There’s a reason “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has been a hit since its premiere in 2005: Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn’s musical is incredibly funny and sneakily poignant — and the songs are simply great.

Now the show is back in New York in a fab production — Elisabeth gave it a critic’s pick in the Times — that includes Lilli Cooper and Jason Kravits as Rona Lisa Peretti and Vice Principal Douglas Panch, two adults who steer the contest but also the show: One of their responsibilities is to make the guest spellers who are selected from the audience at every performance stay on track, and leave at the right moment.

Lilli and Jason came on the podcast to talk about their experience in the musical — don’t miss the part about them spotting showboaters and wannabe performers almost instantly, then plotting to get rid of them!

They also talk about some of their other roles: Lilli’s credits include David Yazbek’s “Tootsie” (Tony nom!) and the Encores! “Titanic” with dad Chuck and brother Eddie; and Peter waxed poetic about seeing Jason in many plays in D.C area theaters.

Tune in — this is a particularly funny episode!

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