Playhouse will present ‘Harry’s’ at YSU theater

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Playhouse is trying something different by presenting its upcoming production of “Harry’s Friendly Service” at Youngstown State University.

The Playhouse is partnering with YSU’s theater department on the play, which was written by Boardman native Rob Zellers and is set in Youngstown in the late ’70s.

The Playhouse-YSU production will be performed at Ford Theater, inside Bliss Hall, 547 Wick Ave., on the YSU campus. Performances will take place March 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., and March 5 and 12 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Jan. 30 (next Monday for flex-pass holders) at the Playhouse box office on Glenwood Avenue, by phone at 330-788-8739, and online at the-youngstownplayhouse.com.

Because Wick Avenue is closed for reconstruction, maps that locate parking lots near Bliss Hall will be provided to ticket buyers.

The Youngstown production will mark the second time the play has been produced – the first being in 2009 by Pittsburgh Public Theater,

Matthew Mazuroski, YSU theater department chairman and a Playhouse board member, was key in organizing the partnership with the Playhouse.

“This wonderful play about Youngstown allows the community to reflect on where we have been, where we are now and what our aspirations are in moving forward,” he said.

“Harry’s Friendly Service” takes place at a gas station in downtown Youngstown in 1977, at a time when the steel mills are closing and the city is starting to undergo a devastating change.

Harry owns the station and is also a small-time bookie, who gets himself in trouble with a mobster. He is joined by a handful of his colorful friends in a daily card game at the station.

“It is extremely gratifying for me to come back to my hometown with this play,” said Zellers, the playwright. “I am also blessed to be working with such an excellent cast, director and team of designers.”

The cast includes Playhouse board member John Cox, Chuck Simon, Lynn Nelson Rafferty, Bill Rees, Anthony Genovese, Carly Genovese and Mazuroski as Harry.

Pat Foltz is directing the show, and Jack Ballantyne serves as stage manager.