The Rocky Horror Show

It's not easy having a good time...but our audiences have certainly taken the task to heart the past 2 weekends. Rocky Horror opened to a sold out audience on Friday, October 30, (and 2 more Nov. 6 and 7!) and we haven't looked back since! We got one amazingly glowing review, one shoddy review that accused us of taking one too many steps to the right of the film version (perhaps they missed our original production of it, which was touted as being very on the money with the movie? But what's the fun in repeating onesself?), and a bunch of really giddy theater goers who left with a smile on their face and a vision to remember in their heads.

You can read local previews from The Vindicator and Warren Tribune Chronicle, or you can get the rundown straight from the source:

Under the direction of Rober Dennick Joki, his band of merry misfits found a way to turn Richard O'Brien's cult classic midnight movie fare into something totally unique to the Oakland Stage. A typically serene Brad and Janet (Eric McCrea and Alyssa Connelly, both of whom have grown leaps and bounds in their work here over the years), are joined by the regular cast of characters, all of whom have a very new look:

• a bizarre looking and robotic sounding Riff Raff and Magenta (Shawn Lockaton and Melissa Cook, riveting as ever)
• a tricked out Columbia (Molly Makselan, who stomps the yard in favor of the usual boring tap routine)
• a wild Eddie (Andrew Labedz, doing everything you'd expect him to do)

• a rock n' roll Rocky (Rick Morrow, gloriously punky in his glittering thongs)
• a gender bending Dr. EVELYN Scott (played to the nines by Geri DeWitt)
• a vamp-a-licious Dr. Frank N' Furter (Robert Dennick Joki, who brings down the house with his unbelievable voice)
• and of course, the Transylvanians, who are decked out in Kerri Rickard-designed sci-fi makeup fit for an Alexander McQueen runway (Shaun Lipe, Alisha Kopcsos, Kristin Sailor, Misty Sharrone, Richard Louis Boccia, and Marisa Zamary, who doubles as the Usherette).

All of these wonderful slaves, virgins, and dominatrixes work under the spell of the spunky Mistress, Ms. Nicole "Buff" Zayas, who joins in on a romp or two but otherwise lounges in her torture chamber, shouting out instructions now and again. And everyone bumps and grinds it to the masterful choreography of the amazing Debbie Pesce, whose reimagining of the Time Warp is rather ingenius. The set they're all working on, festooned with Freudian adornments, is designed and constructed by Christopher Bosi and a loyal crew.

Voyeurs may indulge in the absolute pleasure of viewing the Oakland's tak on O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show three more times this weekend: Friday, November 13 at 8 pm (don't miss Start Gallery Artist Amy Rogby's fabulous dance/art party pre-show from 6-7:45, where you can nab some one-of-akind local art at a real steal!); Saturday, November 14 at 8:00 pm or later that night at MIDNIGHT!

Participation kits will only be permitted at the midnite show, and then, only the ones the Oakland sells (for 2 bucks a bag, it's likely less than you'd spend gathering newspaper, toast, cards, noise makers, and confetti). We DON'T permit the throwing of rice AT ALL - not after we had some nasty spills on it opening weekend!

As always, tickets are $15, $12 for those over 55, and $10 for students with valid ID. Anyone in costume gets a $3 discount.

I Almost Turned Stan Boney Into a Zombie!

Don'tchya just love these flyers? On the left we have Stage Fright as envisioned by Melissa Smith (based on the 80s horror flick); on the right, we have co-host Matt Liller's rendition. I love them both. Please feel free to re-post to your facebook, twitter, myspace, or email to friends...print and hang...whatever...just spread the word!

But I decided not to...because someone has to deliver the weather in Ytown!

This has been an amazing month at the Oakland. We had a great time hosting Sandy Vansuch and her one-woman show last month, then the Liz Rubino Studios production of Rent: The School Edition (directed by Robert Dennick Joki with some of the most talented kids I've ever seen or heard in my entire life)...and now we are getting into the Halloween spirit with a month of zombies and transvestites!

