The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music and Lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Directed by Stephanie Lynge

May 31 to July 21; Previews: May 29-30

This fast-paced, phonetic musical comedy will undoubtedly bring you to your feet! Join an eclectic group of six young people who compete in the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Eight spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

Complete with audience participation and plenty of effortless improv, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE guarantees a one-of-a-kind, musical theater performance that spells F-U-N!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have going to the theatre! – Broadway World (New Jersey)

“Irresistible, riotously funny and remarkably ingenious …” NEW YORK TIMES

“Utterly, hilarious, surprisingly warm, almost criminally entertaining.” – Center Stage

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music and Lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

On Mainstage May 31 to July 21
Previews: May 29-30

Opening Night: Friday, May 31, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

Wednesdays at 7 p.m. | Thursdays at 7 p.m. | Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays 2 p.m. and  8 p.m. | Sundays at 2 p.m.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Talkback with Actors:
Sunday, June 8 after the 2 p.m. show

For patrons requiring elevator access or extra assistance with stairs and/or are interested in a
Sensory-Friendly theatre experience please click here.

Hippodrome Gainesville FLORIDA

Contact the Box Office (352 375 4477) or email boxoffice@thehipp.org for Accessible Seating 

Content Advisory: PG13
Play discusses race, LGBTQ+ themes and has some profanity and strong language.

Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Originally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Our 112-year-old elevator has reached the end of its life and has been permanently closed. To ensure continued accessibility to live theatre experiences while awaiting the installation of a new elevator, the Hippodrome is introducing an initiative—“Alternate Access Theatre.” Please click here for more information. Performances will take place on our 2nd Stage/Hipp Cinema, located on the first floor, accommodating individuals requiring elevator access or extra assistance with stairs.

Alternate Access Theatre - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be presented with adaptions to fit the smaller stage. 

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. – Buy Tickets
Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 8 p.m. (Sensory Friendly) – Buy Tickets

Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 2 p.m. – Buy Tickets

Please contact our Box Office to make a reservation (352 375 4477) or email boxoffice@thehipp.org

Plan your visit

Playbill

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in the News

Picture Gallery

Pictures by Michael A. Eaddy

Opening Night