UNSW MTS Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Event Description:

Join UNSW MTS for a hilarious and heart-warming night at the bee!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced, Tony Award-winning musical that follows an eccentric group of students competing for the ultimate spelling championship. With witty humour, unexpected audience participation, and heartfelt moments, this show is a joyful celebration of childhood quirks, competition, and the highs and lows of growing up.

Catch all the laughs, surprises, and unforgettable performances at Studio One, UNSW, from March 25th – 30th, 2025.

Content Warning: Please be advised that this production contains flashing lights, theatrical haze and unfortunate erections.

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SHOWS:
Tuesday 25th March, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Wednesday 26th March, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Thursday 27th March, 7:30pm - 9:30pm (Swing Show* & Adults Night)

Friday 28th March, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Saturday 29th March, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (Swing Show*) & 7:30pm - 9:30pm (Adults Night)

Sunday 30th March, 1:30pm - 3:30pm & 6:30pm - 8:30pm

For the performance on Thursday 27th March, 7:30-9:30pm, Panch will be played by Bonnie FitzGerald, Olive by Helen Jordan, Chip by Benjamin Olivera and Marcy by Rachel Baker. 

For the performance on Saturday 29th March, 1:30-3:30pm, Rona will be played by Helen Jordan, Barfee by Benjamin Olivera, Logainne by Rachel Baker and Leaf by Bonnie FitzGerald.  

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THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE 

Music & Lyrics by WILLIAM FINN

Book by RACHEL SHEINKIN

Conceived by REBECCA FELDMAN

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

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

All authorised performance materials are also supplied by Music Theatre International (Australasia).
www.mtishows.com.au

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Audience Volunteers: 

There is the opportunity to be a volunteer speller in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. As a volunteer speller, you'll be called on stage to spell a word. If you'd like to sign up, look out for the Audience Volunteer Coordinator in the foyer before the show!

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Production Team

CO-PRODUCERS: Jack Fahd & Zara Thompson

DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: Cam McCredie

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Nikolas Villa Zielinski

ASSISTANT PRODUCER: Hudson Perry

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: Zara Thompson

ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR: Grace Zhou

Cast

OLIVE OSTROVSKY: Kayla Ingle-Olson

WILLIAM BARFEE: Alexander Whitbourn 

RONA LISA PERETTI: Bronwyn Dyer

DOUGLAS PANCH: Matthew De Meyrick

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZY: Tessa Marsden

LEAF CONEYBEAR: Joss Arkley-Smith

CHIP TOLENTINO: Ellis Pinkerton

MARCY PARK: Aya Adel

MITCH MAHONEY: Rohana Utamchandani 

OLIVE OSTROVSKY & RONA LISA PERETTI SWING: Helen Jordan

WILLIAM BARFEE & CHIP TOLENTINO SWING: Benjamin James Olivera

DOUGLAS PANCH & LEAF CONEYBEARSWING: Bonnie FitzGerald

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZY & MARCY PARK SWING: Rachel Baker 

Band

KEYS 1: Jonathan Zhang

SYNTH: Roderick Nguyen

REEDS: Jasmine Good

CELLO: Thomas Wills

PERCUSSION: Ashton Hardaker

Publicity

MARKETING MANAGER: Rishika Nair

PHOTOGRAPHY: Another Media Co

GRAPHICS: Cam McCredie & Rishika Nair

Crew

STAGE MANAGER: Lilly Green

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: Freya Carmody

COSTUME AND PROP DESIGNER: Jack Talty

SET: Cam McCredie & Clara Hogg

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Ej Zielinski

SOUND TECHNICIANS: Jayden Nawotka & Peter Miller

IMPROV CONSULTANTS: Ed Joseph & Bonnie Ranger

CREW: Ryder Garvey, Andrew Chen, Charlotte Jones

Travel instructions:

If you're planning to arrive at the event by car, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers ample parking facilities. Follow signage to designated parking areas, and our friendly FOH team will guide you upon arrival. For those utilizing public transport, UNSW is conveniently accessible via bus routes and light rail. The closest bus stops and light rail stations are just a short walk away from the venue. You can plan your journey using public transport apps or websites for precise routes and timings.

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Contact:
spellingbee@unswmts.org