Today I had the privelege of going on WYTV, Channel 33 News. The gang at WYTV and WKBN are always super supportive of the Oakland, coming over to film morning segments or get footage during events and always acting as gracious hosts at the studio. I love going on the 5:30 news and chatting with Stan (really funny), Nikki (so sweet!) and Jerry Ricciuti (nicest guy), plus my old pal Gina and Amy, the new Gina. I also love going on around Halloween because everyone is expecting me to show up in somethin ridiculous...and I didn't let them down today!

Around 1:30 I posted a call for help on facebook. My usual Zombie makeup gals weren't available, and I thought it would be cool to go on-air in zombie makeup as I would be promoting zombie-related events. Wthin minutes, I heard from Rick "Of The Dead" and Ron, both guys from DSK productions. I also had Ron in my class at YSU years ago, and he was quite the class clown. All the students loved Ron, but he drove me nuts, always cracking jokes (which I couldn't help laughing at) and once, showing up to class with broken knuckles or hands or elbows...something happened at a hardcore straightedge show and it was like the stuff of legend because my entire class somehow knew before we got to class...

So anywho, these dudes showed up at the Oakland around 4:30 and got to work. At first I was apprehensive because Ron was trying to poke ou my eyes, but thankfully his lovely girlfriend Randi was there to keep him in line. Between Rick and Ron, I was zombie-fied within 20 or 30 minutes and took off for the TV station. Luckily, Crystal B was there taking amazing photographs of Maxine and Terri, so she snapped a few pics before I left. Rick grabbed on one his cell too:

The whole point of this is that Rick, Ron, Melissa, Janelle, and Kerri, along with a few other people, will be offering their favorite tips for doing you own zombie makup before the next Stage, from 6-7:45 pm at the Oakland next Wednesday (10/21). It's free but you must bring your own supplies. We'll have baby wipes, sponge applicators, and 2-ply toilet paper on hand, but you'll want to bring along eyeshadow (a cheapy pallete of blues, blacks, greys, purples, reds, pinks and greens would be good...nothing glittery), baby powder, and any other kinds of makeup you have lying around.

Then, join in the fun of STAGE FRIGHT, which is from 8:00-10-ish pm. Zombies will be rewarded with the privelege of enterting our Zombie Pagaent, which will be judged by audience applause. Matt and I will host again, and so far we have the following acts:

• Rocky Horror Fashion Show (highlighting the Oakland's upcoming production)
• Sketch Comedy
• Stand Up Comedians Bob and Bill's MST3K-style short film
• Some Band (they may or may not have changed their names)
• MAYBE the Sweet Delights Purple Rain Extravaganza (I asked and am hoping for a yes)
• MAYBE a preview of Black Cat by the Victorian Players (again, asked and hoping)
• Dr. Ray's Sideshow of Science (confirmed)
• Don Connors Song Selections

So be sure to sign up to perform...gets you in the door for FREE and is also a great way to show off yuor talents...would love more bands, musicians, maybe a scary story or poem or two....jugglers, belly dancers, artists, whatever! GET UP THERE!!!

$5 at the door; performers register between 7-7:45 and get in for free...email oaklandopenmic@gmail.com or call me (330.718.5515) or facebook me (either personal or Oakland account).

Also, wanna contribute to the Stage but performing not your strong suit? Bring a Halloween-themed food item: wiggly bran jello, candy of all kinds, caramel apples, whatever clever theme recipes being featured on Food Network now...something to share with everyone.

And finally, here's something everyone can participate in: a Costume Contest! I know I won't have a costume ready in time for next Weds., so we'll be handing out prizes for the underachievers. We'll have prizes for Crappiest Costume, Unsexiest, Least Convincing Dead Celebrity, and Least Effort. All winners will be rewarded with comps to the upcoming production of Rocky Horror!

Return of the STAGE!

Join Brooke and brand spankin' new co-host MATT LILLER as we kick off a new year of THE STAGE....featuring lots of laughs and a new approach: we'll be doing little skits as part of the regular stage. Matt and I 9and perhaps another guest) will be conducting something of a Healthcare reform Townhall style meeting in between acts...think The Daily Show meets The Oakland but with some pasty white honkies instead of Jon Stewart...Youngstown style.

