Victorian Players changes name, announces season

Staff report

The Victorian Players has announced that the theatre group is changing its name to Hopewell Theatre because interest in Victorian- era plays has declined.

The Hopewell Theater group plans to offer a wider perspective and scope for its plays. Its new mission statement is “to present high-quality, family-friendly theater, both classics and plays rarely produced locally.”

The Victorian Players was founded in 1992 by Dr. Jean McClure Kelty, a repertory company producing Victorian-era plays.

Recently, the theater had broadened its scope to produce plays lying outside the Victorian theme, as well as plays by local writers.

Hopewell also announced “Fences,” the 1987 Pulitzer Prize winning play by August Wilson as the 2017-18 season opener Sept. 1.

This play has won Drama Desk Awards and Tony Awards and has most recently been produced as an Academy Award-winning film.

“Fences” explores the life of Troy Maxson, who struggles to reconcile his life of bad decisions, failed dreams and rejections, while grasping to maintain relationships with his wife and children.

Directed by seasoned veteran actress and director Carla D. Gipson, the play also boasts a mix of experienced and new talented actors and actresses from the Youngstown/Warren area, including John McCants, Jaietta Jackson, DC Colvin, Duane Davis, Daniel Colvin, Kevin Stringer and Keyirra LaBooth with a set designed by Martin Charles Moore.

The 2017-2018 season

Fences: Sept. 1, 2, 8, 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the Musical: Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

Over the River and Through the Woods: Jan. 19, 20, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.

An Evening of One Acts: March 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m.; March 11 at 2 p.m..

An Evening of O. Henry: April 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m.; April 22 at 2 p.m.

Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite: May 25, 26, June 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m.; June 3 at 2 p.m.

For reservations call 330-746-5455. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students/seniors.