Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
As the holiday season approaches, Showtimers Community Theatre is ready to bring laughter and warmth to the Roanoke Valley with its production of “In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should Be Shot).” Written by Salem native and longtime Theatre Arts teacher Steve Franco, this Christmas-themed comedy promises a delightful mix of family dysfunction, festive chaos, and heartwarming redemption.
Running from Dec. 12 to Dec. 22, the play captures the holiday spirit with a twist. It follows the Douglas family’s Christmas Eve dinner, which is hilariously upended when two robbers, Tony and Vinny, take them hostage. But as producer Carolyn Watson humorously pointed out, “Maybe with this family, it’s the other way around.”
Franco, who has taught theatre arts at Glenvar High School for over 30 years, first developed the idea for the play while studying at Roanoke College. The play’s title originated from a class assignment to create something that would immediately catch an audience’s attention. Over the years, Franco refined the concept into a comedy that he hoped would be, as he put it, “a comedy romp for the audience and the actors.”
Seeing his work performed on the Showtimers stage in his hometown feels particularly meaningful. “It is a tremendous honor!” Franco said. “This show has been staged across the U.S. and in five foreign countries, but to have it done in my hometown—that is something very special to me.”
The production features several personal connections for Franco. Keith Chumbley, who plays family patriarch Tom, was a student of Franco’s during his early teaching years. Reflecting on their history, Chumbley said, “Mr. Franco was my high school theatre teacher from 1992 to 1997. After 20 years away from theatre, getting to be in this show—written by Franco—really brings everything full circle for me.”
For Watson, this production is her first as a producer, and it holds a unique significance. “Working with Franco directly has been a joy,” she said. “Hearing him talk to the cast about the show and his process gives new meaning and context to the pages. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s been our biggest cheerleader, especially when it comes to our promotional efforts.”
The cast agrees that Franco’s involvement adds a special touch. Jake Dellinger, who plays Tony, shared his personal connection to Franco: “I was mentored by Steve Franco during my student teaching in college. His approach to analyzing scripts and delivering dialogue has shaped how I approached this role.”
The cast members bring their own motivations and experiences to the production. Chylynn Belcher, who plays Tracy, said, “I thought a Christmas comedy sounded really fun, and the title just stands out on its own.” Susan Singleton, portraying Aunt Rose, added, “I was intrigued by the title and didn’t know the story. I love how the play carries out the theme of love and forgiveness, which is so meaningful during the holidays.”
While “In-Laws, Outlaws” is undoubtedly a comedy, Franco infused it with an uplifting message. “The goal of every comedy is to lift the spirits of the audience members through laughter,” he said. “But I also wanted this show to have a message in its madness. That message is that Christmas is a time of love through redemption.”
Singleton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the play’s deeper message: “At the end, when Dad says, ‘An undeserved gift—isn’t that what the Christmas Spirit is all about?’ it really hits home. That line sums up the true meaning of Christmas.”
Adding to the hilarity, cast member Gene Marrano, who plays Uncle Leo, commented on his favorite part: “I have to admit I like zinging my wife of ‘53 years,’ which I do all throughout the play.”
The play’s humor shines through even in smaller moments. Belcher and fellow cast member Sagen Blackwell both highlighted a scene involving humorous coffee shop names, including “Sacred Grounds” and “Java the Hut.” As Blackwell described it, “The back-and-forth dialogue is so entertaining, and Vinny does a great job acting out his character’s reactions.”
Running for two weekends at Showtimers Community Theatre, “In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should Be Shot)” offers audiences a chance to laugh, reflect, and embrace the holiday spirit. Watson summed it up perfectly: “This show has something for everyone—a zany plot, relatable family dynamics, and a little Christmas magic.”
Tickets are available now, and Showtimers encourages audiences to experience this local gem. As Franco put it, “Live stage theatre is in decline across the country, but it doesn’t have to be that way in Salem. The talent on the Showtimers stage is phenomenal, and this production will leave audiences hooked on theatre.”
Photos courtesy of Tori DeGolyer
