Sweet and shy Olive brings only her best friend (the dictionary) with her to the bee. Bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness. Former champion Chip is struggling with his burgeoning puberty, and easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger. Overachiever Marcy, meanwhile, is disappointed by her consistent success and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her gay dads.

In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. With an engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes audiences to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.

Presented by Phoenix Theatre Company