The Youngstown Playhouse, recognized as the longest continuously running playhouse in the United States, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a Broadway production featuring Tony Award winner Michael Maritz. Maritz, a Mahoning County native who won the prestigious award in 2019, is returning to his roots to volunteer for the production of \"Beautiful,\" a musical that chronicles the life of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King.

The Playhouse, which operates entirely on a volunteer basis, has maintained its commitment to the arts without interruption for a century. This milestone was highlighted during a recent government meeting, where local officials expressed excitement about the cultural contributions of the Playhouse and the involvement of young talent like 19-year-old Brooke May, who recently graduated from Austintown Fitch High School.

In addition to the Playhouse's achievements, the meeting also addressed the significant economic impact of tourism in the region, with a reported $1.1 billion growth attributed to visitors over the past four years. This figure closely aligns with the nearly $1.2 billion in construction permits issued in Mahoning County during the same period, indicating a robust local economy.

Officials noted that the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which operates under the county commissioners, is unique in Ohio, as most counties have independent boards overseeing similar organizations. This structure has drawn interest from other counties looking to replicate Mahoning's success.

Overall, the meeting underscored a period of positive developments in the region, with a focus on the arts and tourism as key drivers of growth and community engagement.