YSU Theater opens with ‘Spelling Bee’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University Theater will begin its season with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

The musical-comedy opens Friday and will run for six performances over two-consecutive weekends in Ford Theater, inside Bliss Hall, on the YSU campus. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $20 ($10 for non-YSU students, YSU faculty and staff with valid ID, senior citizens, Penguin Club members and groups of eight or more). YSU student tickets are free with valid ID.

Season tickets are available in advance of the show and will be available for purchase during the run of the show. Call 330-941-3105 or go to ysu.tix.com.

“Putnam County Spelling Bee” focuses on a group of 10- and 11-year-olds vying for the spelling championship. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of words, hoping to never hear the soul-crushing sound of the “mistake” bell.

“It has been a real blast to work with this design team, cast and crew as we have created these wonderfully memorable characters,” said Professor Matthew Mazuroski, who is directing the show. “Even though all of the cast are college students, it has been a joy to see them transform into these 10 and 11-year old children.”

Mazuroski noted that the performance contains some adult content.

Other professionals from the department of theater and dance involved with the show include Nancy Andersen Wolfgang, music director; Ellen E. Jones, scenic and lighting designer; Todd Dicken, production manager; Katherine Garlick, costume designer; and Rebel Mickelson, costume shop supervisor.

The student cast includes Daniel Navabi and Justin Brown, who are double cast as Chip Tolentino/Jesus; Angelique Tanner, Zara Markman, Josh Fleming, Nathan Wagner, Carly Magnuson, Emily Shipley, Katie Jerome, Mark Warchol and Connor Bezeredi.

Live music from the pit orchestra includes performers Christin “Penny” McKenzie and Nathan Negro.

Parking is available in the M1 Wick Avenue parking deck for a nominal fee.

For information, call 330-941-2307.