Charleston Stage, in residence at the Historic Dock Street Theatre, invites audiences to laugh, cheer, and maybe even spell along as it presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, running February 25 through March 15, 2026, as part of the company’s MainStage Season.
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious and unexpectedly heartfelt musical that follows six awkward, overachieving middle schoolers as they compete for the ultimate spelling championship. Guided (and sometimes sabotaged) by a group of eccentric adults, these young spellers navigate the high-stakes drama of adolescence—complete with crushes, insecurities, and the pressure to be perfect—one word at a time.
With infectious music and lyrics by William Finn, a razor-sharp book by Rachel Sheinkin, and conceived by Rebecca Feldman, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is beloved for its wit and audience participation. Each performance features spontaneous moments that make every night uniquely unforgettable.
Charleston Stage’s production is directed and choreographed by Rylee Coppel, with music direction by Michael Lopez, bringing fresh energy and playful precision to this modern musical favorite on the storied stage of the Dock Street Theatre.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. For more information, visit www.mtishow.com.
Performance Details:
- What: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
- When: February 25 – March 15, 2026
- Where: Historic Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC
- Tickets: Adults start at $60.25 | Discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Children under 3 years of age are not permitted in the theatre for MainStage productions.
- Box Office: (843) 577-7183 | CharlestonStage.com
- Content Guide: Can you spell F-O-R M-A-T-U-R-E A-U-D-I-E-N-C-E-S? Rated PG13 and recommended for adults and teens, however Charleston Stage encourages parents to make the decision that feels right for them and their family by consulting their Content Guide, available here.