The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Directed by: 

Tory Malfoy
Marisa Quijano

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for 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, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. 

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

Character Descriptions

Important casting note:  We will only cast performers over 18 years old due to the nature of the show (strong language, sexual themes, etc. )

Chip Tolentino - Tenor to B (Vocal Range C4-B5) An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Also plays Jesus Christ.

Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre (Schwartzy) - Alto G to Eb (Vocal Range A3-F5) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and is ready to take it all.

Leaf Coneybear - Baritone to G (Vocal Range A3-A5) The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance.

William Barfee - Tenor to Bb (Vocal Range E4-B5) A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous ''Magic Foot'' method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality.

Marcy Park - Mezzo to Eb (Vocal Range C4-E5) A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year's nationals. She speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning.

Olive Ostrovsky - Mezzo A to high G (Vocal Range B3-F5) A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.

Rona Lisa Peretti - Mezzo up to A (Vocal Range B3-F5) The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Strong improv skills are a plus. (Also plays Olive’s mom)

Douglas Panch, The Vice Principal, frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections. Strong improv skills are a plus.

Mitch Mahoney, The Official Comfort Counselor - Baritone to A (Vocal Range E4-A5) An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. (Also plays Olive’s dad)