7130 Locust Avenue, Suite 12, Youngstown, Ohio
JEBbooks
Books & Plays by J.E. Ballantyne, Jr.
Honored Listee in Marquis
Who’s Who in America
Welcome to my website
Navigating this site is a little different than most sites. It is broken down into sections rather than pages, except for the Home Page and Store. Simply scroll down through the site to see what there is to offer in books and plays. In the books section you can add a book to your cart easily. In the plays section, you can read a synopsis along with other information for each play. To order reading copies, however, you must go to the Store. If you are interested in Performance Royalty information for a play, you must contact us directly through the Contact Section at the bottom of the site..
Upcoming New Book
The Mauthausen 7
Based on the Marquee Award winning play, Block 5, The Mauthausen 7 tells the harrowing story of seven Jewish prisoners who were the sole inhabitants of Block #5 at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria during World War II. Both the play and the book are based on actual incidents which took place at the camp between November and December of 1943.
Early Book Preview
On this particular morning in early November between midnight and 2am., the dark clouds hang low in the heavens, the darkness seems thicker than normal and there is silence in the camp, an eerie silence uncharacteristic of such a place. The dogs are quiet, the guards, if moving at all, walk softly so as not to disturb the crunching snow under foot. The constant panning of camp search lights seems slower than normal stopping only occasionally to focus on a block door or window, and the wind is calm. The usual sounds of pain and suffering from assorted prisoners around the camp seems muted to an almost inaudible scream. The constant sounds of misery seem shut off as one would turn off a faucet. It seems as though the camp has stopped in its relentless, terrifying footsteps, holding its withering diseased breath just waiting —- waiting for something to happen.
BOOKS
“In the latter years, the author writes from a backstage perspective. His knowledge of the Playhouse is obvious — and so is his tough love for it.” Guy Dastolfo, Entertainment Editor for The Business Journal.
The Youngstown Playhouse is one of the oldest community theaters in the United States. It celebrated its 100th birthday during the 2024/2025 theater season. A Place Where The Stars Still Shine - A Glittering Galaxy of 100 Youngstown Playhouse Years, with a Foreword by Guy Dastolfo of the Business Journal, celebrates the history of this nationally known theater---how it began---the early years---and how it blossomed through the decades into one of the most prominent theaters of its type. It wasn't an easy journey, there were ups, downs, great times and sad times but the theater prevailed through them all. The Youngstown Playhouse has given the world the likes of actor Joe Flynn; actress Elizabeth Hartman; actor Ed O'Neill; actor/comedian Billy Saluga; symphony conductor John Lee DeMain; and Broadway producer Michael J. Moritz, Jr. along with dozens of other professional actors and technicians. Not only is this book just plain good reading, but it is also a great research tool and can also be used as an educational resource for other community theaters and schools. The book is also packed with hundreds of photos that help tell the story of the Youngstown Playhouse and why it has lasted for 100 years and will likely last much longer. If you love community theater or theater in general---you will love this book!
“Ballantyne painstakingly walks us through the YP’s formative years, detailing how it increasingly became THE cultural centerpiece of Youngstown at the city’s zenith.” Rick Blackson & Mary Jo Maluso of Beyond Broadway Entertainment
“Ballantyne unearthed hundreds of photographs, many of them rare, from the earliest days of the theater and up to the present, and included them in this book.” Guy Dastolfo, Entertainment Editor for The Business Journal
A companion book to A Place Where the Stars Still Shine, it tells the story of the Youngstown Playhouse mainly in photographs, newspaper articles, artwork and nostalgic quotes from numerous sources. Enjoy vintage photos and newspaper headlines from years past as well as current production photos and “backstage” photos. Many rare photos from the vast archive collection. This a great addition to any theater library. The Youngstown Playhouse is one of the oldest community theaters in the United States which has held primary status among all theaters. It has not only been renowned for its theatrical achievements but also for its place in the history of the City of Youngstown, Ohio. Paired with A Place Where the Stars Still Shine, it will provide a rich accounting for this iconic theater for the past 100 years. A collector’s piece. A great coffee table book!!
“The book really caught my interest as he names the people who were prominent in theater.” Rich Morgan, WKBN-TV
Theater stories are always fun, interesting, and intriguing. People are always interested in those backstage happenings and the stories that brought theater productions to the stage including all of the backstage mysteries. That interest is what prompted Why I Did It! It’s In the Book. It tells the story of the long theater career of author and playwright, J.E. Ballantyne, Jr. From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ballantyne began his theater career in 1963 with a small role in a long forgotten one-act play. His theater career has spanned 63 years and has included community theater work, professional theater and television.
