One-acts by local playwright at Rust Belt

Staff report

The Rust Belt Theater Company will present two one-act plays written by local writer, artist and businessman Roger Jones.

“The Reunion” and “On the Way to the Corn Roast” will be staged at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and again June 29 and 30.

“The Reunion” will be directed by Tom Smith, and “Corn Roast” will be directed by Robert Dennick Joki.

“‘The Reunion’ is more of a traditional one-act play that revolves around two former roommates on their way to a school reunion, while ‘Corn Roast’ is an absurdist commentary about people who are very vocal but have no direction,” said Joki, who is also the executive director of Rust Belt Theater. “It takes place in an airport where a group of people are staging a protest, but none of them actually know what the protest is about.”

Cast members include Celena Pollock Coven, Kage Coven, Nicole Zayas, Bridgette Lewis, Rick Morrow, Donnette Bishop, Rachel Lynn Clifford and Joki.

Jones has written many other plays including “Conversations,” “This Moment Stays With Me Easily” and “Adversaries.” He is the chairman of the board at Fireline Inc., and also has his original artwork on display at the Butler Institute of American Art.

A reception will follow the opening-night performance. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

Rust Belt Theater is in the Calvin Center building, 755 Mahoning Ave., just outside downtown Youngstown. For reservations, call or text 330-507-2358.