Comedian Julian Sewell Will Make His Off-Broadway Debut in Spelling Bee

The award-winning revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has extended performances for the third and final time, now running through Sunday, October 11.

Beginning August 18, comedian and digital satirist Julian Sewell makes his off-Broadway debut as William Barfée, taking over for original cast member Kevin McHale, who will play his final performance in the role on August 16. As previously announced, McHale will join the company of The Rocky Horror Show on Broadway on August 25.

The show also stars two-time Emmy Award winner Jon Cryer as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Laura Marano as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney, Fernell Hogan covering Leaf Coneybear during original cast member Justin Cooley’s leave of absence through August 10, Lilli Cooper as Rona Lisa Peretti through August 6, with Tony Award winner Alex Newell taking over the role on August 7 for 4 weeks only, and Tony Award nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers as Olive Ostrovsky through August 9, with Nina White taking over the role on August 10. Understudies are Brandon L. Armstrong, Jahbril Cook, DeMarius Copes, Vanessa Magula, Emily Nicole Rudolph, and Cecilia Snow.

Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin and a score by Tony Award winner William Finn, this 20th anniversary production of the musical is directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford.