Kelly Road secondary's senior drama class is putting laughs where their mouths are in a classic 70s boarding house setting where residents of the Sweetwater Inn are just a bunch of free loaders, some with a built in criminal element.
The play goes May 8 to 10 at Kelly Road school with a 28-member cast and crew from Grades 11 and 12. Every student in the class takes a role, as well as creating sets, props and costumes.
"This is a quirky, light-hearted comedy, and the kids are doing a great job with it," said drama teacher Audrey Rowell.
Grade 11 student Sabrina Mori is in her third year of drama and loves to be centre of attention.
"I am Minnie Floss," said Mori. "Minnie is the owner of the hotel with her husband Rupert and she's not the brightest. She's not totally aware of all the crazy things happening in her inn. She just wants everyone to be happy and have a good time and everything is just wonderful."
Mori said one of the biggest challenges is that her character cries for half the play.
"And not laughing when there's things like Luna eating worms right beside me is a whole other challenge," said Mori.
The best part of being in drama?
"As soon as we spent time together in the drama class, we all ended up being best friends," said Mori. "It's really fun. I find the play hilarious enough on stage so I know it will be pretty entertaining for the audience as they watch."
Jack Mimms is played by Grade 12 student Chelsey Cherkas.
"I am a long-time resident of the Sweetwater Inn and I'm basically a part of the family but I am a free loader who earns his keep working the garden," said Cherkas, who is a championship Ukrainian dancer when she's not portraying old, nerdy men in comedies at school. "I raise worms and parrots and I'm a bachelor who hits on every girl who comes along. I'm a nerd and a scientist. It's going to be a great show and I know everyone is going to love it."
Half of Friday's proceeds will be donated to the Kelly Road Relay for Life team in honour of drama teacher Audrey Rowell's brother, Dacy Lee, 36, who passed away from brain cancer two years ago.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with general admission seating. Tickets are at the door, $10 for adults, students and seniors $5, children under 12 are $2.
