Lilli Cooper and Jasmine Amy Rogers to Depart Spelling Bee

Original cast members Lilli Cooper and Jasmine Amy Rogers will each complete their extended runs in the revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at New World Stages this summer.

Cooper’s last performance will be on August 6, and Rogers will remain in the show through August 9.

Their replacements will be announced soon. As previously reported, Laura Marano begins performances on June 24 as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre. Two-time Emmy Award-winner Jon Cryer was the first replacement to join the cast.

Cooper, who received a 2026 Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance as Rona Lisa Peretti, and Rogers, who received 2026 Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, for her performance as Olive Ostrovsky, will depart to pursue soon-to-be announced projects. Rogers will also take a leave of absence beginning June 11 and returning on July 9.

The 20th anniversary revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee currently also features Jon Cryer as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Kevin McHale as William Barfée, Tony Award nominee Justin Cooley as Leaf Coneybear, Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Autumn Best as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre through June 22, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, and Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney. Understudies are Brandon L. Armstrong, Jahbril Cook, DeMarius Copes, Vanessa Magula, Emily Nicole Rudolph, and Cecilia Snow.