High school stereotypes are under investigation in The Unusual Suspects, the latest community theatre production from Footlighters, running June 19 to 21.
Directed by longtime theatre artist Lynne Karey-McKenna, the play will close out the group's 30th season with a blend of mystery, comedy, and nostalgia in a way she hopes will make people laugh — but also leave them thinking.
Written by Samara Siskind, the story follows four very different high school students — each one a recognizable stereotype — as they find themselves in detention, only to uncover a mystery involving one very unpopular principal.
"These kids are on a journey of redemption and revenge that a lot of us may be able to relate to," she said, adding her own description of the story as a mashup of The Breakfast Club and Scooby-Doo, minus the dog.
“It’s funny, but there’s a heartwarming-ness to it,” she said. “This play shows us that people aren't always what we think they are."
The play features 14 cast members of all ages – many of whom are brand new to the stage – including Lexi and Jordana Aryan, David Melville, Aniah and Susan Bourque, Barb Hunter, Grace and Faith Ganong, Corene Collins, Jasmine Lothien, Jade Smith, Michelle Karey-McKenna, Damian Wilkinson, and Rosalyn Greavette.
“A lot of them are doing multiple roles, and they’re doing it so beautifully — different voices, different postures, fast costume changes,” Karey-McKenna said. “There’s so much energy and enthusiasm. Even the ones with more experience are still wanting to learn and explore. It’s really exciting to work with.”
A seasoned performer, Karey-McKenna has directed and acted in dozens of productions over the years, including improv work in Chicago, commercials and films in Vancouver, and most recently the web series Southern Interior, which is filmed in Nelson and recently surpassed one million views on YouTube.
This is her first time directing with Footlighters, but she has been heavily involved as a board member and actor since moving to Creston in 2021. She also hosts a monthly play reading to help community members audition and explore scripts without the added pressure of the stage.
The Unusual Suspects was one of the plays the group read, and the response was immediate.
“It made everybody laugh,"she said. "This particular play had a great range in the cast. There are small parts, big parts, different ages. This is a very much an ensemble piece."
She encourages anyone who has never been to a Footlighters production to come out and experience the charms of community theatre.
“It’s going to be a really fun night,” said Karey-McKenna. “We’ve all been to high school — or are in high school — and I think people are going to relate to it. You’ll see parts of yourself, or friends, or moments from your own teen years. Maybe even come in your old high school wardrobe if you want!”
And beyond the laughs, she said, it’s the kind of story that sparks conversation and breaks down barriers.
“I think that’s what I’ve always loved about film and theatre — the after-talk,” she said. “We kind of miss that, right? When we're watching things at home and we're so busy. Come watch this with community, then go to Jimmy's afterwards, talk about it, and enjoy it together."
Tickets can be purchased at the door of Kootenay River Theatre, Creston Card & Stationery, or crestontickets.ca for $15 per adult, $12 per student/senior, or $10 per child.
The next monthly play reading is set for June 23 at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the Creston Valley Public Library. It's a low-stakes way to try out acting, be involved in the play selection process, and find out what it takes to be onstage. Contact Lynne at 604-807-5802 or lynnekmc@gmail.com with any questions.
"If you're too scared to do a play, but you want to just try it out and dip your toes in, that's what it's all about," said Karey-McKenna. "I really believe in community theatre being very inclusive."
