Oakland sets open house to say thanks, come see

The theater will offer glimpses of its upcoming season.

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — The Oakland Center for the Arts will hold its first open house Saturday to thank its regular patrons, and to let the rest of the community know what it has to offer.

The free event, which runs from 5 to 10 p.m., will include a glimpse of the upcoming season.

Members of the downtown theater company will stage two one-hour preview shows — at 6 and 8 p.m. — that will include scenes from two productions: “Musical of Musicals: The Musical” and “The Full Monty.” Readings from the other plays on the 2007-08 schedule will also be included.

“At the YSU Summer Festival of the Arts, we heard people say they didn’t know there was a theater downtown,” said L.J. Tessier, also known as Tess, president of the Oakland’s board of directors. “We want people to know the Oakland is a great community resource. We want to build on our base.”

Tessier is excited about the upcoming season, which also includes “In the Moonlight Eddie,” which was written by Youngstown native Jack LoGiudice.

What’s planned

At the open house, the theater will be decked out with posters from past shows, and “lots of good food and wine” will be part of the event, said Tessier.

Tickets will be given away, and season flex passes — seven tickets that can be split up any way, and at a substantial discount — will be for sale.

Known for its innovative and sometimes offbeat work, the Oakland is especially trying to draw the attention of the 18-25 year old age group — a demographic that might not be too familiar with theater.

“We do live theater that is accessible to young people,” said Tessier.

Brooke Slanina, vice president of the board, said “We’d like to attract the people who have heard of us and think they’d like us, but have never been here.” She called the Oakland “an alternative to the same old thing. It’s more interesting and adventurous.”

Tessier agreed but stressed that being different means nothing without quality.

“We always look to do something innovative, but we’re also all about quality,” she said. “People might forgive us if we don’t have the best facility, but they won’t forgive bad acting.”

She pointed out that the Oakland’s production of “Bat Boy: The Musical” garnered 17 nominations — more than any other production — for the 2006-07 Marquee Awards, which recognizes the best in Mahoning Valley theater.