University Theatre to open season with gothic mystery-comedy “Ravenscroft”

September 25, 2026

YSU’s University Theatre will open its 2026-27 season with “Ravenscroft,” a gothic mystery-comedy, October 2 – 4 and 9 – 11 at Spotlight Theater in YSU’s Bliss Hall. 

When a suspicious death occurs at a remote mansion, a police inspector arrives looking for answers. Instead, she finds herself entangled in the stories of five women, each with a compelling motive and wildly different accounts of what occurred. With disguises, comic misdirection, and plot twists that will make your head spin, “Ravenscroft” is a theatrical puzzle that rewards close attention—and a sense of humor. 

This production will celebrate the legacy of prolific playwright Don Joseph Nigro (1949 – 2026), a Canton native who wrote over 500 plays across multiple genres. “Ravenscroft,” part of his acclaimed “Inspector Ruffing” series, was adapted into the film “The Manor,” starring Peter O’Toole. 

The ensemble cast bringing this madcap mystery to life includes Merrill Voytko (Austintown, OH); Alex Shina (Cuyahoga Falls, OH); Samantha Cox (Niles, OH); Chloe Camacho (Bristolville, OH); Helena Snyder (Austintown, OH); Regina Escarcega (Mexico City, Mexico); and Karianne Rateno (Concord Township, OH). 

Tickets for this production, and all University Theatre productions, can be purchased by visiting ysu.tix.com. Adult tickets are $16, with discounts available for seniors, YSU alumni, and children. YSU students enter free with a valid YSU ID. Parking is available at the Wick Avenue Deck (M30) for a $5 fee payable in cash only. Showtimes for “Ravenscroft” are October 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7:30 PM, and October 4 and 11 at 2:00 PM. For more information, contact Katie Merrill, Cliffe College Coordinator of Community Engagement and Events, at kamerrill@ysu.edu or 330.941.2307.