Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart

Episode: "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Live in Studio"

Air Date: February 20, 2026, WNYC

Overview

This engaging episode spotlights the acclaimed revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, two decades after its Broadway debut. Host Alison Stewart welcomes several cast members—Kevin McHale, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Justin Cooley, and Liana Rae Concepcion—into the WNYC performance studio for live performances, laughter, and in-depth conversation about the show's enduring appeal, character dynamics, the joy and challenges of ensemble work, and how the current revival revitalizes well-loved roles for a new generation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Show’s Enduring Appeal & Ensemble Magic

• Nostalgia and Freshness: The show’s quirky middle-school spellers and witty music continue to charm audiences, offering both comedic relief and emotional depth.
• Ensemble Structure: Jasmine Amy Rogers discusses the difference between leading a show (Betty Boop) and working in an ensemble, calling it “so lovely and so joyous…you get to kind of explore relationships in a little bit of a different way.” (06:48)
• Live Performances: Cast members perform live renditions of signature songs, capturing the show's whimsical yet heartfelt spirit.

Character Insights & Representation

• Olive Ostrovsky (Jasmine Amy Rogers): Jasmine reveals her initial doubts about playing Olive, both vocally and in breaking expectations about race in musical theater:

  “I didn't think it was something that was for me…what's nice is that…the character isn't about her race necessarily. She's just a girl.” (10:11)

• William Barfay (Kevin McHale): Kevin shares the empathy required to play Barfay, a character often misunderstood:

  “We're not making fun of any of these kids. They are so pure…It's like, yeah, he's a bit of a bully, but it's because he's been bullied…For me, Barfay was scary because he is loud and he's confrontational, and he's not afraid to say what he wants to say. And I'm sort of the opposite.” (11:52)

• Marcy Park (Liana Rae Concepcion): Liana addresses fighting against Asian stereotypes:

  “Over the last 20 years, [Marcy] has gotten a lot of stereotypes…that actually is not even in the text…She's actually not even an overachieving student…it's actually not what she wants…she finally has the freedom to make a choice for the first time in her life.” (13:53)

• Leaf Coneybear (Justin Cooley): Justin’s portrayal connects to childhood innocence:

  “Leaf feels like me reconnecting with everything that actually was embarrassing to me and that I slowly, slowly socialized out of myself over the years. And now it's like, take all of that, expose it, and find the light in it.” (16:16)

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes & Career Reflections

• Revival Origins: Several cast members bonded in a previous Kennedy Center production that ignited their passion for bringing the revival to New York (04:29–06:36).
• Spelling Bee Memories: Humorous and sometimes traumatic recollections from the actors’ grade school experiences in spelling bees (08:54–09:43).
• Directorial Approach: The director (Danny) emphasized authenticity and compassion for the characters, not mockery.

Celebrity Cameos & Audience Participation

• Surprise Spellers: The tradition of inviting both celebrities (e.g., Daniel Radcliffe, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Al Roker, Stephanie J. Block) and regular theatergoers on stage as spellers is discussed with fondness and humor.

  “It's really fun. I love talking to them in character, and they're like, who are you? It's so fun.” (25:12, Justin)

• Inclusive Spirit: Emphasis on the show being accessible, appealing to both seasoned theater fans and newcomers.

  “It just gives the opportunity for kids to be kids, which is also exciting, and to really tell such a beautiful story that'll resonate with everyone seeing the show.” (21:39, Liana)

Reflections on Broadway and Their Own Journeys

• Kevin draws parallels between his time on Glee and performing on Broadway:

  “What we're doing here is almost the exact same thing, minus the very big difference of doing it live…” (22:41)

• Andy on ensemble memories: The sense of community among “Glee alumni” currently on or around Broadway.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Race and Representation
  • Jasmine Amy Rogers:

    “Especially being a black girl growing up in this body and watching Olive have been previously always a white woman. I didn't think it was something that was for me.” (10:49)

  • Liana Rae Concepcion:

    “I take very seriously…making sure that any young Asian person…understand that they are more than just all these stereotypes.” (14:11)

• On Spelling Bee Trauma
  • Justin Cooley:

    “I did spelling bees in third, fourth, and fifth grade…But I had deafening stage fright at that time. It was so traumatic. I remember walking off and, like, crying with my mom after I got out. But I was really brave in giving it my all.” (09:25)

• On Rediscovering Childhood
  • Kevin McHale:

    “Getting to, like, sort of go back and play kids when you're so awkward and uncomfortable…your body's changing and, like, your nose is too big for your face…it's nice to actually be able to go back and revisit that and remember that…” (12:41)

• On Audience Connection
  • Text from Audience Member (read by Alison):

    “Spelling Bee ignites the heart of a child in all of us. The audience roots for each character, so we are immediately connected. The musicians and performers have a magnetism that embraces us all.” (29:00)

  • Kevin McHale Response:

    “That is exactly how we feel doing the show. And it's exactly why we do the show and want everybody to come see it.” (29:25)

Musical Numbers (Live in Studio)

• “My Friend, the Dictionary” performed by Jasmine Amy Rogers (01:18–04:17)
• “I’m Not That Smart” performed by Justin Cooley (17:25–20:11)
• “Magic Foot” performed by Kevin McHale and cast (25:50–28:53)

Important Timestamps

• 00:08 – Episode Intro, cast introductions & show context
• 01:18 – “My Friend, the Dictionary” (live performance)
• 04:29 – Cast journeys, Kennedy Center memories
• 06:37 – Ensemble work reflections
• 08:54 – Spelling bee childhood stories
• 10:11 – Jasmine on playing Olive & representation
• 11:52 – Kevin on Barfay, empathy & comedy
• 13:53 – Liana on Marcy Park & Asian stereotypes
• 16:01 – Justin on Leaf Coneybear & childhood quirks
• 17:25 – “I’m Not That Smart” (live performance)
• 21:08 – Original cast visits & legacy
• 21:39 – Liana on the show's lasting power
• 22:38 – Kevin on Glee and Broadway crossover skills
• 24:24 – Justin & Kevin on audience spellers and celebrity cameos
• 25:50 – “Magic Foot” (live performance)
• 29:00 – Listener text, emotional resonance of the show

Closing Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the cultural and emotional resonance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. With its infectious music, nuanced performances, and message of empathy, the musical continues to connect with audiences both old and new. The cast’s reflections underscore the show's significance as both an artistic celebration of difference and a communal, heartwarming experience. The episode is a delight for musical theater fans and anyone interested in the enduring magic of ensemble performance.