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Vargo Lashes Out at Youngstown Playhouse Board
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Robert Vargo, managing director of the Youngstown Playhouse from 1999 through 2003, today issued a written statement assailing the board of directors for its inability to surmount "the historic cancer which pervaded the board."Vargo criticized directors of the community theater for their "elitist, our-turf mentality," for "spending down a $200,000 endowment then mortgaging Playhouse facilities for another $200,000, and for its "unwillingness to approach key individuals in the community for financial support and sponsorship."The Playhouse is embroiled in a war for control, touched off three weeks ago by the thwarted return of Bentley Lenhoff, managing director from 1965 to 1985 (READ STORY). Lenhoff had agreed to return to the Playhouse and spearhead a fund-raising drive but board members balked at his demand that they give him virtually total control over the community theater's operations. Lenhoff's supporters subsequently formed a pressure group, Save Our Stage, and called on board members to resign. The president of the board, John Maluso, resigned last week (READ STORY); no additional resignations have followed. During Vargo's tenure as managing director, the Playhouse received a $1.9 federal grant through the office of former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant. At the time, Vargo served as an unpaid aide to the congressman. A local accounting firm is conducting an audit to determine how the Playhouse funds were spent, but the audit does not cover expenditures related to the federal grant, according to Vargo.Here is the full text of Vargo's statement:"The current board of directors of The Youngstown Playhouse is the focus of community scrutiny. Professionals and community leaders, willing to bring new life to the organization, have been rebuffed. The very life blood of The Playhouse, its volunteers and directors, actors, singers, dancers, choreographers, as well as front of the house volunteers have been and disrespected.In its media coverage and through word of mouth, the current board has sought to transfer blame for its inability to fulfill its obligations. One talk show host (not privy to any of the factual information and too eager to castigate without investigation) went so far as to state that The Playhouse was not "well-served" by me and by the very capable and able young man who follow me. The board and this talk show host would have the public believe that it inherited the current fiscal and ethical problems it faces. He also stated that the board had been "burnt" (sic). They did not inherit, the created, fomented and expanded a negative atmosphere that trickled down through the employees, the volunteers and now -- the community. The only burning was by this board. It was the almost intentional burning of all the bridges I had begun to rebuild.In fact, the three years of my administration (1999-2003) were the beginning of a renaissance in no uncertain terms.The quality and selection of stage productions improved by a quantum leap.Holiday and summer productions were added to the lineup.Productions by other theaters, groups and new playwrights were offered.The relationship with the media was heightened and refined.Outreach to other nonprofit arts groups was established through the formation of The Community Theatre Summit.Operation at the Playhouse Lane facility was streamlined; unnecessary expenditures were eliminated, directors were held to strict rehearsal schedules, all aspects of the operation were scrutinized and adjusted wherever needed.The volunteer base expanded and diversified with more involvement including young adults and those who had long absented themselves from the scene due to the previous inbred nature of casting and community involvement.During the crucial 9/11 period and the resulting cut back in charitable contributions nationwide, The Playhouse operated a full season of plays and musicals, a full youth theatre season and classes, holiday and summer musicals and special events. During the same three year period, The Playhouse was a flourishing, thriving institution -- well on its way to recovering some of the status and glory of the Lenhoff years.What could not be surmounted was the historic "cancer" which pervaded the board. It took several forms:An elitist, "our turf" mentality had offended and eliminated many from board participation and support over the last decade.A "quick fix" financial approach saw the board spending down an endowment in excess of $200,000.00 and eventually mortgaging the Playhouse Lane building and properties -- placing the organized an additional $200,000.00 in debt.A refusal to recognize traditional nonprofit board organization and procedure -- a refusal to raise funds to sustain the operation of the facilities.An unwillingness to approach key individuals in the community for financial support and sponsorship, and most important -- an ongoing refusal to commit to major fundraising activities; even those spelled out in their own bylaws.The current chaos clearly developed during the last twelve months and demonstrates that those at the helm lack the leadership ability, community trust and volunteer confidence to do what needs to be done. The very reputation of the facility, well on the mend four years ago, is now sullied once more.An audit of the books and an examination of the nonprofit status of The Playhouse will say all that needs to be said of the current board's fiscal responsibility. A detailed list of funds raised by this board over the last thirteen months will make clear that this group lacks fiscal responsibility and has violated its most important nonprofit mission -- to properly fund the operation of The Youngstown Playhouse.My only regret is that the many programs, positive image improvements and outreach developed during my tenure may have been for naught. While I took ten giant steps forward, we have now experienced twenty in reverse.In closing, we all have a tendency to embellish our perspective. Time has a way of clouding our recollection. I decided I would not release this statement unless I had corroborative support from those who share three, wonderful years with me. The fact that you have this statement in hand indicates I am not alone in the appraisal of my tenure."Editor's Note: Signing Vargo's statement in affirmation of its accuracy are Michael Moritz, Jonathan Emerson, John Ballantyne, Matthew DeBattiste, Molly Golano, Donna Wilson, Paula Stroebel, Barbara Evans and Thomas Gilmartin Jr. All were active in the Youngstown Playhouse."