Rust Belt’s original back on stage

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Rust Belt Theater Company will bring back its original musical “Godiva: A Burlesque Musical.”

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and also July 19, 20, 26 and 27.

Written by Robert Dennick Joki and Josh Taylor, “Godiva” tells the story of a group of women in a small town who band together to stage a burlesque show. It 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.

“We premiered the show four years ago, and it has become our most requested production,” said Joki, who is the director. “Actors and patrons alike kept asking us to bring it back, so we did.”

Song titles 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.”

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

The cast includes Nicole Zayas, Mary James, Lynn Sabeh, Josh Yohman, Kage Coven, Hunter Thomas, Jessica Patoray, Amanda Rudnytsky, Lisa Torrence, Rachel Clifford, Keith Stepanic, James Hain, Abigail Kremm, Janelle Yohman, Heather Powell, Celena Coven and Bernadette Lim.

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

Rust Belt Theater Company is located in Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave.