Producers are canceling shows at Playhouse Merced after an out-of-control board meeting ended on Sept. 10 with police sending people home.

Alma Villegas

Elizabeth Wilson

The Merced FOCUS

The primary conflict surrounds a growing rift on the community theater’s board of directors. The board majority attempted to remove its president and her allies, who in turn allege racism. Plus, the two sides can’t agree on which bylaws to follow.

Longtime Playhouse supporters said the fracas at the board meeting is not what they have known and loved about Merced’s local theater community.

“It’s cold. It’s hostile. It doesn’t feel like home. Even when I’ve been back in, just to go to shows, I don’t feel it anymore,” said Debbie Bennett, an actor who attended the meeting. “And it’s sad… that those mem

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