Theatre Arts

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

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Music & Lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Directed by Milissa Carey

February 27 – March 15, 2026

Lohman Theatre, Los Altos Hills

Six quirky adolescents. One intense spotlight. A lifetime of bragging rights on the line. This hilarious and heartwarming musical follows a lovable crew of overachievers as they battle nerves, rivalries, and the chaos of growing up, all while competing for the coveted spelling championship. With improv-style humor, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a joyful celebration of awkward adolescence, fierce determination, and finding your voice, letter by letter.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee features a wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn.

The New York Times: “Can you spell irresistible?”

Performances – 3 Weeks Only!

Friday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m.

Running Time

The average run time of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is about 1 hour 45 minutes, and is performed without an intermission.

Suggested Ages

Recommended for ages 12 and up. Younger children may enjoy the energy and music but could miss the nuances or be surprised by some mature jokes. Preteens, teens, and adults tend to connect best with its mix of big laughs, heartfelt character moments, and clever humor.

Parking in Lot 8

Parking lot 8 is the closest access to the Lohman Theatre. As you enter the campus, pass Lot 1 on your right and head toward the fountain roundabout on your left. Proceed around the fountain and enter parking lot 8. There are minimal stairs and also a ramp to the theatre lobby. View our campus map.

For this production, parking is free for all patrons.

Production Photos & Video

Cast members perform a scene from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on a colorful stage set as a school gym, while a woman holds up a large trophy and the students celebrate behind her.

A spelling bee contestant wearing number 157 dances energetically across a brightly lit gymnasium stage while other contestants watch from the bleachers during The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Cast members portraying spelling bee contestants celebrate excitedly on a school gym stage set, wearing numbered badges while one contestant sits calmly on the bleachers. A contestant wearing number 10 stands at a microphone during a spelling bee while other competitors sit behind them on bleachers on a school gymnasium stage set.

The ensemble cast performs a synchronized kick line during The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, dancing together on a brightly lit gymnasium stage.