The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything.
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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. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

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 a champion! 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. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.

Full SynopsisMaterials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Concert Selections are original Broadway orchestrations and exciting new symphonic arrangements of select songs for use in concert performances. Concert Selections are the perfect way to give audiences a taste of the musical theatre experience without the sets, props and costumes.

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Show Essentials

Conceived by
Rebecca FeldmanRebecca Feldman
Additional Material by
Jay ReissJay Reiss
Music and Lyrics by
William FinnWilliam Finn
Book by
Rachel SheinkinRachel Sheinkin
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Songs

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The Spelling Rules/My Favorite Moment of the Bee

My Friend, the Dictionary

The First Goodbye

Pandemonium

I'm Not That Smart

The Second Goodbye

Magic Foot

Pandemonium (Reprise)/My Favorite Moment of the Bee 2

Why We Like Spelling

Prayer of the Comfort Counselor

My Unfortunate Erection (Chip's Lament)

Woe is Me

I'm Not That Smart (Reprise)

I Speak Six Languages

The I Love You Song

Woe is Me (Reprise)

My Favorite Moment of the Bee 3/Second

Finale

The Last Goodbye

Full Song List

Price

Upcoming

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Tags

Contemporary Broadway
Comedy
Book Musical
Contemporary
Small Cast Collection
Minimal Design
Tony Award Winners
Fringe (Schools)

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Spelling Bee Drops & Banners
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Signs
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Hairspray Gymnasium Drop
Costume Rentals — The Theatre Company
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Resources

No matter where you are on your theatrical journey, our innovative production resources will enhance your show experience.
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Performance Accompaniment Recording

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Performance Accompaniment Recording (Rehearsal Tracks Only)

Rehearse your entire musical with a pre-recorded score played by a full orchestra of LIVE professional musicians.

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Run rehearsals straight from your mobile device using a virtual accompanist that plays every note of your show’s score.

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Stage Manager Scripts
Stage Manager Script

Facilitate cueing, blocking and all of your production needs with this customizable copy of the libretto. 

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Transpositions On Demand
Transpositions-On-Demand

Change the key of any song and optimize your performer’s vocal range.

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Questions & Answers

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By dolan69305
November 28, 2020
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Related shows or resources: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Is there a school version of "Spelling Bee" and if so, how do I go about ordering a perusal copy?
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By GH2930
October 28, 2020
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Related shows or resources: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Putnam County Spelling Bee

Is this show available for virtual streaming?

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By chavezj1
March 07, 2019
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Related shows or resources: Performance Accompaniment Recording, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
how do I change keys of these tracks?

I need to change the key of a few of the numbers.... how do I do that?

 

Thank You,

 

jc

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By TSteiner
January 27, 2019
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Related shows or resources: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music Tracks

Hi, where can I buy the musical audio tracks - both the accompaniment for performances and practice tracks - ?

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By ElderMcKinley
September 22, 2018
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Related shows or resources: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Buy the book?

Hello, I can't find anywhere to purchase the book. Where can I do that? Thank you.

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By Kcharris
September 20, 2018
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Related shows or resources: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
what do I with the access code?
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By Kcharris
September 20, 2018
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what do I with the access code?
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By dsnyward
October 01, 2016
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Spelling Bee
Is there any alternative version of the song "Chip's Lament" for High Schools. If you did this show, did you cut the number, or have an alternative? Thanks,
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By 7azo135021
September 05, 2016
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Related shows or resources: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
We would like to do 25th Annual PCSB, but we would have a problem getting permission for Chip's Lament. Are there alternative lyrics for the erection song?
erection song alternative
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By Kathy Belinkie
July 28, 2012
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Related shows or resources: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Adding ensemble to "Spelling Bee?"
Has anyone seen/done a version of Spelling Bee where extra cast members are added to sing some of the songs, just to get more kids involved in the show? I can't imagine how, as everyone obviously needs to be eliminated, but I was trying to think about it like "A Chorus Line," where the large group started and ended the show.
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