Locally produced plays

Locally produced plays
Boardman native Michael Dempsey will see two of his plays produced locally this season. Oakland Center for the Arts in Youngstown will be the first to present "The Romeo & amp; Juliet War," beginning Oct. 11. It's a comedy about rival community theater groups offering simultaneous productions of Shakespeare's "Romeo & amp; Juliet." Kent State University Trumbull Campus in Champion will take a stab at Dempsey's holiday farce, "Mrs. Claus Has A Gun!," from Dec. 7 to 16.
Show canceled
YOUNGSTOWN -- The new theater season won't begin at Oakland Center for the Arts until next month. "The Vagina Monologues" was scheduled to open Sept. 20, but that show has been canceled. There's a conflict between the show's writer, Eve Ensler, and its producer over royalties, so rights to all new productions have been pulled for now. "We'll continue to apply for the rights until they become available," said Brendan Byers, the Oakland's business manager.
Local improv group
CHAMPION -- Drew Carey's TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway" has been renewed, and so has Live Wires improvisation group at Kent State University Trumbull Campus Theatre. Participants ages 16 and older will meet from 5 to 6:15 p.m. every other Thursday, beginning tonight, to develop sketch comedy skills. Audience members contribute to scenarios that performers must act out. The meetings will culminate in a performance and competition at 7 p.m. Nov. 30. There is no cost nor attendance requirement to join. Call (330) 847-8700 for details.