2018 - 2019 SEASON

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

May 30 - June 23, 2019

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  • "After seeing A.C.T.’s THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, one hardly needs to go further than their own proverbial backyard to see great, and I mean GREAT theatre..."

    -Pillow Talking

  • "The overall experience of it all, is both special and endearing, an A.C.T. of CT trademark you're not likely to forget for quite some time."

    -Jim R, Take 2

  • “SPELLING BEE at A.C.T. is a rollicking romp of a good time with a meaningful message of what really matters, delivered by a spectacular cast."

    -Elizabeth Young, The Newtown Bee

  • "...utterly delightful and hilarious..."

    -Zander Opper, Talkin' Broadway

  • "This is one of the best productions of this show to come around and reflects its Equity status."

    -TinaMarie Craven, The Ridgefield Press

  • "You’ll enjoy everything from the initial musical recitation of 'The Rules' to the interim 'Pandemonium' all the way to the crowning of 'The Champion.'"

    -Bonnie Goldberg, Connecticut Critics Circle

Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book of a Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy centered around a spelling bee set in Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky, over-achieving tweens compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups.  As they navigate the tournament’s pressures, the eccentric group finds a new sense of belonging and learns there’s more to life than winning a trophy! A delightful and unpredictable ride, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical theatre comedy at its best.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee played its final performance on June 23, 2019.

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 Official Videos


Production Stills

Photo Credit: Jeff Butchen

Production Credits

  • Book: Rachel Sheinkin
    Music & Lyrics: William Finn
    Conceived: Rebecca Feldman
    Additional Material: Jay Reiss

    Director: Michelle Tattenbaum
    Choreographer: Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
    Music Director: Katya Stanislavskaya
    Music Supervisor: Bryan Perri
    Scenic Designer: Jack Mehler
    Lighting Designer: Marika Kent
    Costume Designer: Stephanie Levin
    Props Coordinator: Theresa S. Carroll
    Sound Designer: Megan Culley

    Originally Directed on Broadway: James Lapine
    Originally produced on Broadway: David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre

    * Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. 

  • Graham Baker
    John C. Baker*
    Amy Hutchins*
    Colin Miyamoto*
    Phil Sloves
    Morgan Billings Smith*
    Emma Tattenbaum-Fine
    Ryan Williams*
    Sumi Yu*
    Tara Feeley
    Robert Peterpaul

    * Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.