'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' tickets now available through October; Julian Sewell joins cast

The award-winning revival of Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn's musical at New World Stages currently stars Jon Cryer, Laura Marano, Alex Newell, and more.

Summary

• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has extended off Broadway through October 11
• Julian Sewell will succeed Kevin McHale in the role of William Barfée from August 18
• The interactive musical follows an elementary- and middle-school spelling bee

It's going to bee around a little longer: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has extended off Broadway, with tickets now available for performances at New World Stages through October 11.

Additionally, comedian Julian Sewell has been announced to replace Kevin McHale in the role of William Barfée starting August 18. As previously announced, McHale departs August 16 to star in The Rocky Horror Show.

The current Spelling Bee cast also includes Jon Cryer as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Alex Newell as Rona Lisa Peretti (starting August 7) Laura Marano as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, Jasmine Amy Rogers as Olive Ostrovsky (through August 9, followed by Nina White), Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney, Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Fernell Hogan as Leaf Coneybear.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee centers on a spelling contest featuring six charmingly quirky students and run by three equally odd adults. The current revival of Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn's interactive musical celebrates its 20th anniversary. It received widespread critical acclaim and won the 2026 Lucille Lortel, Off-Broadway Alliance, and Dorian Theater awards for Outstanding Revival.

Get The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tickets now.

Photo credit: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off Broadway. (Photo by Joan Marcus)