YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “Silent Sky” will open Friday, April 3, at Hopewell Theatre for a two-weekend run.

The play by Lauren Gunderson tells the story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, who – with her female peers – helped change the way science understands the Earth and the heavens.

The play explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries.  It is helmed by Traci Manning, who is making her directorial debut. The cast includes Casey Murphy (as Henrietta Leavitt), McKenna Lago, Emily Royer, Rhonny Dam and Shawn Lockaton.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 3, 4, 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. April 12. Tickets are available at HopewellTheatre.org and at the door. 

Hopewell Theatre is at 702 Mahoning Ave.

Franky’s Pizza Wins Award for Sicilian Style

WARREN, Ohio – Franky’s Pizza & Delicatessen, 1235 Scott St. NE, won first place for best Sicilian-style pizza at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas, which took place March 24-26 as part of Pizza Expo.

With more than 750 competitors from around the world, the International Pizza Challenge is one of the industry’s top stages for showcasing skill, creativity and craft. 

The award-winning Sicilian pizza will be available at Franky’s for the first time in the coming weeks, giving locals and visitors the chance to taste the gold-winning pie.

The Rascals, Ides of March at the Robins

WARREN, Ohio – The Rascals, with special guest The Ides of March, will come to the Robins Theatre on June 12 for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

The Rascals’ long list of hits in the 1960s includes “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’,” “People Got to be Free” and “A Beautiful Morning.”

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at RobinsTheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St.

Ice Cream Flavor to Benefit Gateways

CANFIELD, Ohio – Gateways to Better Living, which serves over 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Mahoning Valley, has been selected as the recipient of Cockeye Creamery’s Cockeye Cares program for the second quarter of 2026.

Cockeye will create a special ice cream flavor for Gateway, with proceeds from sales going to the organization. Sales will begin Friday.

The flavor that has been created for Gateways is Banana Cream Pie. It will be available from April through the end of June, while supplies last.

Free Easter Meal at Rescue Mission

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley invites the community to a free Easter meal on Sunday, April 5, at 1300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Free parking is available at the rear of the building.

The meal will include ham, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls and desserts. It will be served in two sessions: 1-5 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

The rescue mission continues to accept donations, noting that $2.47 provides one meal for someone facing hunger. Go to RescueMissionMV.org.

Blues Act Fabulous Thunderbirds at the Robins

WARREN, Ohio – The Fabulous Thunderbirds, a tribute to Chicago blues, will come to the Robins Theatre on July 16 for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

The act is led by harmonica virtuoso Kim Wilson, who has performed alongside legends such as Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Johnny Shines.

Tickets start at $39 (plus fees) and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3, at RobinsTheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St.

Pictured at top: Rhonny Dam, Casey Murphy and Emily Royer star in Hopewell Theatre’s production of “Silent Sky.”