Cast
Philippe Arroyo
Chip Tolentino
Philippe Arroyo
(Chip Tolentino)
is a proud alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University, who is thrilled to return to the Bee!! Broadway/Theatre credits include: & Juliet (Francois Dubois), Kennedy Center’s 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip), Disney’s Aladdin National Tour (Omar), The York Theatre’s Penelope (Telemachus), Joe Iconis’ Punk Rock Girl (Dudley), The Karate Kid Musical (Freddie), Into the Woods First National Tour (Jack), Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), TUTS' In the Heights (Sonny). TV credits: “Uncoupled” on Netflix, “Evil” on CBS, “Helpsters” on Apple Plus, and “Truth Slash Fiction!
Leana Rae Concepcion
Marcy Park
Leana Rae Concepcion
(Marcy Park)
was an original cast member of the Tony Award winning revival of Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway, Off-Broadway & will appear in the upcoming film. Her other credits include the Kennedy Center production of Spelling Bee, Joanne in Rent at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and Katie in the world premiere of Rattlesnake Kate at DCPA.
Justin Cooley
Leaf Coneybear
(Returning July 22)
Justin Cooley
(Leaf Coneybear, Returning July 22)
was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Lortel and Antony awards and received an AEA Clarence Derwent Award, a Theatre World Award and the Clive Barnes Award in recognition of his performance as Seth in the original Broadway company of Kimberly Akimbo. He is stoked to be hitting the stage again in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Lilli Cooper
Rona Lisa Peretti
(Through August 2)
Lilli Cooper
(Rona Lisa Peretti, through August 2)
Broadway: The Cottage, POTUS, Tootsie (TONY® Nomination), Spongebob Squarepants, Wicked (Elphaba), and Spring Awakening (original Broadway cast). NYCC Encores!: Oliver, Mack & Mabel, and Titanic. Lilli plays Doc on Apple TV’s “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” and voices Velvette on Prime’s “Hazbin Hotel.” Coming up, she can be seen starring in the new feature film “Sheepdog” and alongside Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti in Jesse Eisenberg’s newest film. A proud LAG and Vassar alum, and most gratefully, Bodie and Desi’s mom. @lilcoopz
Jon Cryer
Douglas Panch
Jon Cryer
(Douglas Panch)
Although widely known for film and television such as his Emmy®-winning turn on “Two and a Half Men” and ’80s classic Pretty in Pink, Jon Cryer started his career on Broadway in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy. He has since gone on to appear on stage in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, the Los Angeles premiere of Howard Korder’s Boys’ Life, the New York premiere of Jules Feiffer’s Carnal Knowledge, and the London, New York, and Los Angeles productions of David Baird’s 900 Oneonta. His most recent foray was opposite Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, and Patti Lupone in Stephen Sondheim’s Company at Lincoln Center.
Fernell Hogan
Leaf Coneybear
(Through July 20)
Fernell Hogan
(Leaf Coneybear, Through July 20)
is overjoyed to be participating in his first spelling bee! Select credits include Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo (OBC), The Prom (OBC); Off-Broadway: Saturday Church, Kimberly Akimbo; TV/Film: “Law & Order: SVU” and Mean Girls (2024). Thanks to CTC and Nicolosi!
Matt Manuel
Mitch Mahoney
Matt Manuel
(Mitch Mahoney)
Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations (David Ruffin). National Tours: Girl from the North Country (Joe Scott), Motown the Musical (Marvin Gaye), May We All (Joe). TV: “Only Murders in the Building”. Grateful to family and friends for their endless love and support. This performance is dedicated to the memory of dear friend and fellow artist Kaleb Kreidler, whose light and laughter continue to inspire every step I take on stage. IG: @mattmanuelmusic
Laura Marano
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre
Laura Marano
(Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre)
broke out as “Ally” in Disney’s hit series “Austin & Ally.” An accomplished actress, singer-songwriter, and producer, she can be seen in Lady Bird, The War with Grandpa, and Superbad, and starred in Netflix hits The Perfect Date (earning a Teen Choice Award) and Choose Love. She also produced and starred in Netflix’s #1 film The Royal Treatment and Saving Zoë. Marano’s latest movie Original Sound was released in theaters, and she recently wrapped Above & Below opposite Antonio Banderas and House of Holloway with Doug Jones.
