YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Rust Belt Theater Company has changed the dates and locations for its annual production of its original comedy “Living Dead: The Musical.”

The decision was made because the original venue requested changes to the script that the local theater company was unwilling to make.

“Living Dead” will now take place Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Youngstown Playhouse; and Nov. 7-8 at Modern Methods Brewing in Warren.

All performances start at 8 p.m., and tickets are $15 (general admission). For reservations, call 330 507 2358. People who already purchased tickets will be contacted this week.

Written by Robert Dennick Joki, who owns Rust Belt, and Josh Taylor, “Living Dead” is a musical parody of classic horror films, based on the 1968 zombie film “Night of the Living Dead.”

It was originally scheduled to take place this weekend at Greene Eagle Winery near Cortland, but Joki said the winery insisted that changes be made to the script. The theater was unwilling to comply.

In a Facebook post, Joki said the winery ownership described portions of the musical as “sacreligious” and told him to either rewrite the script or cancel the shows.

Rust Belt has performed the show almost every year since 2012 but never at Greene Eagle. Joki wrote that he was excited to play a new venue but was unwilling to change the script due to “artistic integrity.”

He called it a tough decision because his cast had been promoting and rehearsing “Living Dead” for months and was expecting a strong turnout.

The Business Journal contacted the winery for comment but did not receive a response in time for this article.

Unlike most regional theater companies, Rust Belt performs only original productions written by Joki and others. Like most of its shows, “Living Dead” includes ribald comedy and is intended for adult audiences. The show, which spoofs horror movies, includes adult language and lewd jokes.

Keith Stepanic is the director of this year’s production of “Living Dead.” 

The cast includes Joki, Danielle Johnson, Charity Bauer, Quintin Hennen, Caitlyn Murphy, Haley Comet, Jessica Patoray, Sebastian Foxx, Cadence Treich, Lisa Torrence, Shelby Gossick, Joey Shilot, Jennifer Koprivnak, Vasi Sfikas, Tonya Dougherty, Caitlin Cole, Rilee Wilson, Rachael Kerr, Steven Wyatt, Rachel Myers, Sidney Wolford and Tierra Matlock.

Tapestries of Ohio to Present Christmas Madrigal

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Tapestries of Ohio will return to Stambaugh Auditorium on Dec. 19 to present its “Christmas Madrigal” dinner and show.

Guests will be treated as the Lord and Lady of the castle as they gather with other nobility of medieval times to sing the songs and tell the story of the first Christmas. The performance uses authentic music, costumes and dining to create the mood of a Madrigal celebration.

With the performance, a meal will be served in the ballroom featuring braised beef tips in a red wine sauce; sage brown butter chicken breast; parslied buttered baby potatoes; roasted root vegetables; spinach salad with glazed walnuts, strawberries, shaved red onion and raspberry vinaigrette; rustic assorted dinner rolls; and baked apple blossoms.

All seating is general admission; reserved seating is available for groups of four or more. Tickets are $56, with service fees included. For additional information about the dinner show, call 330 259 0555 or visit StambaughAuditorium.com.

Tapestries of Ohio is a nonprofit, self-sustaining organization dedicated to providing educational and entertaining activities. 

Seniors, Caregivers Invited to Informative Event 

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – The Seniors & Caregivers Expo will return to the Austintown Senior Center, 112 Westchester Drive, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24.

The free event gives seniors and caregivers in Austintown and surrounding areas access to vital resources and support.

It will feature vendors specializing in senior care, health care, meal delivery, housing and other essential services. Attendees can connect directly with experts, attend informative presentations and access valuable resources to enhance their quality of life.

Highlights will include:

  • Access to numerous senior resources vendors.
  • Information on Medicare/Medicaid, senior program services, senior housing.
  • Giveaways and door prizes.
  • Chair yoga demonstration.

November Rain Fireworks at Eastwood Mall

NILES, Ohio – This year’s Family Fun Day and November Rain Fireworks Show will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, at Eastwood Mall.

Family Fun Day events will take place in center court from noon to 3 p.m., featuring an animal show at noon and Junior Achievement’s youth market day.

The preshow party will take place from 6:30-9 p.m., featuring a performance by The Prince Project. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.

Residents Asked to Shoot a Day in the Loop

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Loop Youngstown arts group invites residents of the Mahoning and Shenango valleys to participate in A Day in the Loop, a communitywide creative project, Friday.

Participants are encouraged to capture the spirit of the region – its people, places and everyday stories – through photography, video, writing or other art forms. 

Selected works will be chosen by curators Autumn Joi Ellis, winner of The Butler Institute of American Art’s Midyear Prize; Tony Nicholas, photographer and educator; Thomas Welsh, author of books of local history; and Stephen Poullas, photographer and former owner of the Soap Gallery in downtown Youngstown. 

The chosen works will be published and archived on Loop Youngstown’s website, creating a shared snapshot of life in the region.

Participants can submit up to two pieces, either as individuals or with a group. Participants must preregister HERE.

The event is funded by the Ohio Arts Council and the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Family Fun for Halloween at YMCA

BOARDMAN, Ohio – The Davis Family YMCA, 45 McClurg Road, will present Dunkin’ for Pumpkins on Saturday and Trunk or Treat on Sunday.

From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Children ages 3-18 can pick a pumpkin to decorate and take home. There will also be crafts and snacks. 

From 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Trunk or Treat in the parking lot will allow children ages 12 and under dressed in their favorite costumes to visit decorated trunks to receive candy and goodies. This is a safe and festive Halloween experience for families that is free and open to the public.  

Trick or Pete for YSU Basketball Players

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Trick or Pete (Penguin Madness) for the Youngstown State University basketball team will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center. Admission is free, and the entire community is invited.

Sponsors will have candy and other giveaways to pass out at the event.

The Penguin basketball teams will be introduced, and there will be 3-point and slam dunk contests.

Free T-shirts will be given to the first 100 YSU students. There will also be a half-court shot contest for YSU students, with a $500 prize.

Cuisines of Lawrence County at Event

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – The cuisines of the region will be celebrated at the United Way of Lawrence County’s annual Taste of the Town event from 5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the New Englander banquet center.

Participating restaurants will have a chance to show off their culinary training skills at the event.   The proceeds support over 40 local programs.

Restaurants participating this year include: Bob Evans Restaurant, Crane Room Grille, El Vallarta, Gorant Chocolates, Mary’s Restaurant, Medure’s Catering, Mission BBQ, Pizza Joe’s, Riardo’s, Smokin Steer BBQ, The Venue by Weber Catering, Theo’s Creperie and Turco’s Pizza.

Door prizes include gift certificates and donated items from local restaurants and businesses. For information, call 724 658 8528 or click HERE.

Pictured at top:  Cadence Treich and Charity Bauer in Rust Belt Theater Company’s “Living Dead: The Musical.”