YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “The Playboy of the Western World” will open Friday, Feb. 14, in Spotlight Theatre, inside Bliss Hall at Youngstown State University.
The play, written by J.M. Synge, is presented by University Theatre and is directed by Todd Dicken, a senior lecturer in the YSU theater department.
“The Playboy” is set against the rugged backdrop of rural Ireland. The timeless tale follows the charming but controversial Christy Mahon as he captivates a small village with his tall tales of heroism. His stories produce laughter, scandal and, ultimately, a poignant exploration of identity and acceptance.
The student cast includes Noah Dudai, Merrill Voytko, Cyrus Dzikowski, Samantha Cox, Ilse Zijlstra, Landon Eli, Nicholas Figiel, Anthony Mudryk, Lauren Ladd, Emalee Chappa, Natalie Ciccone and Crystal Fisher.
Katherine Garlick is in charge of costumes and makeup, and YSU lecturer Adam Howard is the dialect coach.
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14-15 and 21-22; and 2 p.m. Feb. 16 and 23.
Tickets are $16 ($12 for seniors, non-YSU students and groups of eight or more; $8 for YSU faculty and staff with a valid ID; $5 for children age 18 and younger), and can be purchased in advance at YSU.tix.com.
Pictured at top: Samantha Cox and Noah Dudai in University Theatre’s “Playboy of the Western World.”