The Victorian to open season with ‘Amadeus’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Victorian Players will launch their 20th season with “Amadeus,” which opens Friday for a three-weekend run.

Directed by Terri Wilkes, “Amadeus” is a colorful depiction of the contentious relationship between great composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri.

Although dramatized and not completely factual, the play won critical acclaim in both its Broadway and Hollywood productions.

Mozart overshadows Salieri, which sets up a troubled relationship. When Salieri meets the younger Mozart, he is appalled by his childish behavior and sets out to thwart Mozart at every turn.

Cast as the rambunctious Mozart is Cleric Costas, and Salieri will be played by Lawrence Latsko. The cast also includes Craig Conrad, David Romeo, Sheridan Sullivan, Joe Marshall, Russell Nalepa, Elizabeth Conrad, Lynn Kirkwood, Terry Shears, Gerri Sullivan, Caty Sacui, Gary Deckant and Karen Sarrach.

Because of its subject matter — classical-music composers — the Youngstown Symphony Society is partnering with the Vic for the production of “Amadeus.” Anyone who buys a ticket to “Amadeus” will receive a discount coupon for a future Youngstown Symphony Orchestra performance.