“The first word that comes to mind after finishing the book is’Engaging.’” Glenn Stevens - WFMJ-TV
One aspect of his career that he is particularly proud of is his work on the legendary children’s television show, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood in the early 1970s. His professional theater work has included work with the much respected Kenley Players in Ohio, The Civic Light Opera of Pittsburgh, and the nationally known Chamber Theater Productions of Boston. He has also worked with some of the greats like Jerry Vale, Charlton Heston, Paul Anka, George Carlin and many others. In between, he has worked on a total of 600 and 700 productions through the years. This book provides a wealth of information on the ins and outs of the theater world and all of those who participate in providing the world with entertainment.
“The book is valuable as a revealing account of what it takes to keep the performing arts alive.” James McClellan, former Exec. Dir. of Youngstown Playhouse
If you are a fan of famed American writer, Edgar Allan Poe, then this book is for you. J.E. Ballantyne, Jr. has crafted numerous Poe tales into live stage productions, all of which have been produced. Some of Poe’s most frightening stories come alive in this book and include some dramatic extensions in order to convert his short stories into a full evening of thrilling theatrical entertainment. Included in the book are stage adaptations of Poe Classics: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Cask of Amontillado, The Masque of the Red Death, The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar, PLUS. Two original plays about the life of famed writer Edgar Allan Poe.
“Ballantyne shows a deep respect for the great works of Poe…a classy take on Poe.” Eric McCrea, critic, Youngstown Vindicator
PLAYS
IMAGES: Remembrances of the Holocaust: The Eva Schloss Story
Drama in two acts with multi-media. Cast requirements: 1 woman; Set - single unit set
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance Royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: The story of Eva Schloss, Anne Frank's childhood friend and posthumous step-sister. A tour-de-force performance opportunity for the actress portraying Eva Schloss. The story is told in retrospect, with video segments, as Eva, in her 80s, enters the attic of her home for an interview with a newspaper reporter. The attic is adorned with items evoking past memories, both good and bad, in her life. With the help of an unseen (pre-recorded) reporter, Eva takes the audience through her life in Vienna, Austria to when her family was captured by the Nazis after fleeing to Amsterdam. Her harrowing time after the capture is highlighted by her transport and eventual imprisonment in Auschwitz. A powerful and moving show.
Reviews: “A stirring performance —- embodies the inspirational Schloss with humility and hearfelt honesty.” - The Vindicator
“…a lesson to the audience beyond the Holocaust. (It) can be a great asset in delivering Holocaust histories to a wide range of audiences.” - Harold Davis, B’nai B’rith #339
A Light In the Darkness: A Story of Hope During the Holocaust
Drama in two acts with multi-media. Cast requirements: 10m., 14 w.; fewer with doubling and tripling. Set - Numerous small interiors
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance Royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: The true story of Eva Schloss, childhood friend and step-sister of Anne Frank, as she and her family are forced into hiding during Hitler's rampage across Europe. Their startling capture and time spent in Auschwitz are told in gripping detail through their return home at the end of the war. Eva provides recorded narration herself. A true story of hope and survival based on Eva's book, The Promise.
Reviews: "To see 'A Light in the Darkness' is not to see a theatrical production, rather it is to see and feel history." ---- TheVindicator
"Story of 'Darkness' has hope at its core." New Castle News
" 'A Light in the Darkness' will give you perspective into your own life, and offer incredible amounts of hope to be remembered in trying times." ---- TheVindicator
WINNER OF 6 MARQUEE AWARDS INCLUDING A SPECIAL AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
POE….Quoth the Raven….Nevermore!
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 12m.; 4w.; 2 boys; all playing multiple roles. Set - Numerous simple interiors
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance Royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: Poe tells the life story of American horror writer Edgar Allan Poe. Scenes from specific points and moments in his life combined with dramatic presentations of some of his most well known stories which is capped off at the end with a full cast staged reading of The Raven. Perfect Halloween entertainment.
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 7 m,; 3w., adjustable. Set - Minimal and can be done with set pieces.
