It's a season of drama at the Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) and it's getting started with the bold and intense production "Lucy" by Canadian playwright Damien Atkins. Filled with symbolism and emotion, "Lucy" tells the story of a family divided when it comes to raising a daughter with autism.
The show stars Kelsey Thompson as title character "Lucy", a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with autism. The role intrigued Thompson as she was also diagnosed with autism when she was 4-years-old.
"Really looking at this play and at this character Lucy, I felt like I was looking at myself. This was me...this was me as a child," explains Thompson.
Thompson may be a rookie to CCT but she is no stranger to the stage, having recently performed in Mount Baker Secondary's production of "Mary Poppins" back in May.
Director Trevor Lundy, who is old friends with playwright Atkins, has worked hard to showcase the emotion in the production.
"I was terrified about not doing the show justice...but it spoke to me as a story of a mother and a daughter and, as a parent, feeling that you're not good enough," says Lundy. "Being able to look at it from that point of view and build that relationship."]
This is the second play Lundy has directed for CCT and he is hoping it will go on to both the Regional Kootenay Drama festival and Provincial Drama festival next year.
Returning CCT actors Michael Prestwich and Tracy McGuire take on the roles of Lucy's father and estranged mother, respectively. The cast also includes CCT veterans Ashlee Perrault and Dean Nicholson.
The play runs October 7th, 8th, 12th to the 15th, and 19th to the 22nd at the Studio Stage Door. Tickets are $15 for members, $18 for non-members with a $10 student night on October 12th (ID needed). Tickets can be purchased in advance at Lotus Books or day-of at the Stage Door.