34west makes a name for itself with ‘Ruth’ at New York festival

34west Theater Company has gotten some glowing reviews in the New York press for its play “My Name Is Ruth,” which it is presenting at the New York International Fringe Festival.

The Fringe is the country’s largest multiarts showcase, offering about 200 original plays at a variety of venues.

It began Aug. 13 and ends Sunday, when winners will be announced.

“My Name Is Ruth” is a fresh take on the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, set in Minnesota in the ’50s. The Mahoning Valley-based 34west has presented its dinner-theater style numerous times at Dutch Village Inn in Columbiana.

It staged “Ruth” five times at the Fringe Festival.

Theater critic Richard Hinojosa, writing for nytheatre.com, had this to say about it:

“Playwright-director Stephen W. Baldwin’s script is delightful. ... The story is basically a stream of positive, uplifting moments interrupted briefly by a tiny conflict. Baldwin’s direction perfectly highlights the charm of his script. ...

“The cast, Magdalyn Donnelly and Jeffrey Querin, are completely enchanting. Donnelly plays Ruth while Querin plays Boaz plus about a dozen other roles. Donnelly is hopelessly lovable with her cute Minnesota accent and her ability of blush on cue. Querin plays Boaz so shy and awkward that it’s hard to say who the more endearing character is. ...

“I didn’t think people still did productions like ‘My Name is Ruth.’ I have to admit at first I was a little skeptical. I’ve grown so used to jaded, curse-ridden scripts or dark, experimental productions that try to shock me into submission. But honestly it didn’t take very long for my hard shell to melt away so this show could shine on me.”

Photographer’s work on display at Arms

The artistic and technical prowess of late Vindicator photographer Paul Schell is readily apparent in a small exhibition of his work at the Arms Museum.

The 22 photos on display were made between 1955 and 1973 — the black and white era for newspapers.

Schell’s photos show a great eye for subject matter and composition. But they also demonstrate his understanding of the power of black and white photography.

Schell knew his work would be printed on coarse newsprint by a mass-production press, and he used it to his advantage. His photos, many now more than 50 years old, still have tremendous clarity and contrast.

The few people around The Vindicator newsroom who remember Schell say he was a great photographer — and a darkroom genius.

Playhouse fundraiser reveals raffle items

Some unique items will be up for grabs at the Youngstown Playhouse’s A Night at the Races in Vegas fundraiser.

They include an authentic Mafia Wars jacket, emblazoned with the logo of the popular Facebook game.

Participants can also take a chance at winning a Jim Tressel bar chair; a complete box set of CDs by musical group Chicago; a print by local artist-actress Sis Soller; free house-painting services; a wedding cake by Simple Elegance, and gift certificates to local restaurants, including Panera Bread, the Lemon Grove and B&O Banquet Hall.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Playhouse. Admission is $5.