THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Addition Materials by Jay Reiss
October 16-19, 2025
Gallagher Student Center Theatre
Directed by Stephen Skiles

Ever wanted to fit in? Ever thought that second place wasn’t good enough or that winning could finally help you figure out who you are? THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the story of a group of socially awkward kids finding joy, heartache and a purpose competing at the regional spelling bee. Winner of the Tony and 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 fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience!

Cast:

Rona Lisa Perretti…Brookelyn Duncan
Chip Tolentino…Leo Jenkins
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere…Bridget Dean
Leaf Coneybear…Ben Hunt
William Barfee…Tylen Gordon
Marcy Park…Irene Ferrell
Olive Ostrovsky…Kyra Sander
VP Douglas Panch…Benny Mitchell
Mitch Mahoney…Sean Moss
Understudy Marcy & Logainne …Gracie Phlipot
Understudy Olive & Rona…Josi Pietrzyk
Understudy Panch, Mitch & Barfee…Cohen Rice
Understudy Chip & Coneybear…Luke Heetderks

Production Team:

Lighting Designer…Jessica Drayton
Sound Designer...Jason Sebastian
Costume Designer…Jessica Pitcairn
Set Designer…David Zlatic
Music Director...Dr. Scot Buzza
Conductor/Piano...Tyler Secor
Choreographer...Jenna Treinen
Stage Manager…Anna Hittepole
Technical Director...Joe Leonard
Assistant Lighting Designer...Jonathan White
Assistant Costume Designer...Hannah Barbee
Prop Designers...Bailee Price & Isabella Varricchio
Sound Engineer…Olivia Burklow
Assistant Stage Managers...Nita Rajagopalan, Enzo Battaglia & Jamie Swisshelm
Lighting Technician...Ben Hunt
Assistant Directors...Emma Hunt & Dylan Van Camp
Light Board Operator...Sam Eaton
Spotlight Operators...Dorothy Sams, Maria Zierolf & Anna Smith
Percussion/Piano..Logan Hererra
Cello...Annie Hovey
Reeds/Piano...Jonathan McIntyre
Director & Producer...Stephen Skiles

SHOW WARNINGS: This production uses haze and flashing lights, and includes some adult content.

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION: Xavier Theatre utilizes a digital box office for events. The physical box office on campus, outside of the GSC Theatre, will open 1 hour prior to each showtime. 

Theatre doors open approximately 30 minutes prior to showtime. 

THE SPELLING BEE has a run time of 2:00 with one 15-minute intermission.

Special Thanks:

The Albers Fund
The Knowlton Foundation
Xavier University Theatre Costume Shop Team
Xavier University Theatre Shop Crew
Steven Stapleton

Photos by Mikki Schaffner.