THEATER INSIDERS Thoughts on the year

The Vindicator asked some community theater movers-and-shakers for their picks of the best moments of 2009. Here are some responses:

J.E. BALLANTYNE JR., actor/director/playwright: “A high point in 2009 was that the Playhouse reopened. It was devastating for all of us when it closed last October, and things looked pretty fatal. But they were able to come back and stage a great production of ‘Barefoot in the Park.’ Hopefully they can deal with the heating costs and keep it going.”

JOHN COX, actor/director: “I think the overall caliber of acting this year was tremendous — especially from the ladies. In the Vic’s “Miracle Worker’ and Oakland’s ‘Rabbit Hole,’ Sara Klimenko, Lisandra Stebner and Candy DiLullo were amazing. Also, it’s great to have Dave El’Hatton back!”

PAT FAGAN, Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater director: “The Youngstown Playhouse’s ‘Barefoot in the Park’ tops my list. The direction, performances and set design were all spot-on, and the play is really Neil Simon at his best. It was such a pleasure hearing laughter in our theater again, and to see the Playhouse torch being passed into the hands of these young, enthusiastic, talented professionals. Sharing top honors is the Oakland’s production of ‘Driving Miss Daisy.’ It was a jewel in every way. A.”

CHRIS FIDRAM, actor/director: “It’s Impossible to imagine this past year without the contributions of costumer Pam Sacui. I’m thinking in particular of the The Vic’s production of ‘Tartuffe.’ Pam’s knowledge of period costuming and her attention to detail produced some of the most stunning costumes of the season.”

ROBERT JOKI, director/actor/playwright: “I’ve been extremely impressed by some of the work coming from both Top Hat and The Victorian Players. Theater this year has really been about the rise of smaller venues in the Youngstown area. Because of the economy, people aren’t spending money on entertainment the way they used to. Many of our local theaters have been forced to think outside the box and create something out of nothing. And that’s what art is supposed to be. A lot of new voices are being heard, and I think that’s amazing.”

MICHAEL MORLEY, Oakland Center for the Arts board member: “While I would rate the Oakland’s ‘Rabbit Hole’ as my favorite show overall, I think my pick for the ‘top of the list’ is the re-emergence of theater in our community. Sold-out shows at the Oakland, the reopening of the Playhouse, and superb productions at Top Hat and other venues suggest that live theater is healthy and vibrant in the Valley.”

JOHN PECANO, actor/director: “What a strong year this has been! Chris Fidram and his ‘Rabbit Hole’ cast took a play that could have been a TV movie-of-the-week and turned it into a piece de resistance. Every aspect of the show was perfectly in place. The acting was flawless, and the audience left the theater stunned. Another outstanding production was The Vic’s ‘Miracle Worker.’ The actors (Sara Klimenko and Lisandra Stebner) truly became Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller for those few hours each night.”

—Milan Paurich