Purple Cat Productions moving into theater

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Purple Cat Productions will move into the Youngstown Playhouse next month.

A division of the Purple Cat alternative day-program for adults with special needs, based in Youngstown and Coitsville, Purple Cat Productions has 30 people, said spokeswoman Megan Perencevic.

The division will maintain a daily presence at the Playhouse and will assist in daily operations there. Amy Rigby will be the site supervisor.

The move will take place the week of Jan. 5, said Perencevic.

More importantly, the program will produce theatrical productions at the Playhouse, with clients handling the acting and set and costume design. First up will be “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” in July.

Purple Cat Productions, currently located at Southwoods in Boardman, was started in 2013 after it successfully staged an original version of “Beauty and the Beast.” It is part of Purple Cat’s creative arts program. In addition to plays and musicals, it focuses on musical arts, crafts and event organization.

Bernie Appugliese, director of the Playhouse, welcomed the addition of Purple Cat Productions.

“The Purple Cat has already created an extremely large and thriving community,” he said in a news release. “It has improved the quality of every neighborhood it has joined. The Youngstown Playhouse is thrilled to be joining them as we make the historic Idora neighborhood even stronger.”