Rust Belt to present 'Fundraising Is a Drag'

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Starrlet O’Hara, the notorious drag queen from several Rust Belt Theater Company productions, will grace the stage again this weekend when the troupe presents “Fundraising Is a Drag.”

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Rust Belt’s space in Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave.

Cast members from Rust Belt’s annual holiday show “How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas” also are in the show, singing and dancing in fabulous costumes.

Robert Dennick Joki, director and founder of the theater, explained the need for the fundraiser.

“The Rust Belt Theater company survives entirely on ticket sales,” he said. “This weekend we are raising money for new lighting equipment and costumes for our upcoming production of ‘Godiva: A Burlesque Musical.’ We have some really awesome things planned, but awesome things can quickly become expensive. As a company, it has never been our policy to ask people for money, donations or grants. When we need to raise funds, we work for it. We put on a special show, and this one is going to be a lot of fun.”

Tickets are $15 ($10 for students and seniors). For reservations, call 330-507-2358.

There will be a wine and cheese reception each night at intermission.

In addition, each ticket also will serve as a raffle ticket both nights to win works by several local artists, including Eric Alleman, Courtney Bouchie, Chris Yambar, Tony Nicholas, Mary Learman and Medusa’s Adornments.

“We purchase artwork throughout the year from local artists to be given away at events like this,” said Joki. “The Youngstown arts community has always been very good to us, so we try to support them as much as we can.”