Letterkenny Live tonight
TV show-turned stage show comes to Charlottetown
I have something to confess.
Until two weeks ago, I knew nothing about Letterkenny – the Canadian television sitcom that has swept across North America.
The reason is simple – I haven't signed up for Crave through my cable provider yet.
So, when I sat down to watch two episodes, prior to my interview with cast member Evan Stern, I discovered what all the fuss was about.
The show’s themes are universal – relationships that are made and the events that happen in small towns.
Created by Jared Keeso and written by Keeso and Jacob Tierney, the comedy series showcases the antics of Letterkenny, a small, rural community in Canada.
Siblings Wayne and Katy run a farm and produce stand, with help from friends Daryl and Squirrely Dan. Many of the town's inhabitants fall into one of several groups, which include the farmers hicks or the out-of-towners on the local hockey team.
Evan Stern plays Roald, a member of the Skids, the group of outcasts who spend most of their time playing video games in their basement and committing petty theft.
After playing the role for nine seasons, Stern is looking forward to stepping out in front of a live audience for the very first time.
“Seeing how many people physically like the show and actually watching them laugh is going to be wild.
“That’s because (on television) we never get to see it the reaction,” said Stern, during a telephone interview from Moncton, N.B., where he is rehearsing for the show.
As for the longevity of the show, Stern said it starts with the creator Keeso and his connection to the hometown experience.
“He’s a funny guy who is observant and warm-hearted and approaches all relationships in his small town with love.”
As a results all the character are funny to laugh at and fun to laugh with.
“It’s the community feeling he translates to the stage.”
The Letterkenny Live show is touring the country with a performance in Charlottetown at the Confederation Centre today at 8 p.m.
The 90-minute comedy experience features nine of the cast members along with never-before-seen comedy sketches.
They feature adult themes and content.