Inside Murder at the Lufferton Christmas Musical: Reuben Cook on Art and Community Filmmaking
- Community Film Project
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Meet Ron: The Theatre Kid With a Troublemaking Streak
Cook describes his character Ron as a teenager who thrives on humor, chaos, and pushing boundaries. “He's a prankster,” Cook said. “He gets into trouble, particularly at his highschool.”
Ron’s connection to the theatre comes through family ties, though not exactly in the warm-and-fuzzy way people might expect.
Forced into community service after an off-screen prank gone wrong, Ron ends up working at the theatre under the strict supervision of his “evil step uncle.”
Naturally, things only spiral from there.
As Detective Redding begins investigating Chad’s suspicious death, Ron uses humor as both a defense mechanism and a distraction tactic.
“Ron definitely copes with humor,” Cook explained. “And he also deflects with humor.”
That balance between comedy and emotional vulnerability gives the character a unique place within the ensemble cast. While Ron often lightens the mood, there’s also a protective instinct beneath his sarcasm and antics during the film.
“He doesn't want any of his friends at the theater to be found guilty,” Cook said. “So he's pushing the detective away as much as he can.”
In many ways, Ron represents the emotional heart of the theatre community itself.
“My parents are both artists and performers in their own ways,” Cook explained. “I feel very grounded when I myself am performing.”
In fact, his very first acting role came when he was still a baby.
According to Cook, his father, then a film student, cast him in a short film involving a pickle, a fake bomb detonator.
Again and again, Cook returned to the idea that Community Film Project created an environment built on respect, collaboration, and genuine care for artists.
“Everybody on this project appreciates each other,” he said.
That atmosphere clearly left a major impression on the young actor, particularly because he initially doubted whether he even belonged there.
“Even the first audition, I was unsure going in,” Cook admitted. “After directly after, I was like, ‘They’ll never go with me. I don't have much to offer here.’”
“It's been such a welcoming experience,” he said. “I'm growing so much as an appreciator of art and creation.”
“Everybody is sacrificing something,” he explained. “But also, our sacrifice is born out of respect.” In an entertainment industry often criticized for burnout and ego, that kind of collaborative spirit feels increasingly rare and refreshing.
“I've always taken all art seriously,” he explained.
That respect for creativity extends beyond acting alone. Throughout the interview, Cook spoke passionately about collaboration, filmmaking, production teams, and the process of bringing ideas to life. When asked about his dream role, he said:
“I love to create,”
He talked about enjoying the process of bringing a character to life and contributing to a larger vision rather than chasing some huge celebrity goal. And honestly, that attitude probably makes sense for a movie like this.
Independent productions usually survive because people care enough to keep showing up, especially on long shooting days when things inevitably get stressful or complicated.
The way Cook talks about the experience makes it sound less like a steppingstone and more like something he genuinely enjoyed being part of.
It was an honor to interview you, Reuben! See you at the premiere!
-Desiree from Community Film Project
Learn More
For updates and information about the film you can text LUFF to 209-703-7104. We take your privacy very seriously. Unsubscribe at any time.
You can also explore more about independent filmmaking and holiday mystery films through resources like:
Watch the video Interview Here:
Text LUFF to 209-703-7104 to join the FAN CLUB and get all the updates about the film.
Explore the merch made for music lovers and people on set SHOP HERE
