Spring season of University Theatre to begin with robot play “It’s a Small World”
February 9, 2024
YSU’s University Theatre will kick off its spring season with a production of “It’s a Small World (or The Robot Play),” a play that will showcase a fusion of futuristic storytelling and social commentary. The show will be open to the public February 16 – 18 and 23 – 25.
The play, written by YSU alumna Amber Palmer and directed by senior lecturer Todd Dicken, is a thought-provoking and visually stunning production that explores the implications of artificial intelligence. Set in a future where robots coexist with humans, the play delves into the complexities of technology, humanity, and how the two concepts blur together.
The production will follow characters Anne, an engineer in recovery, and Cyrus, a coffee maker-turned-robot poet, as they make the long trek from Disney World to Canandaigua, New York to get Cyrus back home to Anne’s childhood best friend, Adam. Along the way, the duo meets other people and small kitchen appliances that are just as lost as they are. Together, they all try to discover what home truly is.
Cast members include Gunnar Carwile, Hicksville, Ohio; Aidan Holderfield, Alliance, Ohio; Lauren Ladd, Hubbard, Ohio; Cherish Michele, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Laynee Sanger, Mount Gilead, Ohio; Helena Snyder, Austintown, Ohio; Camryn Tighe, Marion, Ohio; and Olivia Vargas, Austinburg, Ohio. Additionally, associate professor of theatre Katherine Garlick will serve as the production’s makeup and costume designer.
Friday and Saturday productions of the show will begin at 7:30 PM, with the Sunday matinee performances beginning at 2:00 PM. All shows will be held at the YSU Ford Theater, located in Bliss Hall.
Tickets to the show will be sold as general admission. Adult tickets are $16, and special rate tickets are $12 for non-YSU students, YSU alumni, faculty, and staff, senior citizens, Penguin Club members, and groups of eight or more. YSU students earn free entry with a valid ID. To purchase show tickets, call 330-941-3105 or visit www.ysu.tix.com.