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance Royalties: $100.00 per performance
Synopsis: A collection of some of Edgar Allan Poe's most gruesome and most famous stories and poems. Beginning with a visitation from The Dark Phantom (the Poe Toaster based upon the real life strange and hooded figure that visited Poe's Baltimore grave for years), the play takes the audience on a whirlwind tour of the literature of the Master of Horror, Edgar Allan Poe. Tied together with scenes about his life, The Tell-Tale Poe is a great evening of theatre from both an entertainment and educational background. The stories and poems are performed in a "readers theatre" style backed by dark and eerie lighting and sound effects. The entire evening climaxes with a full company reading of The Raven.
WINNER OF A MARQUEE AWARD FOR BEST SOUND DESIGN
Edgar Allan Poe’s…The Tell Tale Heart
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 7m., 1w. Set - 1 main set with a couple of small locations.
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance royalties: $100.00 per performance
Synopsis: Perhaps Poe's most famous story about an old man who is cared for by a caretaker that is obsessed by the old man's strange eye. Even though he loves the old man, the eye drives him mad to the point that he must kill him to rid himself of the eye's perceived "evil." Told in a backstory type of format the suspense builds to a breathtaking finale. An old character-type cleaning woman is added for some welcome comic relief.
Specter of Treason: The Oswald Trial
Drama in three acts. Cast requirements: 41m, 13w, fewer with doubling and tripling.. Set - Numerous small locations with Acts II and III in a courtroom.
Singlr reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: For many years the JFK assassination has fascinated and intrigued people all over the world. Lee Harvey Oswald's untimely death at the hands of Jack Ruby, guaranteed that no trial would ever take place in this case. But now, Specter of Treason - The Oswald Trial, presents a dramatic and powerful case for what might have happened during the trial of the century. A wealth of information about one of the most controversial crimes of our time. A powerhouse of information leading to the jury's decision ---- the audience's decision (since they act as the jury). Was Oswald guilty or innocent of killing JFK? An excellent educational tool for schools and teachers.
Reviews: " 'Specter of Treason' is an outstanding original theatrical presentation that captures the emotionalism and drama of the immediate post-JFK assassination period." ------- Cyril H. Wecht, M.D., J.D.
"......Ballantyne's Oswald trial is riveting psycho-drama....."------- Walt Brown (noted JFK assassination researcher and author)
"Thought-provoking drama......" ------ TheVindicator
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 13m. Set - 1 unit set
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: A gripping drama about seven Jewish prisoners in Mauthausen during World War II. Mauthausen was one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps in existence. Block 5 is based on actual events which took place at the camp. The seven are the only inhabitants of Block #5. Soon a captured British Naval officer is thrown in with them. Is he really who he says he is? And why are the seven in this block by themselves? What plays out is high drama to the fullest. As the Nazis
threaten and even torture some of the seven, we find out who these seven prisoners are. We also find out why a prisoner of war is placed in a block with the seven Jewish men. Act I ends with a startling reality while Act II builds to a stunning conclusion.
Reviews: "To see this play is to be transformed." ------ The Vindicator
"......an unforgettable piece of theatre." ------ TheVindicator
"...crackling dialogue....defiance....courage....hope.....the reverence for life." -------- TheVindicator
"....one of the darkest, most emotional performances to grace a local stage in recent memory." ------ Tribune Chronicle
"......stark, violent and hard." ------- Tribune Chronicle
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 3m., 1w., 2 young boys. Set - a Couple small interiors
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance royalties: $100.00 per performance
Synopsis: One of Edgar Allan Poe's stangest tales, The Fall of the House of Usher, takes the audience on a strange journey to a very desolate location where all plant life ceases to exist and all human life is very tentative. Living in a huge family mansion eaten away by centuries of time, Roderick Usher and his sister Madeline are visited by an old school friend, who hopes to convince them to leave the old homestead. What ensues during his visit brings the true horror of the family's past into vivid view. The house becomes a fifth character in this classically dark Poe tale.
Reviews: ".....a perfect way to immerse oneself in the gloomy atmospherics of Halloween...."------ TheVindicator
".....far more authentic than any haunted house attraction." ---- TheVindicator
".....stays true to Poe's writing syle." ------ TheVindicator
WINNER OF MARQUEE AWARD FOR BEST SOUND DESIGN
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 5m., 2w.
