Playhouse president: Director is transplant candidate

July 19, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — While the Youngstown Playhouse struggles to stay financially afloat, one of the theater’s directors is facing a struggle of his own.

David El’Hatton is a candidate for both a heart and lung transplant, said Rand Becker, Playhouse president.

“He’s up at the Cleveland Clinic, and they’re checking out exactly what they’re going to do, but they’re not really sure at this point,” Becker said. “So we just have to wait.”

The news came as a surprise to El’Hatton and those who know him, Becker said.

El’Hatton became ill early this summer. At that point, doctors discovered massive heart and lung damage.

“I was shocked,” Becker said, “because we had no clue, and neither did he. I guess you don’t know what you’re walking around with.”

Becker said El’Hatton’s prognosis is good.

El’Hatton directed the Playhouse’s April 2008 production of “Enchanted April.”