So, wanna get up there? This is your chance! We're looking for a few good acts, as per usual....and we've got a few fab tricks up our sleeves. rumor has it Bob Mackey and Bill Rodgers will debut a new Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K to nerds everywhere)-style take on some public domain film footage....good times abound!

Call (330.718.5515) or email (oaklandcenter@gmail.com) if interested in performing or know someone who might be...and spread the word!

Grey to Green!

For the second year in a row, Youngstown will go green in a big, meaningful way...at the Grey to Green Fest in Wick Park on the city's north side. Wick Park hasn't always been known as the most friendly or safe place, though it's pretty wonderful during the day. Once, in high school, I stubbornly trekked down Fifth, through Wick Park, on my way from the Oakland (then located on 5th) to McDonald's, where our ride was waiting, after seeing my high school drama teacher in a production of Assassin's. I remember holding Matt Gilboy's hand on the walk and feeling all tingly and young and invinsible. But I digress...

So on Saturday, Sept. 12, a group of very hard-working lads and lasses will amass many tents, chairs, and tables and the stock them full of earth-friendly vendors and environmental educational activities for kids of all ages. The NASA bus comes back, and the Children's Museum of Science and Technology has this really cool sand table thingy that demonstrates, like, erosion or something, and there will be cool children's activities and Dora and Diego and so much to do you might poop your pants! But you don't have to because there will be port-a-potties as well as actual bathrooms in the pavilion, which is conveniently where the entertainment is located. Oh, and food! MMMmmmmm delicious, home-grown, organic food and a beer tent outside the Unitarian Church! And films and panel discussions and walking tours, oh my!

Here's how the entertainment rolls:

at 10 am, catch amazing national recording artist CALEDONIA MISSION! Angelo is the singer and Ytown native, so we're lucky to catch them this year. I hear their drummer was just on Letterman, jammin' with his other band.

10:30 - Catch Phil Kidd intro our guest intoductory speakers: someone from Sherrod Brown's office, someone from YSU, Mayor Jay Williams, and Congressman Tim Ryan. Then Elsa Higby of Grow Ytown will introduce the man of the hour (or 2):

WILL ALLEN! He won a Macarthur "Genius" Award in 08 for his efforts in urban farming, something the Yo could certainly benefit from. Plus, he can fit A LOT of worms in his hands!

1:00 - bring the kids and blanket and snuggle up for the Magic Carpet Theater's sneak peek at its new environmentally-aware show, The Day Miranda Met the Mermaid by Robert Dennick Joki

1:45 - Etruscan Press and YSU Poetry Center poets will be reading some earth-lovin' pieces of prose while McKelvy Raygun sets up for the acoustic set at 2:00. The YSU Gospel Choir brings da noise at 2:30, followed by Dr. Ray's Amazing Sideshow of Science at 3.

Then Brandon Martin will wow the crowd with UN Act's unique blend of song, dance, and hip-hop with a classical twist. At 4, we close the show and rock tha house with local band Sam Goodwill.

After a day full of learning about earth-friendly alternatives, head over to YSU for tail gating and the first home game of the year (all tix 5 bux!), then stop by the Royal Oaks for their second annual Pabstolutely Fest, where the Steel Town Derby Girls will be gettin' dunked to raise money for I.S.L.E/Golden String/Purple Cat, a wonderful organization that provides habilitation to adults with disabilities.

See you Saturday!

Love, Ludmilla

Hyello Friends!

Greetings from Russia, with love, are coming to you from our darling theatrical pal Ludmilla, who is getting ready for her premiere performance at the Oakland this weekend (and next)!

Ludmilla is a small town girl who always dreamt of making it big in the US. It's been her dream to be a contestant on American Idol, but she never quite got past Seacrest, that old guard dog! Who could resist this punim?

Lucky for us, Ludmilla will be bringing her own very special style of song, dance, and story-telling alive on stage at the Oakland, the very theater her vonderful cousin Sandy Vansuch worked to found and subsequently run for many year...23 years ago! Sandy left the Oakland about 6 or 7 years ago for black-and-gold-er pastured of Pittsburgh, but she's been back at the O for the past few months, readying the stage for Ludmilla's premiere ;)

With great help from designer Leslie Brown, production coordinator Ellen Licitra, and underwriter Brenda Williams, the stage is being transformed into Ludmilla's playground. As the O celebrates its tenth year downtown, we are thrilled to welcome Sandy...er...Ludmilla...back to the theater she helped build from the ground up, and we hope you will join us in making her homecoming a welcoming and warm experience!