Kevin McHale
William Barfée
Kevin McHale
(William Barfée)
is a Grammy-nominated, SAG Award-winning actor best known for playing Artie Abrams on “Glee.” He has appeared in multiple TV shows including “The Office,” “When We Rise,” and “American Horror Stories.” As a singer, he released his debut EP in 2019. Kevin made his stage debut in the Kennedy Center’s revival of Spelling Bee in 2024 and his London debut in 2025 in Sondheim’s The Frogs. He currently co-hosts the hit iHeart podcast And That’s What You Really Missed with “Glee” co-star Jenna Ushkowitz.
Alex Newell
Rona Lisa Peretti
(August 7-September 6)
Alex Newell
(Rona Lisa Peretti, August 7-September 6)
is a Tony Award®, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner who made history for their performance as Lulu in the Broadway hit Shucked. They previously starred as the goddess Asaka in the Tony Award®-winning revival of Once On This Island, earning a Grammy® nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. Newell is widely recognized for their breakout role as Unique Adams on “Glee” and has also starred in “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” “Empire,” “Our Kind of People,” and the feature film Another Simple Favor. A celebrated recording artist, Newell continues captivating audiences across stage, screen, and music.
Jasmine Amy Rogers
Olive Ostrovsky
(Through August 9)
Jasmine Amy Rogers
(Olive Ostrovsky, Through August 9)
earned a Tony Award® nomination for her Broadway debut as the titular role in BOOP! THE MUSICAL, and garnered “a star is born” reviews. She received Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for her portrayal, as well as Drama League and Chita Rivera nominations. Rogers played Anita in the Pasadena Playhouse production of JELLY’S LAST JAM, Gretchen Wieners in the National Tour of MEAN GIRLS, Melody Green in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of THE WANDERER and in the world premiere of BECOMING NANCY at the Alliance Theatre. TV includes “EVIL”. She was a Jimmy Awards’ finalist and studied musical theatre at the Manhattan School of Music.
Nina White
Olive Ostrovsky
(Beginning August 10)
Nina White
(Olive Ostrovsky, Beginning August 10)
is thrilled to be returning to the Bee in her Helen Hayes-nominated role. Broadway: The Queen of Versailles, Kimberly Akimbo. Off-Broadway: You Got Older (Cherry Lane). Regional: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Kennedy Center). Film/TV: Disclosure Day (Universal Pictures), A Different Man (A24), “Long Bright River” (Peacock).
Brandon L. Armstrong
Understudy
Brandon L. Armstrong
(Understudy)
Shout out to all my loved ones and a special thank you to my wonderful DGRW team! I hope you all enjoy the show and leave with a little more love in your hearts and not just a feeling of “floccinaucinihilipilification”!
Jahbril Cook
Understudy
Jahbril Cook
(Understudy)
Jahbril is thrilled to be joining this incredible cast. Past credits include Spin (Disney), A Week Away (Netflix), and a number of national commercials. He would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support, his reps, and also bees for the essential, tireless work they do.
Vanessa Magula
Understudy
Vanessa Magula
(Understudy)
Off-Broadway debut! Tours: Hamilton (Sister Standby), Waitress (Ensemble). Proud Story Pirate, Magnet Theater alum, and UCLA psychology grad. All of the love and gratitude in the world to Andrew, Ari, and her family!
Emily N. Rudolph
Understudy
Emily N. Rudolph
(Understudy)
The word is “BLESSED,” “ECSTATIC,” “HUMBLED.” Off-Broadway debut!!! :) NY-based Seattle native. Syracuse BFA. Recent Credits: “Law and Order,” “FBI: Most Wanted;” Nat’l Tours: Annie, ACS. Huge thanks to the casting/creative team! Endless gratitude to my family & friends, for everything ♥ Mama, Mama, Mama, I love you! @emmy_rudolph
Cecilia Snow
Understudy
Cecilia Snow
(Understudy)
Cecilia Snow is thrilled to be making her Off-Broadway debut in Spelling Bee! Credits include Six (Alt/DC), A Christmas Story (Miss Shields), SFANW (Woman 1), and The Bodyguard (Nicki). Many thanks to the creative team, Pantera/Murphy, Zackary, and Lucille. Dedicated to theatre nerds everywhere! www.ceciliasnow.com Jer. 23:11
DeMarius R. Copes
Vacation Cover
DeMarius R. Copes
(Vacation Cover)
This is gonna be so much fun!!! Broadway creds: Some Like It Hot (OBC), Mean Girls (OBC), Elf the Musical! (2024 Revival). Off-Broadway creds: Once Upon A Mattress (NYCC Encores!), Romy & Michele (Stage 42). Some fun tours, some fun regional! Love to mom and CTG!!!
YOU COULD BEE ONSTAGE!
#SpellingBeeNYC
340 W 50th St, New York, NY (Map)