Victorian Players open year with ‘Charley’s Aunt’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Victorian Players Theater will begin its 2015-16 season with “Charley’s Aunt,” starring 21 WFMJ-TV news anchor Derek Steyer.

The comedy opens Friday and runs for two consecutive weekends. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays.

“Charley’s Aunt” was written in 1892 by Brandon Thomas, but still captures the spirit of love at all stages of life.

It was last performed at the Victorian Players 10 years ago.

Steyer plays the role of Lord Fancourt Babberly, who must fill in for his friend Charley’s aunt as a proper chaperone for two young women visitors. Maintaining the delusion for all concerned, including Mr. Spettigue, the uncle and guardian of the ladies, provides for lots of slapstick comedy and a heart-warming conclusion.

The cast also includes Hunter Thomas, Stephen Kountz, Selena Phillips, Elainie Huncik, Bill Finley, Mike Brady and, reprising their roles from 10 years ago, C. Richard Haldi as Sir Francis Chesney and Gerri Jenkins as Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez, Charley’s aunt.

The plays is being directed by Christopher Haddock with light design by Don Connors, sound design by Thomas Copeland, stage manager Marisa Keshock, and costumes by Marlene Menaldi Strollo. Tickets are $12 ($9 for senior citizens and students). The theater is located at 702 Mahoning Avenue. For reservations, call 330-746-5455.