Also joining Sandy is Iudita Harlan, a Cleveland-based artist who has shown her work at the Oakland's Star Gallery before. This time, the topic is slightly lighter as she delves into the life-aletering experience of caring for an aging parent struggling with Alzheimer's. Ms. Harlan's work is expressed through the art form of cartoons for this show.

Be sure to call 330-746-0404 for reservations today. Walk-ins are welcome, as always, but we do encourage reservations. Shows are 8:00 pm on September 11, 12, 18, and 19 and 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 20. Tickets are, as always, $15 for adults, $12 for anyone over 55, and $10 for students with valid ID. Be sure to check our twitter and facebook for updates, photos, and special ticket prices!

Open House, Donate Now!

Hi All:

Thanks to everyone who came to our Third Annual Open House. It was a lovely time, with lots of new and old faces surrounding us in celebration of our upcoming 09-10 Season!

We could never have done it without all the faithful board members who so valiantly stepped up to the plate, especially Kris Harrington, who was the first in to start setting up and who hung the posters with the help of Sandy Vansuch and Brendan Byers. I stayed all day to clean and decorate, with help from my mama, aka Martha Sterwart, Jr., and her lovely garden selections. Terri Labedz, Ed Goist, Sandra Grisham, Jan Pentz, Susie Beiersdorfer, Joyce Jones, and Chris Barzak were also on hand with trays of food and carafes of wine to keep the masses happy. Super mega thanks to Robert Dennick Joki, Melissa Smith, and Molly Chepke-Barns, our volunteer food bringers!

Our lovely host for the evening, Brandy Johanntges, did a fabulous job of keeping the evening rolling along. She is spontaneous, smart, and super funny, plus her facial expressions apparently kept the crowd as entertained as the performances! Speaking of performances, here's how the lineup went:

• Geri DeWitt, Melissa Cook, and Juleah Buttermore helped Shawn Lockaton sing "Roadkill" with accompaniment from Anthony "Biff" Ruggiero as they recaptured the magic of sold-out The Great American Trailer Park Musical

Sandy Vansuch, one of the founding members of the Oakland, brought her cousin "Ludmilla" to the stage to preview her upcoming original "Vun-voman" show, Love, Ludmilla, which opens next Friday

Some greatly talented teens reprised selections from Rent, Jr., which runs October 8-10 under the direction of Rob Joki and Liz Rubino

Rob Joki sang "Sweet Transvestite" from The Rocky Horror Show, which we're reviving October 30-November 14

• A rag-tag chorus wowed the crowd with raunchy Xmas songs and the brand-new Dead Celebrity Song (set to Jingle Bells - thanks, eminent domain!) to spread some holiday cheer in time for Rob's classic How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas

• Shawn Locakton (director) and Melissa Cook brought beloved Shel Silverstein to life with a preview of An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein - adult versions of his beloved children's tales
  
  In the most riveting performance of the night, John Cox and Sara Klimenko brought a scene from a pained marriage to life on stage from Dinner With Friends, which opens in March at the hand of Chris Fidram




• Joanne Scarvell did a monologue from Wit, directed by John Cox, which opens in late April and runs through May

• Nathan Beagle, Randall Brammer, and a new actor whose name I didn't catch (sorry!) recreated a scene from the very new play Back of the Throat, debuting in June under the direction of Nathan Beagle

Throughout the performances, our board members talked about the history of the O, the Oakland Book Club, The Stage (which returns Sept. 23!), The Star Gallery, Flexpass Sales, Ad Sales, volunteer opportunities, and - of course - donor opportunities. Local artist Damiel Horne has created hand-crafted steel bottle openers in the shape of "O"s which donors at the $250 and above level will receive as a complimentary gift.

Speaking of donations...check out our NEW PAYPAL BUTTON at the top of the page! Now you can donate at any time of day or night to the O! Any amount will do - from 50 cents to 50,000 bucks! Every little bit helps us continue to provide our community with quality art and theater - and a safe space to create it!


