Church cuts all ties to Youngstown Playhouse

Church cuts all ties that bind it to Youngstown Playhouse

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

vindicator entertainment writer

YOUNGSTOWN — After being told that it could not use the building next week, the church that became a partner with the Youngstown Playhouse in June has severed the relationship and left the facility.

But the Playhouse said it will go ahead with its season and will not delay or cancel any productions.

Christian Revival and Discipleship Center packed up its sound system and all of its belongings after its services Sunday. It also called the utilities and took its name off the accounts.

“When we came in Monday, everything they owned was gone,” said Rand Becker, president of the Playhouse board.

The trouble started last week when the Playhouse board told the Rev. Kenneth Paramore, leader of CRDC, that it could not use the facility Oct. 25-27 for a revival service, even though it had originally given approval. The Playhouse said months ago that the building would be free on those dates, but a late scheduling change forced its decision.

Because the cast needed more time, the opening of the musical “All Shook Up” had to be moved back a week to Oct. 2, which also forced the next production, “Dracula,” to be moved back a week, to Oct. 30. The set for “Dracula” will be assembled on stage next week, making the theater unusable for CRDC — a fact that the church didn’t learn until last week. The church has services in the auditorium with its speakers on the stage.

The Rev. Mr. Paramore did not return a phone call from The Vindicator on Tuesday. But in his Sunday sermon — which was posted on YouTube.com — he asks everyone who is able to stay after the services to help load the church’s belongings onto a U-Haul truck that was parked in the back. In the video, which carries the headline “Youngstown Playhouse Blows It,” a clearly irritated Mr. Paramore tells his congregation, “I am not going to let people treat you any kind of way. Not only are we going to take all of our stuff out of this building, but tomorrow morning, we are calling and canceling the utilities.”

Many in the auditorium stood and clapped after the announcement.

Mr. Paramore also tells his church members that he is upset that the Playhouse “never acknowledged us in all of their press. They would never even be in this building if not for Christian Revival and Discipleship Center, and they have yet to say that. But that’s OK because we’re going to see what happens in about three hours when they have no utilities, no sound system, and they are in the dark and the cold.”

He continues to say, “as people of God, we don’t have to take mistreatment.” He also exhorts his congregation, “don’t start taking stuff and turning over stuff” before leaving the building.

The CRDC moved its belongings back to its former building at 3300 Hudson Ave., a building that it said it had outgrown when it moved into the Playhouse.

Becker told The Vindicator that he offered to move the CRDC revival to another church, but his offer was refused. Mr. Paramore acknowledges the offer, and his refusal, in his YouTube address.

After a very brief meeting Tuesday afternoon with a CRDC official, Becker said it looks like the Playhouse’s relationship with CRDC is over.

The church had entered a five-year lease agreement with the Playhouse. Becker said the issue would be discussed at the next board meeting. “I’m not sure where we’ll go from here,” said Becker.

When CRDC came on board with the Playhouse, it was hailed as a fortuitous union that would not only help the growing congregation but also help the financially reeling theater company get back on its feet.

Faced with mounting debts, a sharp drop in revenue and a building that needed roof and plumbing work, the Playhouse suspended operations last fall and did not reopen for a play until July. The Playhouse also had a lien placed on it for nonpayment of payroll taxes early this year.

The CRDC helped pay the utilities and also cleaned and repainted the Playhouse, which had suffered water and mold damage.

Becker said the Playhouse is now on much better financial ground and will be able to survive on its own.

The utilities have been switched over to the Playhouse’s name, he said. “They were never actually shut off,” said Becker.

“The 2009-10 season is set. We’ve also paid most of the royalties [for the plays that will be produced]. It’s amazing. We’ve come from over $200,000 in debt to less than $30,000, and we’re completely free from the IRS and most of the bill collectors.”