Having played the role of self-appointed high school theater critic around here for the better part of two decades, I can say with a fair amount of certainty that little surprises me in that arena.

Except, usually, for Sherburne-Earlville. Between directors Colleen Law-Tefft and Paul Zona, the troupes at S-E, whether they’re tackling dramas or musicals, rarely play it safe. I’ve been delighted with the chances I’ve seen taken on the Marauder stage over the years. From Oscar Wilde to Moss Hart to Studs Terkel, their source material always challenges their young thespians.

So when I heard this spring’s musical was “Cinderella,” I quickly began compiling excuses for why I wouldn’t be able to go review a dress rehearsal. I’ve got to wash my hair. American Idol. Still haven’t done my taxes. Anything that would get me out of seeing one of the most tired high school productions ever.

I should have known better. Mr. Zona wouldn’t trot out a tried-and-true “Cinderella” replete with fancy ball gowns and colored tights. No, far from it – inspired by a recent viewing of “Madame Butterfly,” he thought he’d stage our familiar “Cinderella” ... Kabuki style.

Cinderella, in Kabuki? I’m in.

For the unfamiliar, Kabuki is an ancient Japanese theater style known for its use of intricate ... ah, forget it. Look it up on Wikipedia. All you need to know, basically, is that they’re doing it all in Japanese costumes. Throw in minimal set pieces and stage hands in Ninja costumes, and you’ve got a “Cinderella” like you’ve never seen before.