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: Franklin and his wife Marguerite have recently inherited a house from Franklin's father. A desolate place which also brings with it a strange servant named Reginald. To brighten the house up Franklin brings a stray cat home to which both Franklin and Marguerite become very attached. The cat, however, forms a violent dislike to Franklin and torments him endlessly. Finally, in a drunken stupor one night, Franklin kills the cat and hangs it from a tree outside. Sometime later a cat follows Franklin home one night. Franklin, hoping to surprise his wife welcomes the cat only to find out that he looks exactly like the previous cat --- the one he killed. Eventually the second cat torments him to maniacal heights which leads to Franklin killing his wife and walling her up in the cellar. But the cat is not done with him yet. A classic Poe story.
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 14m., 8w., plus extras; smaller with doubling and tripling. Set - Several interiors
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance Royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: Prince Prospero rules the land with an iron hand. No one is free from his tyranny and no one is free from the menacing shadow of his castle. But a new fear has gripped the region. A horrifying and agonizing death has invaded the countryside killing people by the hundreds. Death comes rapidly with very little warning.
In an attempt to save his most loyal subjects from this horrifying malady, Prince Prospero invites one-thousand of his most loyal follwers to his secondary castle, a sprawling ediface, capable of sustaining life for an endless period. By welding the doors shut, the prince will be able to save all from this painful death. To entertain his guests, the Prince decides to throw an elaborate masquerade ball requiring all to wear colorful costumes and grotesque masks. The height of the ball will offer a tour of the castle including the seven forbidden rooms on the seventh level of the castle. Once the tour begins, no one can turn back --- not even as things begin to occur which raise doubts about two mysterious guests who seem to appear and vanish at will. Only once they reach the final room --- The Black Room --- do we find out what stalks the castle.
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Facts In the Case of M. Valdemar
Drama in two-acts. Cast requirements: 5m., 2w. Set - One interior
Single reading copies: $10.00 each; Performance royalties: $100.00 per performance.
Synopsis: M. Ernest Valdemar and Dr. Pontier have been friends for years. But this most recent visit by Pontier is not out of friendship. Valdemar is terminally ill and Pontier visits him in the hopes of convincing him to take part in a relatively new use for mesmerism. Pontier explains that this new use for mesmerism could postpone death and leave the afflicted patient in a suspended state between life and death --- thus opening up the possibility of finding cures, applying them and then lifting the mesmeric trance from the patient so that he may enjoy a normal life. It all sounds
very promising until the experiment is tried and the element of the unknown rears its ugly head. To add even more angst to the procedure, Valdemar's past returns to visit him thereby complicating the process and adding a dangerous new element which Pontier is unprepared to handle.
Reviews: Classic Edgar Allan Poe!!
"A classy take on Poe chiller."
"Ballantyne shows a deep respect for the great works of Poe and his impeccable use of foreshadowing and subtlety make for a truly entertaining evening."
TheVindicator
J.E.Ballantyne, Jr.
Ballantyne has been involved in live theater and television for almost 63 years having been part of between 600 and 700 productions in that time. He has been the Youngstown Playhouse archivist since 2016.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ballantyne started his theater career in junior high school at Mellon Jr. High in Mt. Lebanon, Pa. and continued with theater all the way through Mt. Lebanon High School. Earning a Business Management degree at Robert Morris University, Ballantyne went to work at WQED-TV in Pittsburgh as a floor director and make-up designer. Along the way he worked on about 30 episodes of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. He also did selected on-camera work at the station.
His professional and local theater career has spanned everything from crew work, to acting, directing, producing, make-up, video production, stage management, writing, theater management, and numerous other areas. He has also stage managed and worked with many of the top names in the entertainment industry along with touring nationally for 7 years with Chamber Theater Productions of Boston.
His writing career has consisted of numerous full length plays from Edgar Allan Poe to the JFK assassination to the Holocaust. His biggest project was for the 100th Anniversary of the Youngstown Playhouse in Youngstown, Ohio. Called The Centennial Project, the project consisted of the book, A Place Where the Stars Still Shine-A Glittering Galaxy of 100 Youngstown Playhouse Years and a companion book, A Youngstown Playhouse Scrapbook . Also included in the project was a ten-part documentary titled, The Youngstown Playhouse - A Centennial of Live Theater and On the Marquee - Behind the Scenes with Playhouse Personnel; a series of 39 video interviews with Playhouse actors, directors and others. The Centennial Project garnered Ballantyne the status of an Honored Listee in Marquis Who’s Who in America.
Contact us.
jandbproductions@juno.com
(330) 799-6176
7130 Locust Avenue, Suite #12,
Youngstown, Ohio 44512