Group calls for board of Playhouse to resign

The group is asking the public to temporarily withhold support.
By GARRY L. CLARK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A newly formed group called the Save Our Stage Committee called for the resignation of the Youngstown Playhouse's board of directors at a press conference this morning at the Playhouse.
Jack Ballentyne, committee chairman, denounced the board for what he called "ineffectual, duplicitous mismanagement of both the financial and volunteer aspects of the organization."
About eight members of the group were at the press conference, most of whom were carrying signs that said "Save Our Stage," and "Bring the curtain down on the board."
The committee also includes Paula Stroebel, who said that a "huge amount" of area residents who have been connected to the Playhouse in some capacity are on board with them, including Barb Evans, Molly Galano, Chuck Wilcox, Terri Wilkes, Tim and Connie Cassidy, Annie Miller, Robert Kosar, Bernie Appugliese, Mary Catley and Joyce Jones.
In a position statement, SOS said it wants the business community to withhold donations, contributions and advertising in Playhouse programs until the situation is resolved.
The public is being asked to delay its purchase of season tickets and individual show tickets. Area actors, directors, choreographers, musical directors, stagehands, ushers, ticket takers, musicians, costumers, lighting personnel, prop personnel and any other production personnel are requested to "refrain from participating in any forthcoming productions."
Other details
The committee's statement also mentions the possibility of a major loan being approved with a low interest rate to the Playhouse.
Regarding Bentley Lenhoff's involvement with theater, the statement says that he is calling for the resignation of all board members and that he "has continued his offer of services as managing director."
Ballentyne also said that Lenhoff has a lot of contacts, many of whom are ready to donate to the ailing theater contingent upon his return to help.
The statement concludes by calling for the board's resignation "en masse effective immediately" and for the acceptance of Lenhoff's "generous, selfless offer" and lists the names of the current board: John Maluso, Ida McLaughlin, Atty. Anthony Donofrio, Lois Thornton, Mary Jane Karam, Glenda Whitehouse, Michael Jordan and Richard Woolford.
When asked about the call for the entire board's resignation in light of Whitehouse's support of Lenhoff's appointment, Ballentyne replied that under the current circumstances, the group feels that a "clean sweep" would be the best.
Rally planned
The committee also plans a rally for 4:30 p.m. until dark Tuesday at 1601 Motor Inn Drive in Liberty. More than 100 people are expected to attend that event, according to the committee.
When reached for comment, Whitehouse said that the board will meet at 5:30 p.m. today, and today's events would probably be discussed then.
The Save Our Stage Committee's statement can be read in its entirety at www.saveourstage.com.