What theater insiders are most excited about

SHOWTIME

Which shows are community theater movers-and-shakers looking forward to the most this season? Here’s a random sampling of what several of them had to say. The only stipulation was that it had to be a production they weren’t personally involved with:

I love going to other area theaters, but I’m most interested in seeing what Akron’s Weathervane Playhouse has to offer this season. Weathervane has really been on top of their game recently, and I don’t think I’ve seen a production of theirs that I didn’t enjoy.”

BRIAN PALUMBO, Top Hat president

I can’t wait to see ‘The Elephant Man’ at the Victorian Players. The Vic is the perfect space for it, and [co-director] Chris Fidram is sure to do an amazing job.”

ROB JOKI, director/actor

I plan to see a LOT of theater this coming season. Everyone’s schedule looks terrific. But if I have to select just one, it has to be ‘Ragtime’ at Top Hat. The music and plot line are stirring, and I know that Brian Palumbo and his pool of talented actors will turn out a memorable production as always. I’ll bring my own box of Kleenex, and have a wonderful time.”

PAT FAGAN, Youngstown Playhouse managing director

I’m excited about any number of shows: ‘Ragtime;’ ‘Rocky Horror’ [being the only person in the area who didn’t see the Oakland’s legendary earlier production]; ‘The Elephant Man’ at the Vic; anything at NCP, the new Youngstown Playhouse and YSU. Everyone’s season looks really adventurous.”

MOLLY GALANO, actor

My pick for must-see show of the season is ‘The Elephant Man.’ I love watching shows at the Victorian Players. Something about that space makes the experience so personal and kind of cozy. Not to mention that it has two of the best directors in town [Chris Fidram and John Cox] , and a stellar cast of veterans and new talent.”

CANDY DILULLO, actor

“There seems to be a different vibe in the theater community lately, and I think that’s fantastic. So many local theaters did interesting new shows this past year, and I hope that trend continues. Weathervane has a new [Edward] Albee show this season [‘The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?’], there’s ‘Dinner With Friends’ at the Oakland and Top Hat’s ‘Ragtime.’ The Playhouse and the Vic both have a nice selection this well. I’m just really excited by the atmosphere and direction of community theater these days.”

JOHN COX, director/ actor

’Ragtime’ at Top Hat! It’s such a great show with a fantastic score and such a wonderful story to tell. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see it since it’s opening around the same time as my ‘Black Cat.’”

J.E. BALLANTYNE, director/playwright/actor

I’d have to say that out of all the shows coming up next season, I most want to see ‘The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?’ at Weathervane. This is a Pulitzer nominee and a Tony winner from one of the great modern playwrights [Edward Albee]. I enjoy seeing different and/or new things on stage. The classics are great, but there are such a plethora of shows that audiences don’t always get a chance to see. While I’m sure ‘The Goat’ isn’t for everyone, it’s certainly nice to have a variety to choose from.”

JOHN PECANO, director/actor

I’m definitely excited to see the Youngstown Playhouse come back. It will be interesting to watch how they handle themselves starting over, basically, from scratch. I can’t wait to see the shows they’ve selected for their comeback. I’m really looking forward to the Victorian Players’ season as well: talk about growth! It’s been amazing to watch them work so hard to reorganize, and I’ve definitely seen their base of actors and volunteers grow. So many younger faces on stage definitely injects great energy into their productions ...

BROOKE SLANINA, President, Oakland Center for the Arts

board of directors

“The show I’m most looking forward to is Top Hat’s October production of ‘Ragtime.’ Last season I saw the opening night performances of Top Hat’s ‘Aida’ and ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe,’ and went back twice to both of them: that’s how entertaining and professionally done they were. So I’m really excited to see what they’ll do with ‘Ragtime.’ I’m sure that I won’t be disappointed.” — Barb Evans, actor