P.S. Love the pics? So do we! Thanks to Katie Libecco and Valley24.com for the great coverage!

Oakland Open House - Third Time's a Charm!

Well, it's that time of year again...the last week of August, when kids are gearing up for back to school or binge-drinking away their first week at YSU...everyone's talkin' about the Canfield Fair and Labor Day plans...and the Oakland dons her favorite cocktail gown in preparation for her favorite event of the year: The Annual Open House / Season Preview Party!

On Saturday, August 29 (so, like 2 days from now), from 6-9 pm, we will swing wide our doors for a huge, free party. Decorations, old posters, photos, archival newspaper articles...we got it all! Stop by from 6:00-7:30 for a free bite and glass of wine, then join our wonderful special guest host Brandy Johanntges for our official Season Preview!

If you ever listened to Hot 101, you'd know Brandy. She was my favorite deejay there. Sorry AC! Brandy has also been seen on stage in tons of Playhouse shows, most recently (I believe) Titanic, where her dynamic voice almost kept the ship from sinking...almost. Brandy is fresh off hosting duties at the Marquee Awards, where she successfully led about 200 actors to loudly boo Jim Loboy for a solid 65 seconds. Well, that was mostly his fault...but the boos were a testament to how much she is beloved in this community. Plus, sorry but Jim Loboy is kind of a dingbat. And he did not step up when I challenged him to a fight. To be fair, I did not bring my slapping gloves to properly initiate said fight...so I can let it slide...this time.

So...back to the Open House. Here's what you can look forward to from the Season Preview:
Performances from:

• The Great American Trailer Park Musical (and no, we will not be reviving the show any time soon, sorry to disappoint all who left teary voicemails!)
• Love, Ludmilla - Sandy Vansuch's one-woman show. This marks Sandy's return to the Oakland after a multi-year absence. Sandy was one of the founders of the Oakland, and she ran the theater for many many years.
• Rent, Jr. - directed by Robert Dennick Joki for Liz Rubino Studios, this musical is just like regular Rent save for it features an all-teen cast. I've heard them sing, and they're pretty amazing.
• The Rocky Horror Show - Join director Robert Dennick Joki for a sneak peak at his vision of Richard O'Brien's cult classic
• How The Drag Queen Stole Christmas - Robert Dennick Joki's show-stoppin, sold-out Holiday Extravaganze fundraiser
• An Adult Evening with Shel Silverstein - Shawn Lockaton brings Shel's beloved, achingly funny stories to life on stage this February. Catch a glimpse now!
• Dinner with Friends - Chris Fidram offers up a sliver of this David Margulies classic
• Wit - Dr. John Cox makes his directorial debut at the Oakland with Margaret Edson's unforgettable play about cancer
• Back of the Throat - YSU student Nathan Beagle makes his community theater directorial debut with this very new look at post-9/11 realities from an Arab-American's perspective. Yussef El Guindi's drama closes out the 09-10 Season

Additionally, Oakland board members and volunteers will give you the scoop on such matters as:

• Donor Campaign - Kris Harrington and Ed Goist will be joined by local artist Daniel Horne, who will premiere his hand-crafted Oakland reward for donors at higher levels
• The Stage - Brooke Slanina and new co-host Matt Liller will fill you in on the future of the Oakland's beloved open mic night
• The Oakland Book Club - Chris Barzak and Miriam Kline turn the page on the Book Club's next chapter (ba dum cha!)
• Magic Carpet Theater - Rob, Jen, and Grace will fill audiences in on what the MCT crew have in store for local schools and kids of all ages this year!
• Grant Update / Mission - Terri Labedz will inform audiences of our recent grants and mission of the theater
• How to Get Involved - Volunteer Guru Susie Beiersdorfer will give you the inside scoop on volunteer rewards
• Flexpass - Joyce Jones will help you figure out how to get a flexpass all your own!

So, stop by this Saturday from 6-9. We'll be giving away free tickets on the hour with a gran drawing for a flexpass at 9 pm. Please help support the Oakland, the ONLY community theater and arts center in Downtown Youngstown! Celebrating our 10th year on W. Boardman!