March 12, 2025 - April 27, 2025
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at Copley Theatre
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It’s a battle of wits as contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this musical comedy.

Lobby doors open one hour prior to performance.

Content Warning: Some adult language and content.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

It’s a battle of wits as six contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this hilarious musical. Everyone loves a coming-of-age tale. Combine that with the epic struggles of six underdogs competing to shine in their own sport, and you have The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee — a relatable musical that sheds a humorous light on adolescents growing up under the pressure to excel. Rife with themes of competition, identity, and alienation, it’s the perfect nostalgic comedy.

Whether you were a band kid, or a cheerleader, middle school angst is a memory everyone can relate to. Chances are you will recognize one of the six types in yourself: the perfectionist, the loner, the kid whose parents are unavailable, the imposter, the sensitive one, and the overachiever. There might only be one champion, but at what cost to all of the rest who aim to conquer?

Entertaining tunes include “I’m Not That Smart,” “Pandemonium,” “Woe Is Me” and of course, “The I Love You Song.” The catchy tunes, witty lyrics, and endearing characters create an entertaining and heartwarming theatrical experience for all, even the overachievers and spelling-challenged among us. Two-time Tony Award winner including Best Book.

Embrace your inner nerd!

Music & lyrics by WILLIAM FINN
Book by RACHEL SHEINKIN Conceived by REBECCA FELDMAN
Additional material by JAY REISS Originally directed on Broadway by JAMES LAPINE

Contact the Box Office or check website for content advisories, if any. The 25th Annual County Spelling Bee Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Accessibility Performances

Audio described performances

Audio description is a voice-over service provided via headset for people who are visually impaired, allowing them to sit anywhere in the audience and enjoy the performance. Commentary and narration are provided to assist the listener in understanding the visual elements of the show, from descriptions of facial expressions to explanations about props, costumes, lighting, scenery and more.

  • Frozen The Broadway Musical: Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
    *Due to a limited number of headsets, please inform the Box Office when you purchase tickets if you will require an audio description headset for the performance.
Open Captioned Performances

The open captioning setup includes a LED screen close to the stage. Purchase tickets to these performances online, over the phone or in person. Standard ticket prices apply.

American Sign Language Interpreted

There will be two certified sign interpreters translating all dialogue and lyrics into American Sign Language.

Broadway Series – Use code: ASLPARAMOUNT

BOLD Series – Use code: ASLBOLD

For tickets ($30), visit our website at paramountaurora.com and use the promotional codes, OR email mariew@paramountarts.com.

Sensory-Friendly Performance

Sensory-friendly/relaxed performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is intended for patrons who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities and their families.

For sensory-friendly tickets, visit our website at paramountaurora.com and use code SENSORY for a 30% discount, OR call the Box Office.

Show More

Meet the Cast

Elizabeth Stenholt*

Olive Ostrovsky

Previously in Wizard of Oz and Fun Home.

Shelbi Voss*

Marcy Park, Dance Captain

Previously in Kinky Boots, Cinderella, Dreamgirls, The Sound of Music, Little Shop of Horrors, Beautiful, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Frozen.

Jason Richards*

Douglas Panch

Previously in A Christmas Story, The Producers, Cinderella, School of Rock, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Frozen.

Veronica Garza*

Rona Lisa Perretti / Olive’s Mom

Previously in The Secret of My Success, Groundhog Day, School of Rock, and The Full Monty.

Ann Delaney*

Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere / Leaf’s Mom

Previously in Newsies, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Full Monty.

Teddy Gales

William Barfee / Leaf’s Dad

Making Paramount debut.

Nic Dantes

Chip Tolentino / Jesus Christ

Making Paramount debut.

Ben Broughton

Leaf Coneybear / Carl Grubenierre

Previously in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Naphtali Curry

Mitch Mahoney / Dan Schwartz / Olive’s Dad

Making Paramount debut.

Matheus Barbee

u/s Chip Tolentino / Jesus Christ, u/s Mitch Mahoney / Dan Schwartz / Olive’s Dad, u/s Leaf Coneybear / Carl Grubenierre

Making Paramount debut.

David Blakeman

u/s William Barfee / Leaf’s Dad, u/s Douglas Panch

Previously in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Frozen.

Jamie Dillon Grossman

u/s Olive Ostrovsky, u/s Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere / Leaf’s Mom

Making Paramount debut.

Sunnie Eraso

u/s Marcy Park

Making Paramount debut.

Halle Bins

u/s Rona Lisa Perretti / Olive’s Mom

Making Paramount debut.

Artistic Team

Stephen Schellhardt

Director

Morgan DiFonzo

Choreographer & Assistant Director

Kory Danielson

Music Director

Cameron Tragesser

Conductor & Associate Music Director

Otto Vogel

Associate Conductor

Lauren M. Nichols†

Scenic Designer

Theresa Ham†

Costume Designer

G. “Max” Maxin IV†

Lighting Designer

Adam Rosenthal

Sound Designer

Aimee Plant

Properties Designer

Ethan Deppe

Electronic Music Designer

Susan Gosdick

Dialect Coach

Matthew Silar*

Stage Manager

Amanda Blanco*

Assistant Stage Manager

* indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
† indicates member of United Scenic Artists (USA)
‡ indicates member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)

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