Stambaugh evacuated before Saturday ballet

YOUNGSTOWN — Audience members at Ballet Western Reserve’s production of “The Nutcracker” were ushered out of Stambaugh Auditorium Saturday night before the 7:30 performance even began.

Phil Cannatti, Stambaugh executive director, said the brakes on an elevator overheated, creating a smoke and forcing a call to the city fire department.

Patrons lined up on the sidewalks outside the auditorium while firefighters inspected the facility,

Most of the dancers went out a stage door, but a few of the younger ballerinas in tutus joined their parents near the fire trucks.

The evacuation delayed the performance about a half-hour.