Ali Stroker and Laurie Hernandez to join 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' Off-Broadway cast
Tony Award winner Ali Stroker will succeed Alex Newell, and Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez will succeed Laura Marano in the award-winning revival.
Summary
- Ali Stroker will perform as Rona Lisa Peretti and Laurie Hernandez will perform as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre from September 7 to October 11
- Stroker is best known for becoming the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway and to win a Tony
- Laurie Hernandez is known for winning gold and silver medals in the 2016 Summer Olympics on the US Women's Gymnastics Team
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has some new participants! Tony Award winner Ali Stroker will succeed Alex Newell as Rona Lisa Peretti, and Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez will succeed Laura Marano as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre. They will perform a limited run from September 7 to October 11 at New World Stages.
Stroker is best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Ado Annie in the revival of Oklahoma!, and making history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway, and the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony Award.
Laurie Hernandez competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics with the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team, winning a gold medal with the team and a silver medal individually. Hernandez later won Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars, and made her Broadway debut in the ensemble of & Juliet earlier this year.
The current cast of Spelling Bee also features Jon Cryer as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Justin Cooley as Leaf Coneybear, Nina White as Olive Ostrovsky, Julian Sewell as William Barfée Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, and Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee centers six endearingly unique students competing in a spelling contest run by three eccentric adults. The 20th-anniversary revival is the winner of the 2026 Lucille Lortel, Off-Broadway Alliance, and Dorian Theater awards for Outstanding Revival, and the run at New World stages has received widespread acclaim.
Get The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tickets now on New York Theatre Guide.
Photo credit: Ali Stroker and Laurie Hernandez. (Stroker photo by Yellow Belly Photos; Hernandez photo by Lilia Le Dieu)
Frequently asked questions
What is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee about?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a beloved musical about student competitors spelling their way to the top...and dealing with comedic adolescent issues along the way.
How long is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
The running time of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is 1hr 45min.
Where is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee playing?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is playing at New World Stages. The theatre is located at 340 West 50th Street, New York, 10019.
How much do tickets cost for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
Tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee start at $65.
What's the age recommendation for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
The recommended age for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is Ages 13+. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted..
How do you book tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
Book tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on New York Theatre Guide.
Is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Broadway or Off-Broadway?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is playing Off Broadway.
Is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee accessible?
Wheelchair accessible
How long is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee running?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee currently has tickets available through 11 October 2026. Check calendar for availability.
Who is in the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee includes Jon Cryer (as Vice Principal Douglas Panch), Alex Newell (as Rona Lisa Peretti), Philippe Arroyo (as Chip Tolentino), Leana Rae Concepcion (as Marcy Park), Fernell Hogan (as Leaf Coneybear), Julian Sewell (as William Barfée), Nina White (as Olive Ostrovsky), Laura Marano (as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre), Matt Manuel (as Mitch Mahoney).
Who directed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is directed by Danny Mefford.
Who wrote the music and lyrics for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
The music and lyrics for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee were written by William Finn.
Who wrote The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was written by Rachel Sheinkin.
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