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‘5 One Acts’ shows creativity
By Stephanie Ottey
Youngstown
We’ve always known that there is significant creative talent in the Valley, and July is showcasing some new and original works by local playwrights. While the Victorian Players is hosting J. E. Ballantyne’s newest creation, the Rust Belt Theater is offering “5 One Acts” by Robert Dennick Joki.
Actor/director Joki is the driving force behind the Rust Belt Theater, having created its signature Christmas show, “How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas,” and many others. His newest brainchild opened this weekend.
The title of this new event, “5 One Acts,” is marginally misleading, so do not be turned off by the idea of suffering through a night of trite one-act plays. Yes, there are five titles being played out in this show, and none requires two acts, but they have the attitude and flow of sketch comedy – which is a delightful surprise.
Casual and light, these scenes range in length from five to 30 minutes. Each proposes a sort of “what if” and answers with a silly smugness that is signature to many Rust Belt productions.
“House of Leviticus” starts first, and continues in brief installments between the other plays. This recurring sketch takes the words of the Bible literally as “sinners” are damned to the House of Leviticus.
“Of Mice and Miss Daisy” is a mash-up between the classic stories told in “Of Mice and Men” and “Driving Miss Daisy.” Geri DeWitt creates a Miss Daisy that won’t soon be forgotten. She fully commits to her dementedly childlike character and steals the scene.
In “Serial Monogamy” the question of “What if two serial killers got set up on a blind date?” is posed. Tricia Terlesky and Dan Poppke illustrate the answer in a weirdly adorable romantic encounter.
Terlesky is charming and dainty while also revealing a knack for comedic timing. She’s one to keep watching.
“Dating A Monster” is sweetly delivered by Grace Offerdahl. This monologue describes the ups and downs of dating a creature of the night. Here, Joki has created a funny, relevant monologue that teens will be drawn to.
Suzanne Shorrab is a nicely hysterical mother in “Well Baby.” The premise is that her daughter has fallen down a well on the same day that the Baby Jessica has done the same. Shorrab struggles to find help when all of the media attention is focused down the street. Clever and poignant, this rounds the show out nicely.
Aside from the performers highlighted in these scenes, the plays also include Tom Smith, Kage Coven, Clayton Kohut, Sam Luptak Jr., Beth Farrow, Brittiani Ketcham, and Crystal Beiersdorfer.
The props, costumes, set, and lighting all create the familial sketch- comedy-esque atmosphere, and audience participation kits connect the audience to the performers even more.
Undoubtedly this evening is another great example of the creative power of Youngstown’s theater family.
“5 One Acts by Robert Dennick Joki” plays Friday and Saturday at the Rust Belt Theater, 755 Mahoning Ave. Youngstown. Performances start at 8:00 p.m. For ticket info call or text 330-507-2358.