YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The premiere of Valley-based playwright Michael Anthony Forney’s newest show will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Ford Family Recital Hall, in the DeYor Performing Arts Center.

The  play, “Should I Get Married?,” continues the saga of the Horton Family, which Forney created. It’s centered around a wedding that raises some questions.

For tickets, go to experienceyourarts.org.

In “Should I Get Married?,” Bebop has proposed to Brittney.

However, there’s an important part of their past that needs to be addressed before they can move forward: Bebop’s first love is Brittney’s cousin, Marcy. It becomes a crucial revelation for Brittney as the family prepares for the big day.
Other plays involving the Horton family can be seen at home on ForneyExtremeTV, the online entertainment channel.

Rust Belt to Present Cabaret Drag Show

WARREN, Ohio – The Rust Belt Theater Company will present “Happy Hallowqueen,” a cabaret drag show, featuring original songs from Rust Belt musicals, as well as other holiday favorites, on Friday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. at the Darlene Lounge, 145 W. Market St., downtown. Admission is $10 at the door.

The event will be hosted by Nicole Balaz-Zayas and Robert Dennick Joki (as Starrlet O’Hara.)  Proceeds will benefit Full Spectrum Community Outreach. 

“Donations and general support for LGBTQ+ organizations are down considerably this year,” Joki said. “ Full Spectrum and RBTC have both recently had issues with venues pulling out of events. We are very grateful to the owners of Modern Methods for allowing us to use their space.”

The cast will also include Marisa Zamary, Diane Marie, Sarah Whitlatch, Rachel Clifford, Charity Bauer, Keith Stepanic and Haley Comet. 

The first 50 people through the door will also receive a piece of handmade jewelry, designed by Joki.  

Designer Purse Bingo for Inspiring Minds

WARREN, Ohio – Inspiring Minds will present a designer purse bingo at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at its headquarters, 837 Woodland St. NE. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The evening will feature designer purses and accessories, basket raffles, door prizes and

More. Proceeds will benefit Inspiring Minds’ mission to engage, inspire and empower local youth through education and exposure.

“This event brings together fun, fashion and philanthropy,” explained Jalaya Provitt, Inspiring Minds program coordinator. 

General admission tickets, VIP tickets, reserved tables, and various sponsorship opportunities are available at IMyouth.org/Bingo.

“This event is about community, bringing people together to help positively impact the next generation,” continued Provitt.

Inspiring Minds is a nonprofit organization that has served thousands of local students over the past 20 years through free after-school and summer programs that focus on education, college and career readiness, exposure to new experiences, health and wellness, and personal development.

Halloween Event for Next Level Program

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio –  Alta Care Group’s Next Level program will present a free Halloween event for youth ages 13-17 on Oct. 25, from 1-4 p.m. at Camp Challenge, 939 Wilkinson Ave.

The event will feature games, prizes, food, a costume contest and a brief prevention lesson.

Next Level is a prevention program funded by the One Ohio grant to empower youth through targeted support that promotes mental wellness, builds life and social skills and helps prevent risky behaviors. Saturday’s event will  give youth a glimpse into the Next Level program with a chance to sample some of its activities.

“Next Level is an innovative program where we can connect with youth through programming and events they enjoy and in the process expose them to prevention lessons, team building experiences and mental health techniques and resources,” Vince Paolucci, CEO of Alta Care Group said. “Our Halloween Event is a chance for members of the community to experience what the program has to offer, get to meet our staff, all while also getting into the spirit of Halloween.”

Registration for this event is not required.

Lecture on Gun Ownership for Jews

YOUNGSTOWN – The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation will host Dr. Adam Fuller at noon Oct. 28 at the JCC, 505 Gypsy Lane.

Fuller will discuss his new book, “The Armed Jew: The Case for Jewish Gun Ownership.”

In the face of rising antisemitic violence and hate crimes, “The Armed Jew” explores the  role of gun ownership in the Jewish experience, both historically and in contemporary society. With rising threats to Jewish communities worldwide, this book argues that the right to bear arms is not just a matter of self-defense, but an integral part of Jewish history and survival.

Following the presentation, Fuller will sign books. Books will be available for purchase. A light lunch will be served.

The event is free but registration is required by Oct. 27. Contact Nancy at nsentelik@jewishyoungstown.org to register.

Fuller is an associate professor at Youngstown State University, and has been designated as the William B. Clayman Professor in Judaic and Holocaust Studies.

Vocal Group to Perform at the White House

CANTON, Ohio – Vocal Fusion, northeastern Ohio’s premier a cappella vocal ensemble, has been invited to perform at the White House on Dec. 6 as part of the annual holiday celebration. The group will present two performances at 6 and 7 p.m., sharing its signature harmonies and holiday repertoire.

Brian Kieffer, artistic director of Vocal Fusion, said the ensemble’s custom arrangements will entertain guests of the White House that day.

Known for their tight vocals, beatboxing backups, and custom arrangements from international arrangers such as Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect), Ben Brahm (Pentatonix), Tehillah Alphonso (SoCals VoCals), Vocal Fusion performs its own concerts twice per year, along with making appearances throughout the community.

The group’s White House invitation recognizes its artistic excellence and dedication to spreading the joy of a cappella music.

The group is seeking donations for the trip to DC. The White House does not provide any funds or stipends for travel, hotel or food, so as a nonprofit organization, community support is always critical to the group’s mission. Donations can be made at: bit.ly/VFWH.

The act will perform its “Christmas at the Palace” concert on Dec. 12 and 13 at the Palace Theatre.

For information about Vocal Fusion and its upcoming performances, go to VocalFusion.org.

Pictured at top: Michael Jerome Taylor Jr., Jaylene Lewis, Annette Dendy, Charles Wilder and Siea Glover in a scene from “Should I Get Married?”