“The Playboy of the Western World” to open University Theatre’s spring semester
February 3, 2025
YSU’s University Theatre will continue its 2024-25 season with the production of “The Playboy of the Western World” in the YSU Spotlight Theatre February 14 – 16 and 21 – 23.
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, OH; Cyrus Dzikowski, Pittsburgh, PA; Samantha Cox, Niles, OH; Ilse Zijlstra, Antwerp, OH; Landon Eli, Boardman, OH; Nicholas Figiel, Jamestown, PA; Anthony Mudryk, Struthers, OH; Lauren Ladd, Hubbard, OH; Emalee Chappa, Hawkins, TX; Natalie Ciccone, Austintown, OH; and Crystal Fisher.
The student crew for this production includes Chloe Downey, New Waterford, OH; Jessica Sprague, Norwalk, OH; Emma Barborak, Hermitage, PA; Mal Ehrhart, Antwerp, OH; Sam Law, Hudson, OH; Grace Beil, Lisbon, OH; and Anna Airhart, McDonald, OH.
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.
Friday and Saturday productions of “Playboy” will begin at 7:30 PM, with the Sunday matinee performances starting at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $18.50 for adults; $14.50 for seniors (65+), non-YSU students, and groups of eight (8) or more; $10 for YSU faculty and staff with a valid ID; $6.50 for children 18 and under; and free for YSU students with a valid ID. They can be purchased by visiting ysu.tix.com.
Parking for the Spotlight Theater, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall, is available in the Wick Avenue Deck (M30) for a $5 fee payable in cash only.