Thursday, April 19, 2012
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The Rust Belt Theater Company will present the fourth annual production of “When I Knew ... and How it Saved Me” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The musical-revue-style show, featuring locally created music, monologues and artwork, paints a picture of gay culture in the Youngstown area.
“I created the show four years ago to help put an authentic face on the local LGBT community and its supporters,” said Robert Dennick Joki, executive director of RBTC, “Gay people are more than just stereotypes, gay bars and pride parades. We are hard working, productive members of the community. We have families and responsibilities. We are just like everyone else. But the show isn’t just about gay people. It’s about anyone who has struggled to find themselves and the journey to get there.”
Contributers include Kage Coven, Jenn Caventer, Brittiani Ketcham, Sam Luptak Jr, Tess Tessier, Nikita Jones, Rick Morrow, Josh Taylor, Rick Haldi, Nicole Zayas, Crystal Beiersdorfer, Joki, Bernadette Lim, Beth Farrow, Tom Smith, Kerri Rickard, Dana Vlock and Joyce Jones. Local artists Jynger Benadum and Stephen Eaker also will be on hand each night creating artwork inspired by the performances.
This year, audience members will be given the opportunity to become part of the performance. Survey cards will be passed out before the show for anyone who would like to participate. Information from the cards then will be added to the performance as the show progresses.
There also will be a voter- registration table in the lobby of the Calvin Center for this event. “As an ally, it saddens me that members of the gay community are still having to fight for equality,” said Nicole Zayas, RBTC operations manager. “The only way to change that is to become more active politically. I encourage everyone to become registered and to vote.”
The show was honored last year by the Youngstown Area Community Theater Alliance Marquee Awards as the Best Special Theatrical Event of 2011. A reception will follow both performances.
Tickets are $15 ($10 for students and seniors). For reservations, call or text 330-507-2358. The Rust Belt Theater Company is located in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Ave., just outside of downtown Youngstown.