For Immediate Release

November 19, 2002

CONTACT: Pam Joseph at (419) 995-8284 or Erin McVicker at (419) 995-8332

Ohio State Lima stages ‘Space Mystery’ as Theatre for Young Audiences

The Ohio State University at Lima will stage “Space Mystery” as its 8th Annual Theatre for Young Audiences production. More than 2600 students from area schools are signed up to attend performances at the Veterans’ Memorial Civic and Convention Center at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, 2002.

The production is being staged at the Civic Center to accommodate the theater renovation project in Ohio State Lima’s Reed Hall. Due to time constraints and space availability, no public performances are planned for this production.

“Space Mystery” is written and directed by Dr. Maria Ignatieva, assistant professor of theatre. Dr. Joe Brandesky, associate professor of theatre, is the producer. Dr. Dennis Christilles, University of Kansas, is the guest designer. Matthew Kari, interim designer and technical director, is the technical coordinator. Loo Brandesky is the costume coordinator. Theresa Lunz of Wapakoneta is assistant director and stage manager.

Space Mystery tells the story of two cousins, Emily and Jacob, searching for their missing friends. After an investigation, the cousins conclude that the new spider slide on the playground is actually a spaceship put there by creatures from the Cosmos who are kidnapping children. The cousins board the ship and are transported to the Silver Planet where the evil Spider Princess is plotting to take over two galaxies. After many surprises and a startling discovery about their cell phone, the cousins prevail and return to Earth with their friends.

The Cast

• Eliot S. Walters of Lima as Brian

• Emily M. LaMantia of Lima as Laura

• Laura Mawhorr of Lima as the Emily

• John Stuber of Kenton as Jacob

• Derek S. Morman of Ottawa as Spider Minister

• Janera Torres of Lima as the Spider Queen

• Danielle Axton of St. Marys as the Spider Princess

The Crew

• Theresa Lunz, Wapakoneta Stage Manager

• Kate DuBois, Wapakoneta Light Board Operator

• E.C. Miller, St. Johns, and Andrea Taylor, Van Wert Sound Board Operators

• T.J. Hemleben, Wapakoneta, and Josh Parker, Harrod Fly System Operators

• Brianne Byrne, Wapakoneta Costumer Mistress

• Kyle Rockhold, Elida, Stage Hand

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Editors’ Note: Because of the shortened production cycle, full dress rehersal will be held once, at 5 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2002, at the Civic Center. Flash photography is discouraged during the actual productions on November 21 and 22.