pull us in completely. Kevin McHale (“Glee”), Justin Cooley (Broadway’s Kimberly Akimbo), and Emily Nicole Rudolph (standing in for Jasmine Amy Rogers) brought emotional specificity and generosity to their roles, grounding the comedy in something deeply human. Cooley’s fluttery Leaf, especially in his “I’m Not That Smart,” was disarmingly tender and honest, capturing my heart completely, while McHale’s Barfée revealed unexpected care beneath the awkward bravado. Rudolph was a particular delight, adding texture, humor, and heart that lingered long after her scenes ended. Jahbril Cook, standing in for Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, was equally impressive, capturing both the awkwardness and urgency of a kid desperate to be taken seriously.
Musically, the show consistently hits home. “My Friend, the Dictionary” became exactly what it needed to be: a collective expression of longing, fear, and resilience, beautifully delivered and believed by the entire cast that also includes the wonderful Autumn Best, the intensely good Leana Rae Concepcion, the dynamic Matt Manuel, and the very funny Jason Kravits. Olive’s story unfolded with the perfect amount of sweetness and humor, spelling and building to moments that were genuinely affecting. “The I Love You Song” was quietly the most devastating of the evening, and the way Olive connected with Barfée in “Second” felt tender, earned, and completely sincere. Throughout the bee, the spellers sang with honesty and heart, making each elimination personal and affecting, and each small victory enormous.
The design elements completely support the storytelling with confidence and care. The set design by Teresa L. Williams (Broadway’s John Proctor…) creates a playful but grounded environment that allows the action to flow effortlessly. Emily Rebholz’s costumes perfectly capture the awkward individuality of these kids while clearly defining the adults who orbit them. The lighting by David Weiner subtly guides the emotional shifts of the evening, while Haley Parcher’s sound design keeps the storytelling clear and intimate. The music itself is beautifully supported under the supervision of Carmel Dean and the steady, thoughtful musical direction of Elizabeth Doran, allowing Finn’s score to shine with warmth and clarity.
The interactive element of this wonderful Spelling Bee was a complete and hilarious surprise. Watching audience members step (or be pulled) into the spotlight, to follow whispered instructions and sudden choreography, added an extra layer of joy and unpredictability. I must admit that I secretly wished my plus one had been called up. That would have undone me in the best possible way, but those four volunteers chosen delivered it all perfectly, with unrealized comic timing and commitment. I cannot overstate how happy this show made me. I smiled from ear to ear through the entire performance on a night when simply getting to the theater felt like a challenge. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee met me exactly where I was and lifted me up, reminding me how powerful it can be to watch people try, fail, hope, and sing anyway.
