So whenever I go about hiring a new reporter (or any job at Snyder Communications), we always administer a spelling test. Sure, in the days of spell check and autocorrect it’s not as highly a prized skill as it once was – but it should be. Especially for a reporter. And especially if you’re out to disprove your boss’ theory that Norwich grads are the worst spellers (still working on that one).

While on this latest stretch of interviewing applicants, I’ve given out a few spelling tests in the last couple weeks, so the title of this weekend’s Sherburne Music Theater Society musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” certainly caught my eye.

Obviously, this hilarious stage show is far more entertaining than our 20-question test, but it’s Friday, and I’m reaching for a metaphor here. Humor me.

The SMTS show actually opened at the Palace Theater in Hamilton last night, but there are still two shows left – tonight and Saturday night at 8.

Nine and a half times out of 10 when I’m headed to see one of these local productions, I’ve either seen it a million times already, or I’ve prepared myself for what’s to come courtesy of Wikipedia or YouTube. Well, it’s been a busy week, folks. When I left the office Monday night, I barely had time to eat, much less Google the premise of this show.

Directed by Colleen Law-Tefft and starring an impressive roster of her Sherburne-Earlville students, I thought, how bad could it be? Turns out I’m actually glad I went in cold, not knowing what to expect.