Matt Manuel Shares Backstage Scoop From THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Matt Manuel plays Mitch Mahoney in the off-Broadway revival of the musical.
We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Matt Manuel, who plays Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off-Broadway. Below, he shared some of his favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Previously, Matt appeared on Broadway in Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations. He appeared on the National Tours of Girl from the North Country, Motown the Musical, and May We All. On television, he can be seen in “Only Murders in the Building”.
%20Dirty%20Sugar%203414RT.jpg?format=auto&width=1400 "Matt Manuel Shares Backstage Scoop From THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE")
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
I’m usually coming directly from the gym, so the first thing I usually do is drop my bag and then I go say hello to Leanna Rae Concepcion. We’re usually the first actors to arrive, so we just catch up for a bit. Afterwards, I make a cup of coffee. Sometimes that order gets flipped.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
This is so embarrassing, but I put this moisturizing body oil on my arms. Again, I’m coming from the gym and I always forget to moisturize, so I do it at the theater. I also grab a vocal zone lozenge.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
Does coffee count? In all seriousness, I make this mousse out of oikos triple zero yogurt, sugar free chocolate chips, and a spoon of peanut butter. It is SOOOOOOOOO good….and then a second cup of coffee lol.
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
Oh I think we are passed weird with each other. We’re all screaming and warming up together. It’s the safest place to be weird.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
A coffee mug…for tea…lol. I also need throat lozenges, my skincare products, a phone charger, and some photos of friends and family.
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
We never leave the stage, so I would say anything that Lilli Cooper does. She is so hilarious and adapts so well to in moment changes. I always look forward to what she is going to say when introducing a guest speller.
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
Most recently, it would be coming backstage to see Julianne Moore and her family. I was gobsmacked!!! Because of the way the show runs, we’re always on stage, so a lot of my favorite cast moments happen either on stage, or between shows in the dressing room. I do love that on 2 show days, we all just hangout and eat and talk. We’ll have dance parties, or watch tv together in the boys dressing room.
About Spelling Bee
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee recently extended for a second time! The limited Off-Broadway engagement at New World Stages will now play through Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Currently starring in the cast are Grammy Nominee & SAG Award winner Kevin McHale, in his New York stage debut as William Barfée, Tony Award nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers as Olive Ostrovsky, Grammy & Tony Award Nominee Justin Cooley as Leaf Coneybear, Philippe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino, Autumn Best as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, Leana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park, Tony Award nominee Lilli Cooper as Rona Lisa Peretti Jason Kravits as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, and Matt Manuel as Mitch Mahoney. Rounding out the cast as understudies are Brandon L. Armstrong, Jahbril Cook, Emily Nicole Rudolph, and Cecilia Snow.
Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin and a vibrant score by Tony Award winner William Finn, this new production of the musical is directed & choreographed by Danny Mefford. The limited engagement previously extended through April 12.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced and funny D-E-L-I-G-H-T. 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.
Six spellers enter, but only one can win The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! 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.
