Community news from around the area
Alumni association to meet
STEUBENVILLE — The Steubenville High School Alumni Association will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern.
Get ready for ‘Mayberry R.I.P.’
STEUBENVILLE — Mystery Theater Unlimited will debut its original, musical-comedy, murder-mystery, dinner-theater production of “Mayberry R.I.P.” this week.
The first area performance is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at River City Restaurant in Wheeling.
The show will then be presented at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern in Steubenville. Scaffidi’s will host another performance at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1. The production based on the 1960’s television show “Andy Griffith,” also will be performed at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Stratton Municipal Building in Stratton.
For reservations at Wheeling’s River City event, call (304) 233-4555. Reservations at Scaffidi’s can be made by visiting scaffidicatering.com/mayberry.
Reservations for the Stratton show can be made by calling (740) 219-0113. Private parties for any Mystery Theater production are available by calling (304) 280-8681. For information, go online to MysteryTheatreUnlimited.com.
Chamber offers professional headshots
STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce has announced chamber member Meteor Visuals will be photographing those interested in taking part in Professional Headshot Day.”
Sessions will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 3 at the chamber, located at 630 Market St.
Only light editing will be done, officials noted, adding participants are asked to come to the appointment ready, with hair and makeup already touched up.
The cost will be $75.
Timed tickets can be purchased online at meteor-visuals.com/headshot.
Trinity to hold cornhole tournaments
STEUBENVILLE — Trinity Health System is planning an Inaugural Toss for the Heart Cornhole Tournament at 5 p.m. Feb. 5 at the YMCA, located at St. John Arena. An additional tournament will take place at 6 p.m. on Feb. 11 at 45425 National Road in St. Clairsville.
The friendly competitions will be held in pairs. The cost to join will be $50. The purpose of the double-elimination events are to help raise awareness about heart health, officials stated, noting February is Heart Month. A maximum of 26 teams can register. To register, visit eventbrite.com/cc/inaugural-toss-for-your-heart-3943723.
Ballet to perform ‘Romeo and Juliet’
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is bringing the world’s most famous and romantic love story to the stage during Valentine’s Day weekend. Four performances of “Romeo and Juliet” are scheduled to be held Feb. 14-16 at the Benedum Center. Choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot is taking a fresh approach to William Shakespeare’s classic tale, by sharing the tragic love story through the eyes of Friar Lawrence, whose good intentions lead to the demise of two young, star-crossed lovers. The ballet tells the story of young love blooming, growing and ultimately spiraling out of control.
“Maillot’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of the most beautiful and moving versions I have encountered,” stated Adam McKinney, artistic director of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. “Its gracefulness, romanticism and magnificent choreography are beyond compare. I am delighted to bring this visionary work back to Pittsburgh.”
Maillot’s style is a unification of classical and contemporary ballet, which, combined with the minimalistic sets, amplifies the dancers’ emotions and allows audience members to see the turmoil and passion of the characters onstage.
The first version of the ballet premiered in 1940 at the Mariinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg. Since then, more than 20 versions have been choreographed. This is the 11th time and sixth version the theater has performed in its 55-year history. The last being in 2009. The production features the full Sergei Prokofiev score, as well as costume design by Jérôme Kaplan, set designs by Ernest Pignon-Ernest and lighting design by Dominique Drillot.
This production is recommended for audiences 13 years of age and older. A student matinee will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 14. Free Education and Community Engagement programs will be open to all ticket holders, officials commented. The opening night preview is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14. The ballet will begin at 7:30 p.m. An artist question-and-answer period will be held following the performance being held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 in the orchestra seating area.
An opportunity to see dancers warm up for the performance and hear from Maestro Charles Barker, music director and principal conductor on Prokofiev’s scores, will begin at 1 p.m. Feb. 16 in the orchestra section. The performance will follow at 2 p.m.
Tickets start at $28 and can be purchased at pbt.org or by calling (412) 456-6666. Subscription packages also are available. Groups purchasing eight or more tickets can save up to 50 percent, officials stated. Visit pbt.org/groups for information.
Lions to host blood drive
FOLLANSBEE — The Follansbee Lions Club will host a community blood drive, held by Vitalant, from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Follansbee Community House.
Individuals can schedule their donations by calling (304) 479-8067, by e-mailing lionterry55@gmail.com or by visiting vitalant.org and entering the account code: UC2120039.
Those who donate blood during Vitalant drives that are held between Feb. 15-28 will receive a $10 gift card.