The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Directed by Stephanie Lynge
May 31 to July 7
This fast-paced, phonetic musical comedy will undoubtedly bring you to your feet! Join an eclectic group of six young people who compete in 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 “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Eight spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
Complete with audience participation and plenty of effortless improv, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE guarantees a one-of-a-kind, musical theater performance that spells F-U-N!
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have going to the theatre! – Broadway World (New Jersey)
“Irresistible, riotously funny and remarkably ingenious …” NEW YORK TIMES
“Utterly, hilarious, surprisingly warm, almost criminally entertaining.” – Center Stage
How To Volunteer as a Speller:
(1) Arrive to the Hippodrome 20-30 minutes before the show.
(2) Find Neta with the clipboard! She will be located on the first floor, upon entering the Hippodrome.
(3) Fill out the form and get ready to S-P-E-L-L!
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
On Mainstage May 31 to July 7
Previews: May 29-30
Opening Night: Friday, May 31, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. | Thursdays at 7 p.m. | Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. | Sundays at 2 p.m.
RUSH SALE: $20 tickets every Wednesday and Saturday of show run.
Rush tickets can ONLY be purchased online or in-person/phone between the given time window the DAY OF SHOW:
Wednesdays at 4pm-6:45pm | Saturdays at 5pm-7:45pm
Use code RUSHTIX
For patrons requiring elevator access or extra assistance with stairs and/or are interested in a
Sensory-Friendly theatre experience please click here.
Hippodrome Gainesville FLORIDA
Contact the Box Office (352 375 4477) or email [email protected] for Accessible Seating
Content Advisory: PG13
Play discusses race, LGBTQ+ themes and has some profanity and strong language.
Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Originally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Our 112-year-old elevator has reached the end of its life and has been permanently closed. To ensure continued accessibility to live theatre experiences while awaiting the installation of a new elevator, the Hippodrome is introducing an initiative—“Alternate Access Theatre.” Please click here for more information. Performances will take place on our 2nd Stage/Hipp Cinema, located on the first floor, accommodating individuals requiring elevator access or extra assistance with stairs.
Plan your visit
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in the News
H-i-p-p Spells Fun by Shamrock McShane -Blog shamrockmcshane – June 4, 2024
The Hippodrome presents ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ by Sydney Johnson – The Alligator – June 10, 2024
Fast-paced, phonetic fun: the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee hits the stage – Alachua Chronicle – May 24, 2024
Tell Me About It Podcast: Stephanie Lynge as guest speaker by Sue Wagner – WUFT – June 10, 2024
