**Broadway Musical Welcomes New Stars Ahead of Final Performances**
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The acclaimed revival of *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* is set to welcome two celebrated performers, Ali Stroker and Laurie Hernandez, to its cast as it nears the end of its run. The new additions will begin their performances on September 7, with the musical scheduled to conclude on October 11.
Ali Stroker, a Tony Award-winner, is set to take on the role of Rona Lisa Peretti, a former spelling champion who serves as the bee’s host. Stroker, who made history as the first wheelchair user to perform on Broadway, previously garnered acclaim for her portrayal of Ado Annie in the 2019 revival of *Oklahoma!*, for which she won the Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Joining her is Laurie Hernandez, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist and a rising talent in the theatre world. Hernandez will portray Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, a politically outspoken contestant in the spelling bee. She made her Broadway debut earlier this year in *& Juliet* following a prestigious gymnastics career, during which she earned team gold and individual silver medals at the Rio Olympics.
Stroker and Hernandez replace Alex Newell and Laura Marano, who will perform their final shows on September 6. The revival has enjoyed considerable success, starring a talented ensemble that includes Jon Cryer in the role of Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Justin Cooley as Leaf Coneybear, among others.
This latest casting marks a significant moment for both Stroker and Hernandez. Stroker has made successive strides in her career, building upon her groundbreaking appearances in various productions. Her role in *Spring Awakening* not only made her an iconic figure on Broadway in 2015 but also set a precedent for future performers with disabilities.
Hernandez’s transition from gymnastics to acting has fostered a new chapter in her life. Following her retirement from gymnastics, she pursued drama at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, demonstrating her dedication to performing arts alongside her numerous accomplishments in sports and television.
The musical, which features a Tony-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin and music by the late William Finn, embraces the quirky journeys of six eccentric contestants vying for a spelling championship. Audiences will find themselves immersed in the contestants’ personal narratives as they face the challenge of increasingly difficult words — all while enjoying a dose of audience participation.
Originally debuting Off-Broadway in 2005, *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* swiftly transitioned to Broadway, where it enjoyed a successful three-year run and garnered two Tony Awards. The current revival, directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, opened Off-Broadway on November 17, 2025, and has been extended multiple times due to popular demand.
As the musical prepares for its final performances, the production has already received accolades, including several prestigious awards for Best Revival of a Musical. Tickets for the show are currently available, and the excitement surrounding its impending closure has heightened among theatre enthusiasts.
Fans of both Stroker and Hernandez are eagerly anticipating their performances as they add their talents to a production that has resonated with many for almost two decades. As the curtain falls on this incarnation of *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee*, it is sure to be a bittersweet experience for everyone involved.