Evening of song at Playhouse to aid Cox scholar fund

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

John Cox recalls singing and dancing in the living room with the other kids in his family, recreating scenes from musicals while the adults watched in amusement.

Today, Cox is a pediatrician in Canfield, but also a mainstay of the Mahoning Valley theater scene. The actor-director and behind-the-scenes force traces his desire to contribute to the community to his father, the late John C. Cox.

The elder Cox was a Boardman trustee for 12 years, beginning in the early ’90s. Part of his political legacy is the legislation that expanded powers for Ohio’s urban townships, including Boardman.

But he also loved music, which kept things lively in his household.

Seven years ago, after his death, his family started the John C. Cox Memorial Scholarship at Youngstown State University.

On Friday at 7 p.m., a show featuring some of the area’s best vocalists will take place at the Youngstown Playhouse as a fundraiser.

Titled “Songs My Father Taught Me: A Night of Food, Song and Laughter,” the event will include performances by James McClellan, Eric McClellan, Janeen Williams, Maureen Collins, Matt White, Brandy Johanntges, Nikita Jones, Natalie Sprouse, Jason Green, Medford Mashburn and others. Dr. Cox will be the emcee.

Admission will be $20. Call 330-788-8739. The event will begin with a 30-minute social reception with beer, wine and food by Caffe Capri and Jeff Chrystal Catering in the Playhouse lobby. A big-screen television and a golf package will be the top prizes in a raffle. For information, find it on Facebook.

A 90-minute performance, which Cox said will be like an old-time variety show, will follow in the main auditorium. Cox will tie the music together with storytelling and video clips about his father.