Community talent of all ages is needed to keep suburban theater programs vibrant.

With a director who is 26 and actors 14 to 69, McKeesport Little Theatre shows how community theaters can capitalize on the skills of young and old with its production of "Plaza Suite," which will open tomorrow.

"Plaza Suite," a comedy by Neil Simon, features three couples who visit the same Plaza hotel room at different times: A married couple who has lost the spark; old flames who reignite it; and an older couple trying to coax their daughter out of the bathroom on her wedding day.

Erik Flores is directing for the first time at McKeesport. He's directed for the Baldwin Players and South Park children's theater, and audiences may recognize him as Danny's buddy, Roger, from McKeesport's 2007 production of "Grease."

Mr. Flores is a 2005 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.

"This is my most challenging show to direct to date," he said, referring to the three acts of "Plaza."

"It's really like three one-act plays."

Mr. Flores may be young, but he has almost 20 years of stage experience; he started acting at 7. But, he said, one of a director's obligations is to use the experience of those around him.

"I've directed people in their 70s, and some have 30, 40, even 50 years of experience on the stage," he said. "What makes a good director is not pretending to know everything.

"Why not use every resource you have?"

Clyde Adams, who plays the father of the bride, Roy Hubley, agreed that a wise director uses all of his resources. He's in a position to know.

Last month, Mr. Adams directed Mr. Flores in the Baldwin Players' production of another Neil Simon play, "Fools."

Mr. Adams, who is 69 and semiretired, said being directed by Mr. Flores never gave him pause, because of his talent. He also said that, for him, age and experience are a trade-off.

"When you get to my age, the lines don't come as easily," he said. "But the characters do."

"Plaza Suite" also stars Cindy McGovern as Karen Nash, Norman Wash as Sam Nash, Mary K. Randolph as Norma Hubley and Adam Brandt as Jesse Kiplinger.

Kim Mathers, who will graduate from Point Park University during the run of "Plaza," plays Jesse's old girlfriend, Muriel Tate. Ryan Baker, the youngest cast member at 14, plays the Bell Boy.

Mr. Flores also praised the insight of stage manager Stephanie Humes.

"This is what the process should be -- a collaborative effort," he said. "We find the answers together."