Thursday, February 23, 2012
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The Rust Belt Theater Company will present Robert Dennick Joki’s “one man” musical revue, “I’m Not That Girl,” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and March 2 and 3.
The show will feature songs and comedic monologues by Joki along with guest performers Geri DeWitt, Bernadette Lim, Kelsie Moon, Marisa Zamary and Nicole Zayas.
“The show is about playing against type,” said Joki. “All of the songs were originally written for women. It’s material you wouldn’t usually expect to be performed by a 300-pound bald guy.”
The production, which was originally staged at the Oakland Center for the Arts, has been recognized as the Best Special Theatrical Event of 2009 by the Youngstown Area Community Theater Alliance.
Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Rust Belt Theater Company’s Studio for Young Actors, a program that pairs local students with teaching artists in order to produce original work.
“The RBTC studio is completely free to local students,” said Nicole Zayas, operations manager. “We raise money throughout the year in order to fund the program. Last year we were able to produce a one-act musical with our kids. This summer the goal is to write and produce a full-length two-act performance.”
The Rust Belt Theater Company is located in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Ave., just outside of downtown Youngstown. For reservations, call or text 330-507-2358.
The theater will also announce its 2012 season during the intermission of the opening night performance of “I’m Not That Girl.”