The Update | Rust Belt Theater Presents ‘Madhouse’; ‘Fore!’ Arts Fundraiser Returns; Comedy Troupe at Stage Left

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Rust Belt Theater Company will present the dark comedy “Madhouse” at 8 p.m. May 20, 21, 27 and 28.

Robert Dennick Joki wrote and directs the play, which was selected to coincide with Mental Health Awareness month. 

“Madhouse” is about a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown after the untimely death of her brother. She begins to experience symptoms of psychosis, specifically Pareidolia, which causes her to see faces, and hear voices, in inanimate objects.  She begins to believe that everything from houses, to cars, to everyday household items are communicating with her, influencing her life in ways she never imagined possible.

The show uses a projection screen to give audience members a glimpse of life through the main character’s eyes.  When everyday objects “come alive” and begin to speak, their photos are flashed on the screen. The ensemble cast members then provide the voices for the objects. 

The cast includes  Celena Coven, Heather Powell, Geri DeWitt, Caitlyn Murphy, Monica Beasley-Martin, Vicci Sfikas, Dean LaSalandra, Sarah Whitlatch and Chloe Jackson. 

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

The Rust Belt Theater Company is located inside Club Switch, 221 Belmont Ave. 

Arts Groups Bring Back ‘Fore!’ Fundraiser

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The “Fore! The Arts” Golf Classic will return July 29 at Youngstown Country Club.

The event, which benefits area performing arts organizations, will begin at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast. It includes a day of golf, followed by a cocktail reception with lunch buffet and presentation of prizes.

This year’s event has been expanded to benefit Stambaugh Auditorium, The Youngstown Symphony Society, The Youngstown Playhouse, and Opera Western Reserve.

“Last year’s event was a tremendous success and we expect a sell-out this year as we will be limiting the field to 30 teams,” said Scott Schulick, event co-chair.

Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact JoAnn Stock at 330 747 5175 or jstock@stambaughauditorium.com.

Dinner Theater Rejects in Benefit Show

LISBON, Ohio – The Dinner Theater Rejects will present an evening of improv PG-13 comedy at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Trinity Playhouse, 234 E Lincoln Way, Lisbon. The Youngstown-based comedy troupe has performed at bars, coffee shops and bowling alleys across northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania for the past five years.

The show is a fundraiser for Stage Left Players.

Admission is $10. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at StageLeftPlayers.org.

The Dinner Theater Rejects are Sarah Demetruk, Lynn Blystone, John Morris, Paul Dahman, Jeanine Rees, Ryan Clausen and Josh Terlecki.

Lecture on Wicked Women of Ohio

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Crime novelist Jane Turzillo will discuss her book, “Wicked Women of Ohio,” at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, in the meeting room at Chad Anthony’s Grille, 4698 Belmont Ave.

Admission to the lecture, sponsored by the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society, is $10 ($5 for society members). Reservations are suggested; call 330-726-8277.

Turzillo’s book outlines the lives of notorious female criminals in the Buckeye State over the last two centuries.

Her other books include “Historic Bank Holdups, Train Robberies, Jewel Stings and More,” “Unsolved Murders and Disappearances in Northeast Ohio,” “Ohio Train Disasters” and “Murder and Mayhem on Ohio’s Rails.”

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