This Spelling Bee Musical Is Pure Joy and Chaos Live

1. A Musical That Turns Spelling Into Full-Blown Theatre Mayhem

If you think spelling bees are quiet, polite affairs, think again. Off Bookish is bringing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to Calgary on Nov. 22, and this Tony Award–winning musical turns every letter, sigh and stumble into laugh-out-loud theatre. Set inside the intimate and historic Doherty Hall, the show pulls audiences right into the action. Word nerds, musical lovers and comedy fans? This is your shared playground.

2. Off Bookish Debuts Its First Musical, and They Are Going All In

This marks Off Bookish’s first-ever musical production, and they’re coming out swinging. With music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, the show follows a quirky group of passionate teens all chasing one thing: the championship title. These characters are weird, wonderful and wildly relatable — the kind of cast that has you rooting for everyone even as they compete. And yes, audience members might even be pulled into the chaos.

3. A Night of Big Laughs, Big Voices and Surprisingly Big Heart

The show runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7, and every seat at Doherty Hall is floor-level, making it a fully immersive experience. The musical blends razor-sharp comedy with genuine emotional punches, celebrating individuality, ambition and the joy of finding your people in the unlikeliest places. It’s the kind of theatre that leaves you smiling long after the final word is spelled.

If you want a night of charm, chaos and championship energy, this bee delivers.