See Alex Newell, Nina White and Julian Sewell in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway

See new photos of the new stars in the musical at New World Stages

First Look

by Sophia Rubino • Aug 18, 2026

Alex Newell as Rona Lisa Peretti in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
(Photo: Valerie Terranova)

What to Know

Alex Newell, Nina White and Julian Sewell join off-Broadway’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Tony winner Newell plays Rona Lisa Peretti, White plays Olive Ostrovsky and Sewell takes on the role of William Barfée
The musical runs at New World Stages through October 11

Alex Newell, Nina White and Julian Sewell have buzzed into The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off-Broadway. White returns to the role of Olive Ostrovsky with Sewell making his off-Broadway debut as William Barfée and Tony winner Newell joining as Rona Lisa Peretti. R-U-N to New World Stages, where Spelling Bee is playing through October 11.