34west tips hat to ’20s musicals with ‘Speakin’ Easy’

Staff report

COLUMBIANA

34west Theater Company will premiere its new musical, “Speakin’ Easy,” Wednesday through Saturday, and again Sept. 18-21 at Dutch Village Inn. The dinner-theater show will also be presented Oct. 23-26. “Speakin’ Easy” looks in on the Acme Hot Air Balloon Co., which is whirling with lovesick receptionists and one dimwitted gangster. The comedy pays homage to classic Broadway musicals and movies, and features some timeless melodies from the 1920s and ’30s, including “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “Charleston.”

“The music in this show just makes you feel good,” said Jeff Querin, 34west artistic director.

After the local premiere, 34west will take “Speakin’ Easy” to New York for a stint at Stage 72, an Off-Broadway theater house. “It’s a great opportunity for us and a fun way of showing the rest of the country the art scene coming out of Youngstown,” said Querin.

The company’s 2010 production of “My Name is Ruth” was presented at the New York International Fringe Festival and received the Playwriting Award. “I think New Yorkers enjoy our uplifting take on theater,” said Querin.

Dutch Village, 150 E. state Route 14, provides a four-course meal featuring a buffet-style dinner with three entrees, fine desserts and a low-sugar option. Groups can sit eight or 10 to a table.

Seating for evening shows begins at 6:45 p.m. with a four-course meal beginning at 7 p.m. Seating for matinees begins at 11:45 p.m. with a four-course meal at noon.