“Pete the Penguin’s Vintage Variety Show: A Musical Comedy Extravaganza” debuts Friday at Youngstown State University.

Written and directed by University Theatre lecturer Adam Howard, the production follows a group of musical theater students as they attempt to modernize a hopelessly outdated script for a vaudeville-style performance. With the pressure of real-time updates, the students infuse the show with a 21st-century flair while navigating mishaps and madcap moments.

It features two acts filled with musical performances, comedy and a live band, the show is described as “a riotous romp through the past and present of entertainment.”

The cast members include Cyrus Dzikowski, Cranberry, Pa.; Lauren Ladd, Hubbard; Ben Podnar, Wampum, Pa.; Samantha Cox, Niles; Ilse Zijlstra, Antwerp; KJ Hudson, Kensington; and Vixen Atwood, Canton.

Student crew members are Helena Snyder, Austintown; Jessica Sprague, Norwalk; Destiny Magee, Columbus; Ryan Bedi, Lancaster, Pa.; Olivia Vargas, Austinburg; Romerio Dawkins, North Olmsted; Landon Eli, West Richland, Washington; Crystal Fisher, Steubenville; Abby Underwood, Niles; Lex McCaughtry, Lowellville; and Laynee Sanger.

Faculty crew members include costume designer Katherine Garlick and scenic carpenter Gunnar Carwile.

“Pete the Penguin’s Vintage Variety Show: A Musical Comedy Extravaganza” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, YSU alumni, faculty and staff and non-YSU students and free for YSU students with a valid ID. Tickets are available online at www.ysu.tix.com and by calling 330-941-3105.