BUCHANAN — From a cappella to scenes from the movie “Monty Python,” the Tin Shop’s latest production, the Hometown Variety Show, features an eclectic mix of comedy, original work and music.

The show debuts at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Additional shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. May 10 to May 12; and 4 p.m. May 13.

Director Kelly Carlin said she chose a mashup style production because she wanted to let actors in the community theater decide what they wanted to bring to the stage.

“This is a different thing,” Carlin said. “I really wanted everybody’s input. It’s definitely a big mix.”

She said the family-friendly production is likely to appeal to people of all ages. 

“I would definitely encourage anyone in the community to see it,” Carlin said. “You are going to see talented people from your own walk of life. It’s mostly comedy, but some of it is touching.”

In addition to scenes from beloved movies, viewers will see some original work written by and starring Carlin. Improvisation and comedy routines are also part of the approximately two-hour long show, including an intermission.

Besides giving the actors the ability to make the show all their own, Carlin said she likes the freedom of creating a show that is bound to be a little different for each performance, due to the improvisation aspect of many of sketches.

There are about 20 actors starring in the show. Their ages range from 5 to 83 years old. Carlin said she appreciates that community theater draws people of all ages to the stage.

“I think the young actors can always learn from the older actors and the older actors inspire the youth,” Carlin said.

Among those acting in the play is Jordan York, 22, of Buchanan. York said he was enthusiastic about the opportunity for local actors to offer input about what they wanted to perform.

“The Tin Shop has not had a show like this before, where the cast gets to pick,” York said. “We usually do shows that are kind of straight forward with a beginning, middle and end. We have never had a mix of dance and song. We have never had variety. Everybody gets to showcase what they are good at.”

For the variety show, York is helping to co-host the production and starring in several of the other acts.

York has been an actor at the Tin Shop since he was 13 years old. He said he likes community theater because it draws people from across Michiana to come together and be creative.

“It’s a chance to work together and maybe do something outside of their comfort zone,” York said. “You get to meet so many interesting people and people you probably have seen all your life but have never had the chance to get to know.”

Like Carlin, he encouraged people to check out the Hometown Variety Show for themselves.

“It’s got something for everybody,” York said.