2023/2024 Season
CELEBRATING 99 YEARS
The Youngstown Playhouse has provided community theatre to Youngstown and the surrounding area for almost 100 years, this season’s line-up continues to bring a variety of genres to the stage. A mix of classic and contemporary shows will take audiences through a range of emotions, love, mystery, adventure, joy, and hope.
“We tell stories that connect us, that let us walk in someone else’s shoes and illuminate the human spirit. There’s nothing better than entertaining people and making them laugh or cry.”
– Dr. John Cox, Board President
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman
Screenplay by Charles Griffith
Directed by Robert Dennick Joki
September 22 – October 1
Main Stage
ABOUT THE SHOW
The sci-fi smash musical Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. When naming a new breed of plant after his work crush, meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn starts to discover the terrifying truth about his newfound fame. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows, Little Shop of Horrors was brought to life by the creative geniuses Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin).
MISERY
By William Goldman
Based on the novel by Stephen King
Directed by Chris Fidram
October 27 – November 5
Main Stage
ABOUT THE SHOW
Successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon survives a car crash thanks to his rescuer, Annie Wilkes, his “number one fan.” Paul wakes up captive in her secluded home, while on the mend Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged to find out the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. The irate Annie forces Paul to write a new version of the novel as if his life depends on it, and it does.
THE FLU SEASON
By Will Eno
Directed by Pat Foltz
November 10 – 19
Moyer Room | Griffith Adler Series
ABOUT THE SHOW
The Flu Season is an unconventional tale that follows the relationship of a couple known simply as Man and Woman. They are patients in a mental hospital, attended by well-meaning Doctor and Nurse who are just as detached from reality as the patients. Literary devices-turned-characters, Prologue and Epilogue, guide the audience through the story, framing each scene and offering sharp commentary along the way.
RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Emma Wason
December 1 – 10
Main Stage
ABOUT THE SHOW
This enchanting musical adaptation of the beloved fairy tale will capture the hearts of audiences of all ages. Cinderella, a young woman forced into a life of servitude by her evil stepmother and stepsisters, dreams of a better life. With the help of her mouse friends, a plain yellow pumpkin, and the magic of her fairy godmother, her dreams come true! Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella showcases some of the songwriting duo’s loveliest tunes, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” as well as some new characters and surprising twists.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Adapted by Jason Pizzarello
Directed by Eden Lesnansky
January 19 – 21
Main Stage
ABOUT THE SHOW
After Alice tumbles down a mysterious rabbit hole, she finds herself in a strange land where everyone is whimsical and wacky. With the help of a skillful cat, an astute caterpillar, and a talking egg, Alice must find her way home and discover who she really is as she overcomes the obstacles of the Queen and her guards. A fun version of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale that reimagines the experience of Wonderland, and ends with an unexpected new twist.
LOVE/SICK
By John Cariani
Directed by Rosalyn Blystone
February 9 – 18
Moyer Room | Griffith Adler Series
ABOUT THE SHOW
John Cariani’s Love/Sick is a collection of nine slightly twisted and hilarious short plays about the joys and pains of being in love. The play begins on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality and features imperfect lovers and dreamers for 80 minutes of unromantic, comedic banter. According to press notes, “each play has its own arc and tells the story of a couple at a crossroads in their relationship…” Cariani has appeared on and off Broadway, TV, and film with his play, Almost Maine, being the most frequently produced works in the country. Additionally, he is a Tony Award nominee for Fiddler on the Roof.
SHREK JR.
Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Based on Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture
Book by William Steig
Originally produced on Broadway by Dreamworks Theatricals and Neilstreet Productions
Original production directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford
I’m a Believer by Neil Diamond
Directed by Shiloh Hart
March 8 – 10
Main Stage
ABOUT THE SHOW
The famous ogre we all know and love is back in this hilarious stage performance based on the Oscar-winning, DreamWorks film and Broadway musical. Shrek Jr. features romance within a twisted fairy tale through fun characters and music for the whole family. Shrek, the swamp ogre, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue Princess Fiona to save his precious home from Lord Farquaad’s threats. Through a series of twists and turns, Shrek, Donkey, and his other companions do everything they can to preserve Shrek’s swamp. Shrek Jr. presents an imaginative set and creative costumes that highlight this dazzling story of adventure and friendship.
HERE ON THE FLIGHT PATH
By Norm Foster
Directed by Ben Gavitt
May 10 – 19
Moyer Room | Griffith Adler Series
ABOUT THE SHOW
Here on the Flight Path by Norm Foster is a cute comedy about a man named John who wants to live a nice, quiet life in his fourth-floor apartment. his quietness is soon to be interrupted by the women who move into the adjoining apartment. John meets Fay, then Angel, then Gwen on the balcony and has a series of conversations with each different personality. By the end of the show, John learns valuable lessons that allow him to grow in ways he never imagined!
9 TO 5
Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblat
Orchestrator Bruce Coghlin
Arrangements and additional orchestrations by Stephen Oremus and Alex Lacamoire
Directed by Connor Bezeredi
June 7 – 16
Main Stage
ABOUT THE SHOW
9 to 5 is a relatable musical that highlights three women in their quest to show the world that they can accomplish anything – even in a man’s world. Based on the hit movie and taking place in the 1970’s during the Rolodex era, three fed-up female co-workers have had enough with their sexist, egotistical boss and devise a scheme to get even. Violet, Judy, and Doralee live their wildest fantasies of giving their boss the boot through this hilarious play. The women give their workplace a much needed makeover, taking control of a place that always kept them down. with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this thought-provoking story of revenge and friendship is sure to capture every audience member!
9 TO 5
Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblat
Orchestrator Bruce Coghlin
Arrangements and additional orchestrations by Stephen Oremus and Alex Lacamoire
Directed by Connor Bezeredi
June 7 – 16
Main Stage
ABOUT THE SHOW
9 to 5 is a relatable musical that highlights three women in their quest to show the world that they can accomplish anything–even in a man’s world. Based on the hit movie and taking place in the 1970’s during the Rolodex era, Three fed-up female coworkers have had enough with their sexist, egotistical boss and devise a scheme to get even. Violet, Judy, and Doralee live their wildest fantasies of giving their boss the boot through this hilarious play. The women give their workplace a much needed makeover, taking control of a place that always kept them down. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this thought-provoking story of revenge and friendship is sure to capture every audience member!
2023/2024 Season Flex Passes
ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 16
2023/2024 Flex Pass subscriptions will go on sale Friday, June 16 and available in three pricing tiers, passes are valid for four (4) performances within the season.
