Synopsis

Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a comedic gem that has delighted audiences nationwide. The story unfolds as an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents competes for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Amidst spelling challenging (and possibly made-up) words, the contestants share hilariously touching tales from their home lives while desperately avoiding the dreaded "ding" of the bell signaling a spelling mistake. It's a riotous ride with audience participation, ensuring a delightful den of comedic genius. In this spelling showdown, six enter, but only one leaves as the ultimate champion—while the losers, at least, get a consolation juice box. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a heartwarming and side-splitting exploration of the journey to victory, complete with humor that effortlessly transcends the confines of the competition.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Chip Tolentino

An athletic, social boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title. Still, he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.

Leaf Coneybear

The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance.

Marcy Park

The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so produced. A parochial school student, she assumes God, too, expects perfection. She sees herself as a mass of problems but keeps them to herself. She has moved often because of her parents' work and knows she can beat the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, baton twirling, and/or whatever unique gifts you can find in your casting pool.

Rona Lisa Peretti

The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children but can be stern when dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward.

Mitch Mahoney

The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better.

Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy)

Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often commenting on current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all, by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will return next year.

William Barfee

A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous "Magic Foot" method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.

Olive Ostrovsky

A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy and shyly blossoms.

Douglas Panch

The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is fascinated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affection.