YSU University Theatre presents 'The Playboy of the Western World'
Youngstown State University’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts, home of University Theatre, continues its 2024-25 theatre season with an exciting production of J. M. Synge’s classic masterpiece, "The Playboy of the Western World".
Directed by senior lecturer Todd Dicken and set against the rugged backdrop of rural Ireland, this timeless tale follows the charming yet controversial Christy Mahon as he captivates a small village with his tall tales of heroism, leading to uproarious laughter, scandal and ultimately a poignant exploration of identity and acceptance.
The student cast for this production includes Noah Dudai of Delaware; Merrill Voytko, Austintown, Ohio; Cyrus Dzikowski, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Samantha Cox, Niles, Ohio; Ilse Zijlstra, Antwerp, Ohio; Landon Eli, Boardman, Ohio; Nicholas Figiel, Jamestown, Pennsylvania; Anthony Mudryk, Struthers, Ohio; Lauren Ladd, Hubbard, Ohio; Emalee Chappa, Hawkins, Texas; Natalie Ciccone, Austintown, Ohio; and Crystal Fisher.
The student crew for this production includes Chloe Downey, New Waterford, Ohio; Jessica Sprague, Norwalk, Ohio; Emma Barborak, Hermitage, Pennsylvania; Mal Ehrhart, Antwerp, Ohio; Sam Law, Hudson, Ohio; Grace Beil, Lisbon, Ohio; and Anna Airhart, McDonald, Ohio.
Other production members include associate professor and costume and makeup designer Katherine Garlick; Ladd and Chappa as assistants to the director; Dicken as scenic, props, and sound designer; Barborak as assistant scenic designer; Ehrhart as lighting designer; Jon Zelezniak as lighting supervisor; Gunnar Carwile as scenic carpenter; Ellen Dayan as costume shop coordinator; and lecturer Adam Howard as dialect coach.
Productions of "The Playboy of the Western World" will be held Feb. 14 – 16 and 21 – 23 in the YSU Spotlight Theater, located in Bliss Hall. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with the Sunday matinee performances starting at 2 p.m.
Tickets for the show are $16.00 for adults; $12.00 for seniors (65+), non-YSU students, and groups of eight (8) or more; $8 for YSU faculty and staff with a valid ID; $5.00 for children 18 and under; and free for YSU students with a valid ID. They can be purchased by visiting ysu.tix.com.
"The Playboy of the Western World" promises to be a production of laughter, tragedy and glamour; Cliffe College and University Theatre are elated to invite you to experience this classic tale.
For more information, contact Katie Merrill, Cliffe College Coordinator of Community Engagement and Events, at 330.941.2307 or kamerrill@ysu.edu.