Rust Belt gives its fans 2nd chance at ‘Godiva’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Rust Belt Theater Company’s original production of “Godiva: A Burlesque Musical” was a hit when it premiered last year.

The show was so well-attended that the theater could have extended the run for a few more weeks if scheduling issues didn’t prohibit it.

So Rust Belt is bringing “Godiva” back this year for six performances over three consecutive weekends, beginning Friday.

Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through April 30.

Tickets are $15 ($10 for students and seniors); call 330-507-2358 for reservations. The theater is in Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., just outside of downtown.

Written by Robert Dennick Joki and Josh Taylor, with choreography by Marisa Zamary, “Godiva” tells the story of a group of women in a small town who band together to stage a burlesque show. The musical was inspired by the legend of Lady Godiva, as told in the 19th-century poem “Godiva” by Alfred Tennyson, in which a woman disobeys her wealthy husband and is forced to ride naked through the town as punishment.

“Each character in the musical has her own reason for wanting to participate in a burlesque show,” said Joki, who also directs. “Positive body image is the major theme in this show ... realizing that everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way.”

Two new songs were added to the show this year: “Burlesque” and “Hit Like a Girl.”

Returning songs include “Grin and Bare It,” “Betty’s Back Door,” “My Eyes Are Up There,” “Cakes and Pies,” “The Happiest Family in Town That Everyone Hates,” “A Pretty Nice Place to Live,” “Medusa,” “Big Girls Don’t Move Like That,” “Remind Me How To Dance,” “Bonfire” and “Let Down Your Hair.”

The cast includes Zamary, Nicole Zayas, Mary James, Lynn Sabeh, David Cirelli, Kage Coven, Hunter Thomas, Erica Finegold Perna, Amanda Baker, Lisa Torrence, Rachel Clifford, Chris Hartman, James Hain, Kim Voeks, Madi Pomeroy, Grace Offerdahl, Heather Powell, Celena Coven and Bernadette Lim.