Rust Belt Theater Company to Present ‘The Illusion’

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Rust Belt Theater Company will present “The Illusion,” written by Robert Dennick Joki, at 8 p.m. Aug. 18, 19, 25 and 26 in the outdoor performance space at Club Switch, 221 Belmont Ave., downtown. 

“The Illusion” is based on “L’Illusion Comique,” a classic French play by Pierre Corneille. A hilarious tale of love, murder, betrayal and irony, the play tells the story of Elsa Pridamont, a troubled mother who is seeking her missing son.

Elsa ventures into the lair of a sorceress, where she is presented with a series of mystical visions about her son. In the process, she finds out more than she expected.

Joki, who is also the executive director of Rust Belt Theater, explained his reasons for writing the play.

“I was originally scheduled to direct [a production of] Shakespeare in the Park [at Morley Pavilion] this summer,” he said. “But when Mahoning Valley Players decided to take the summer off, I still wanted to do some outdoor theater. I’m obviously no William Shakespeare, but I think people who enjoy historical fiction shows like ‘Bridgerton,’ ‘The Gilded Age’ and ‘The Great’ will enjoy ‘The Illusion.’”

Rust Belt last presented “The Illusion” about a decade ago.

The cast of the current production includes Shelby Gossick, PK Lankford, Alex Kluchar, Sarah Robles, Kylie Davis, Brandon Groves, Lisa Torrence and Joki.

Tickets are $15. For reservations, call 330 507 2358. 

Pictured at top: The cast of “The Illusion” includes Brandon Groves, Lisa Torrence and Alex Kluchar.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.