‘Mr. Wheeler’s’ Opens at YSU This Weekend
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University’s University Theatre will open its next main stage production, the world premiere of Mr. Wheeler’s, Friday in Bliss Hall’s Spotlight Theater.
Written by Boardman native Rob Zellers, the play is set in 2005 Youngstown in the former Market Street restaurant from which it takes its name. The plot focuses on the “scruffy band of young people who work the breakfast shift” at the South Side restaurant who discover a bag of money that appears in its basement.
“As they debate the source of the money and what to do about it, a second one arrives, and then a third and a fourth, and sets in motion a series of events that threatens what small gains they’ve made as well as their plans for the future,” according to a news release announcing the show.
“With this world premiere of Rob’s play, the designers, students, and I have the opportunity to work directly with the playwright as the play is being continually refined,” said Matthew Mazuroski, professor and chairman in the Department of Theatre and Dance, who is directing the production.
“It also gives our student actors the experience of working with someone of Rob’s caliber, and they have the opportunity to help shape these characters on stage for the very first performance of this show,” he continued.
The cast includes Daniel Navabi, Columbus; Stefon Funderburke, Farrell; Nathan Wagner, Ambridge, Pa.; Mia Colon, Youngstown; Keith Stepanic, Champion; Nicolas Wix, Salem; Destinee Thompson, Akron; and Shanon Coleman, Toledo.
The show will run for two weekends, beginning this Friday and running through Sunday, and closing the weekend of Feb. 23 though 25. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while the Sunday matinee performances are at 2 p.m.
Adult tickets are $16. Special rate tickets are $8 for non-YSU students, YSU faculty and staff with valid ID, senior citizens, Penguin Club members and groups of eight or more. YSU student tickets are free with a valid YSU ID.
Tickets are available by calling 330-941-3105 or here. Patrons are advised to secure their tickets early.
Pictured: Nicolas Wix and Destinee Thompson.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
