Thursday, January 21, 2010
If you go
What: “My Name Is Ruth” dinner-theater
When: 12:30 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Das Dutch Village Inn, 150 E. state Route 14, Columbiana
Tickets: (330) 482-5050
The Vindicator
COLUMBIANA — The 34west Theater Company is marking the beginning of its 10th year with a presentation of one of its most-popular plays: “My Name Is Ruth.”
The romantic-comedy will be staged dinner-theater style at Das Dutch Village Inn today through Saturday and March 18-20.
“The response to this particular show has been strong for us,” said Stephen Baldwin, who wrote and directs it.
The theater company is looking at options to produce the show in select cities in the northeast United States this year, said Baldwin.
34west already has submitted the show to the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C., and the New York City Fringe Festival. With offices in New York and Ohio, the theater troupe has been working on mounting a production in the Big Apple for the past few years.
“We think it’s about time other cities get a taste of this little theater troupe from Youngstown,” said Baldwin.
Philadelphia actress Magdalyn Donnelly plays the title role in “Ruth.” Jeff Querin juggles multiple parts.
“Querin and Donnelly are two of the finest actors we’ve had on our stage,” said Baldwin. “Time and time again, first-time audience members are always shocked that something so good is in their own backyard.”
The play, set in the early 1950s in Minnesota, centers around a widow traveling to the big city for a fresh start. However, when Ruth and her aging mother-in-law fall into dire straits, they need the help of a bashful businessman. The unlikely couple forge an alliance, and romance blossoms, but both will have to sacrifice everything they have in order to save the ones they love.
Das Dutch Village Inn of Columbiana provides a four-course meal, featuring a buffet-style dinner with three entrees. Also included in the meal are a variety of desserts and a low-sugar option. Groups can sit eight or 10 people to a table.
Seating begins at 6:45 p.m, with dinner at 7. (March 18 will be a matinee with dinner at 12:30 p.m.) Tickets are $40 ($35 matinee). For reservations and lodging information, call (866) 482-5050.