Rust Belt to present ‘Forbidden Youngstown’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Rust Belt Theater Company will present its original show “Forbidden Youngstown” for two performances – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday – at Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave.

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

The bawdy musical revue, now in its seventh year, is a hilarious spoof of theater culture in the city of Youngstown.

“I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with my hometown,” said Robert Dennic Joki, who wrote and directs the musical. “I think most people do, and it’s important to have a good sense of humor about it.”

The musical was not scheduled for the current season, but Joki decided to add it.

“People kept requesting it, actors and patrons alike, so we decided to do one weekend of performances,” he said.

The cast includes Heather Powell, Lisa Torrence, Kage Coven, Celena Coven, Wesley Miller, Jeremy Grimes, Geri Dewitt, James Hain, Keith Ian, Mary Boldish James, Amanda Rudnytsky, Bernadette Lim, Wesley Miller and Joki.

Audiences who attend “Forbidden” will get a bonus.

“We will also be debuting two brand new songs from our two upcoming original musicals, ‘Franken Fabulous’ and ‘Serial Monogamy’,” said Joki.