The Salem Community Theatre is closing its 2023-2024 season with the Tony Award winning “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this weekend. (Submitted photo)

SALEM — The Salem Community Theatre is closing its 2023-2024 season with the Tony Award winning “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” features a motley crew of contestants, each with their own peculiarities and ambitions, vying for the coveted title of spelling champion. From the socially awkward yet confident William Barfee, whose “Magic Foot” technique is the talk of the town, to Olive Ostrovsky, the endearing bookworm who finds solace in the dictionary, prepare to root for these underdogs in the ultimate battle of words; Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, the politically aware dynamo with two dads and a lisp, and Leaf Coneybear, the lovable oddball from a large and quirky family who surprises everyone with his unexpected brilliance. And who could forget Chip Tolentino, the Boy Scout heartthrob whose crush on an audience member leads to a hilarious spelling mishap?

Guiding this eclectic bunch are the equally eccentric adults: Rona Lisa Peretti, the charming moderator and former bee champion, and Vice Principal Douglas Panch, whose penchant for confusing sentences and definitions keeps contestants and audience alike on their toes.

And last but not least, Mitch Mahoney, the tough-as-nails ex-convict turned “Comfort Counselor,” offering juice boxes and unexpected encouragement to those who stumble in the competition.

Under the direction of Melissa Kuttler, with musical direction by Holly Hanna, the cast features Sarah Carroll, Aiden Blevins, Lucas Mitchell, Tyler Alexander, Landon Reichenbach, Lillia Gerst, Emily Huber, Kate Congo, Katie Short, and Ian McBride. Once again, the theatre also brings back a live orchestra for the performances through cooperation with the Salem Music Center.

The producation is sponsored by Gold Sponsor True Value of Minerva, and Gold Sponsors NDC Heating and Cooling and Insta Copy of Salem.

Tickets are available by visiting the theatre website at www.salemcommunitytheatre.org. The theatre is located at 490 E. State St.