There’s nothing quite like being put on the hotseat by competing in an old-fashioned spelling bee. For the winner, of course, it’s the ultimate pat on the back. For others, it can be sheer torture. Yet in our modern age of spellcheck, which is for formal writing, and texting, which is more than forgiving of spelling errors, the spelling bee would seem to have become a moot point.

But folks who attend the Community Players of Salisbury’s current project will find that a spelling bee can make for some very entertaining musical theater. The Players’ production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which opens Friday evening, will highlight a group of young people whose talents extend well beyond the ability to spell difficult words aloud. These talented young actors and actresses will dance, sing and spell their way across the stage and back, while in the process candidly disclosing the backgrounds and quirks of the characters they are playing.

And yes, there are lessons to be learned by each character as the evening progresses toward the elimination from competition of all but the champion speller.

“This action-packed show is a wild ride of emotions,” said Jake Brittingham, who directed this Players’ production. “You might even learn a few new words along the way.”

All eyes are on the younger actors and actresses in this play.

“Sometimes, I’ll be at schools and my friends will say, ‘Lauren, you’re doing it again’ when I unknowingly switch to my character’s lisp,” said Lauren Sulzbach-Oliveira. “I love the creative liberty I get with my character.” Sulzbach-Oliveira plays Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, who has so enthusiastically embraced her role, she said, it’s become like second nature.

At one point in the play, Logainne goes on a rant.

“I get to write (the rant),” said Sulzbach-Oliveira, “about anything and everything, literally everything, from the newest Spiderman movie to the legal drinking age in America. Logainne is extremely aware of everything going on. That’s what makes stepping into her world so easy.”

It wasn’t all fun and games, however.

“Whether I was being flipped or doing a tap move, I had to learn some coordination skills,” she said. “But I wouldn’t trade being Logainne for anything, she’s become a part of me.”

Kyle Hayes plays the role of Chip Tolentino. It’s his first experience with theater.

“Playing Chip has been equally rewarding as it has been challenging,” he said. “Learning how to let go and lean into the vulnerability that is required was a process.”

“On the flip side,” he said, “it has been super fun trying to bring a character to life who, in a lot of ways, is vastly different than myself.”

Alana Troxell plays the role of Olivia Ostrovsky.

“Olive is a shy girl who just wants to make friends,” said Troxell, “which is something that resonates with a lot of young girls. I like playing Olive because she’s a complex character that allows me to show a wide range of emotions. Her personality is very different than mine. Olive is a challenge and it is a privilege to play her on stage.”

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” promises to provide for an unusual – and unusually entertaining – evening as the time-honored tradition of a spelling bee unfolds to reveal so much more about the characters than their ability to spell in front of an audience.

“Get your tickets now as this is a show you do not want to miss,” said Brittingham.