Rust Belt theater unveils 2015 season

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Rust Belt Theater Company has announced its 2015 season. The schedule includes updated versions of its annual productions and two new ones as well.

The theater company, founded and directed by Robert Dennick Joki, is based in Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave. It specializes in original plays and musicals.

Its season follows the calendar year and not the fall-to-spring season that most theaters use.

For ticket information, call 330-507-2358. Evening performances typically start at 8 p.m. Here is the lineup:

“Dating sucks: The Musical!,” by Robert Dennick Joki, Feb. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28: This outrageous musical revue is inspired by the pitfalls of modern dating.

“Fundraising is a Drag!,” March 20-21: Drag queen Starrlet O’Hara and friends return for a night of drag and debauchery.

“Godiva: A Burlesque Musical,” by Joki and Josh Taylor, April 17-18, 24-25 and May 1-2: This new production tells the story of a group of everyday housewives who put together a burlesque show to show their husbands and their hometown that they are anything but ordinary.

“When I Knew and How It Saved Me,” May 15-16: Designed to put a face on the local LGBT community, the show is an evening of art, music and dance, celebrating the gay community and its allies.

Annual Actor Showcase, featuring Bernadette Lim, June 5-6, 12-13: Each year, Rust Belt spotlights a deserving performer in a one-person show.

“Forbidden Youngstown!,” July 10-11, 17-18, 24-25: A no-holds-barred musical parody in which theater people poke fun at theater people.

“A Night of Sketchy Comedy,” Aug. 14-15, 21-22: Local playwrights Michael Dempsey, Mary James, Roger Jones and Joki team up for an evening of ridiculous sketch comedy.

“Emily Dickinson: Vampire Slayer,” by Joki and Taylor, Sept. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26: Another new original musical. This dark, off-the-wall period piece centers on the poetry of Emily Dickinson as she battles the undead.

“Living Dead: The Musical,” by Joki and Taylor, Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 30-31: A send-up of popular horror movies, with new characters and plot twists.

“How The Drag Queen Stole Christmas,” by Joki, Dec. 4-5, 11-12: Now in its 10th year, this raunchy, risque musical parodies Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

“The Ugly Christmas Sweater Revue,” Dec. 18-20: A quirky musical revue for the whole family.