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Rust Belt’s ‘Forbidden Youngstown’ satirizes local community theater
Youngstown
Productions at the Rust Belt Theater Company have quickly become some of the most anticipated events in the Youngstown community-theater scene. Founder and director Robert Dennick Joki continues to impress with his creative visions and original ideas. The question area theatergoers regularly ask is, “What will he do next?”
Joki’s latest work of theater is “Forbidden Youngstown,” a humorous look at local community theater. Most theater folk will recognize the reference to the popular theater satire “Forbidden Broadway.”
“Forbidden Broadway” is an Off-Broadway satirical revue that began in 1982. The show makes fun of current Broadway musicals and has become famous — or perhaps infamous — for its sarcastic criticism of popular theater. Every few years, “Forbidden Broadway” is rewritten to include the most recent Broadway shows.
In the same vein, “Forbidden Youngstown” pokes fun at theater at the local level. Joki caused quite a stir when he announced the project. With stereotypical theater egos, local actors and actresses barraged him with questions of, “Is there a song about me?”
Don’t worry; I’m not telling. They’ll have to see the show to find out.
For the musical revue, Joki chose songs from recent community-theater productions. Most are recognizable as famous Broadway musical numbers. Joki rewrote the lyrics to spoof local community-theater life, with his signature snark and sarcasm. Song titles include “Fat People Choreography” and “Stage Mama.”
Friday’s opening night audience roared with appreciation at the hilarious musical numbers with familiar subject matter. But you don’t have to be a “theater person” to enjoy the show.
Joki has a knack for attracting high-quality talent to his productions. The cast of “Forbidden Youngstown” is no exception.
Each member of the ensemble cast deserves a moment of recognition: Marisa Zamary, Nicole Zayas, Kage Coven, Lynn Sabeh, Grace Offerdahl, Bernadette Lim, Geri Dewitt, Tom Smith, Taylor Jordyn, Hunter Thomas, Kelsie Moon, David Cirelli, Beth Farrow, Rachel Clifford, Tyler Thorne, Donnette Bishop, Kim Nevel, Starr McClure, Celena Coven and Joki.
The actors worked together perfectly to create amazing harmonies and entertaining dance numbers. Each actor was an impressive singer, and every one got a moment to shine. Many of the performances were better than those in the “real” productions they spoofed.
Though the production is a parody, it is obviously written and performed with love. The cast members clearly enjoy every minute onstage as they pay homage to their “sad” existence.
Joki plans to produce “Forbidden Youngstown” every summer, with new songs to reflect the current community-theater seasons. With all of the excellent theater in the Youngstown area, he’ll never run out of material.
“Forbidden Youngstown” definitely is intended for adults and is R-rated for adult language and situations.
“Forbidden Youngstown” continues at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and July 26 and 27 at the Rust Belt Theater Company in the Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown. For reservations, call or text 330-507-2358.