Two children face away from the camera in front of a blackboard featuring educational content with a bee illustration. In the foreground, a golden trophy symbolizes achievement and success in learning. The composition combines elements of childhood, knowledge, and reward.
dec 18

Artwork by Suzanne Anan

DATE

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

- Thu, Dec 18, 2025

TIME

7:30 pm

VENUE

Enlow Recital Hall

CATEGORY

Theatre

PRICE

$13 - $16

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

A Kean University Theatre Department production 

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Directed by Holly Logue 

 

Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by the late 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. 

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be presented as the 5th annual Musical Theatre Workshop. 

Recommended Audience

Recommended for ages 13 and up. Parental discretion is advised for younger viewers, as some material may not be appropriate for children under 13. The show includes adult language and humor, and some themes may be mature for younger audiences. 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

DATE

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

- Thu, Dec 18, 2025

TIME

7:30 pm

VENUE

Enlow Recital Hall

CATEGORY

Theatre

PRICE

$13 - $16

A Kean University Theatre Department production 

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Directed by Holly Logue 

 

Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by the late 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. 

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be presented as the 5th annual Musical Theatre Workshop. 

Recommended Audience

Recommended for ages 13 and up. Parental discretion is advised for younger viewers, as some material may not be appropriate for children under 13. The show includes adult language and humor, and some themes may be mature for younger audiences. 

Venue