If the walls of the Youngstown Playhouse could talk, they would have plenty of stories to tell.
From the drama of high debt and back taxes to the tragedy of broken waterlines, the community theater weathered its fair share of storms in 2009.
"We have cut staff here," said Mary Ruth Lynn, executive director. "We have cut our budget to the bare bones. We have a huge number of volunteers who help us."
With a mostly clean financial slate, the playhouse can now move on to its next act. And the Youngstown Foundation is playing a vital supporting role.
The organization presented the theater with a $20,000 check to fix the roof, where leaks have plagued the set and costume shop for months.
"We recognize the value of the playhouse and what they've gone through in the last few years to really turn themselves around and address their financial challenges and regroup as far as their leadership," said Janice Strasfeld, the foundation's executive director.
The playhouse relies heavily on foundation funding, and officials hope the grant is the beginning of more to come.
The repairs won't stop at the top with the roof. Other parts of this half-century-old building are also in need of some TLC.
New insulation, electrical upgrades, and cosmetic repairs to the interior make the to-do list. But as the jobs get crossed off, the shows must and will go on.
The playhouse is gearing up for its upcoming line-up, which will include this month's performance of The Wedding Singer and next season's opener, Chicago.
