While Youngstown's history dates back well beyond 100 years, its playhouse has thrived, barely survived, and has since been revived.

"It's the story of Youngstown," said Playhouse president Dr. John Cox. "We've gone through ups and downs and we're part of the community so it reflects exactly the ups and downs of the Playhouse." 

One of the longest continually running theatres in the country kicked off its 100th season Friday with a preview of "Beautiful", The Carole King musical.
A 100th season that not too long ago seemed impossible.

"They were talking about shutting it down because there were financial issues and a flood here, and I took exception to that and didn't want to see what had come before us go away," said Cox. 

"I think it's survived because Youngstown wants it to survive," added Playhouse archivist Jack Ballantyne. 

The milestone coincides with his two books and documentary on the storied past of the Playhouse.
Asked what it'll take for it to last another 100 years, he said the current formula seems to be working.

"Staying current, keeping up with what's happening...they have kept up with the trends. We're doing a lot more shows that are recent Broadway shows and the audiences love those because they want to see them. Not everybody can get to New York to see those, so they get to see them here."

Getting here has sometimes been a day by day undertaking, from attracting the right financial partners to installing the right management.

Those efforts garnered a resolution from the Ohio statehouse.

"So not only part of our history here in The Valley, but it's part of the state's history for the rest of time," said State Representative Lauren McNally, who helped secure more than $230,000 in state funding toward a new roof at the Playhouse.