Hive Theater Company – Theater Mirror

Cast of Hive Theatre Company’s “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Music and lyrics by William Finn. Book by Rachel Sheinkin. Directed by Margaret McFadden. Music Directed by John Eldridge. Stage Management from Kayla Copping. Scenic Design by Kevin Deane Parker. Sound Design by Geoffrey Edwards. Lighting Design by Narissa “Nars” Kelliher. Costume Design by Samantha Wolfrum. The Hive Theatre Company’s ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ runs from January 22nd to February 1st at 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116.

By Charlotte Snow

It’s not every day that Boston is treated to a new theatre company…it seems like every month. However, it has been many years since a Boston theatre has focused on engaging a rather underrepresented demographic: teens and young adults. This is The Hive Theatre Company’s inaugural season, centered around “Competition, Community, and Coming of Age,” opening with The Wolves and now closing out with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Margaret McFadden, Founder and Producing Artistic Director of The Hive

By Julie-Anne Whitney

Theater Mirror reviewer Julie-Anne Whitney sat down with Margaret McFadden, Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Boston’s newest theater company, The Hive, to discuss their inaugural season, the importance of creating opportunities for early-career artists, and the value of theatrical experiences for young people.

Celebrating its inaugural season with Sarah Delappe’s The Wolves (Oct 2025) and William Finn’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Jan 2026), The Hive produces contemporary theater that engages teen and young adult audiences with the intention of showing young people “how theater can relate to their lives and help them make sense of their place in the world.”

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The Hive Theatre Company’s “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Buzzes with Eccentricity

The Hive Theatre Company Takes Chances with Early-Career Artists: “Young People Are Worth It”