New World Stages | Stage 3

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Six spellers enter, but only one can win The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!

As six wonderfully unique and impassioned contestants vie for the championship by spelling their way through vexing vocabulary, hilarious and poignant personal stories unfold…along with a dash of riotous audience participation.

This charmingly witty and touching musical has entertained audiences across the world since its Tony–winning Broadway debut in 2005. It now returns to New York in a special 20th Anniversary production that celebrates the singular heart, humor, and verve that cemented its place in the musical theater canon. Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin (Striking 12, Sleeping Beauty Wakes) and a vibrant score by Tony Award winner William Finn (Falsettos, A New Brain), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced and funny D-E-L-I-G-H-T.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

HISTORY

Constructed on the site of the third Madison Square Garden (1925-1968), New World Stages was originally built as the Loews Cineplex Entertainment movie theater (1994-2001) in Worldwide Plaza. Following substantial renovations, the theater re-opened as Dodger Stages in 2004 and was renamed New World Stages on March 16, 2006. The theater complex has housed many commercial theatrical productions, as well as numerous corporate events, readings, and concerts.

ARCHITECTURE

The architects were Beyer, Blinder, and Belle. The theatre designers were Sachs Morgan, and the interior designer was Klara Zieglerova. The largest Off-Broadway theater size in New York, Stage 3’s blue velvet seats in a traditional orchestra/ mezzanine arrangement invite audiences to enjoy their favorite productions in an intimate environment, with ample leg room and excellent sightlines.

DETAILS ON STAGE 3'S ACCESSIBILITY

Access Information

Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility by Seating Section

Orchestra Location: There are no steps between rows.

Mezzanine Location: Wheelchair seating does not involve steps.

Handrails: Available on every step in the Mezzanine.

Wheelchair | Companion Seat Locations:
Orchestra: P101 | P102, O101, O102; P103 | P104, O103, O104, P105 | P106, O107, O108; P109 | P110, O109, O110

Mezzanine: D20 | D18, D16, D14

Elevators/Escalator

There is an elevator and escalator from the ground level to the theater level.
Please Note: The 50th Street escalator at New World Stages is being replaced and will be unavailable from 7/24/23 – 10/20/23.

Restroom

Restrooms are wheelchair accessible on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels.

Water Fountain

Located on the Orchestra level.

Theatre Policies
The use of cameras, recording devices, cell phones, beepers, and other electronic devices during the performance is prohibited, except as permitted for accessibility services. Everyone attending a performance must have a ticket. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management. Wheelchair and mobility-impaired seating is intended for patrons with mobility disabilities. Children under the age of four years will not be admitted. No outside food or beverage permitted, unless medically necessary. No weapons permitted on the premises.

PRODUCTIONS

Stage 3 has been home to Mandy Patinkin in Concert (2004), Modern Orthodox starring Molly Ringwald and Jason Biggs (2004), A Mother A Daughter and a Gun (2005), Burleigh Grime$ (2006), and Mimi LeDuck starring Eartha Kitt (2006).  In 2009, the Tony Award winning musical Avenue Q took residence in Stage 3.

THEATRE SPECS

Stage 3
New World Stages
340 West 50th Street
Between 8th and 9th and Avenues
New York, NY 10019

Seating Chart