Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-08-05
Two New'0ffers
For Leasing Of
Be|ascoReadied
One May Be Offered
Todoy by New York
Theoter Operator

Two new proposals for lease of
the Belasco Theater as a legitimate
playhouse are being prepared for
submission to the Public Buildings
Administration.
One may be offered the Govern
ment today on behalf of Joseph H.
Curtis, New York theater operator
The other is awaiting approval
by officials of the American Ma
tional Theater and Academy in New
York.
Meanwhile. the Strand Theater,
Ninth and D streets NV, turned
up as another possible haven of
drama here in the face of the Ma
tional Theater's change to mo-
ton picture policy.
Both Mr. Curtis and ANITA have
made previous efforts to lease the
Belasco Their bids were rejected
last month by Federal Works Ad-
ministrator Philip B. Fleming, how
ever, because they insisted on being
reimbursed for unamortized renova-
ton expenses If the proposed 10
wear lease were Cancelled ahead of
time.
May Have New Plan Today.
Wallace M. Cohen, attorney rep
resenting Mr.. Curtis here, said he
might have new plan ready today
for submission to PBA. He would
not reveal how the proposal differed
from the earlier offer.
Mr.. Cohen confirmed report the
possibility of using the Strand as
legitimate theater was being ex-
plored
The Strand. owned and operated
by Marcus Notes of Washington,
shows motion pictures but has
housed stage presentations in the
past.
Tn not sure that we would want
IT. Mr.. Cohen commented, 1T
poses the same problem of renova-
ton as the Belasco, and there is the
less favorable location to be con-
Sidered"
Asked whether Mr.. Curtis would
consider buying theater, Mr..
Cohen said he would He added an
unsuccessful attempt had been made
recently to purchase "a downtown
motion picture theater."
I'VE are considering every pos
sibility," he emphasized. Our in
terest is in obtaining a theater here
as soon as possible in order that the
Capital can be assured stage enter
tainment."
Reports Encouraging Talks.
Arthur KatimS of the Theodore
Crank law Offices, representing
ANITA, said that group, too, would
make a new Belasco offer in the
near future.
He said he had had encouraging
conversations with PBA officials.
Based on his appraisal of their atti-
tude, Mr.. Katims explained, he had
written to ANITA yesterday, sug-
costing a modification of the orig
inal ANITA proposal.
L think the Government would
entertain it," he said, and l hope
to receive a favorable answer from
New York"
Mr.. Katims indicated he believed
ANITA could lease the theater safely
with less written protection of its
refurbishing investment.
Although the site is slated to be
used eventually for a Treasury an
mex. he pointed out, no funds are
available, even for plans, and a
tenant probably would remain I'M
disturbed for most of the duration
of any lease entered into with the
Government.
Considered Strand.
Mr.. Katims added ANITA had
given thought to the Strand but
probably would dismiss this posi-
bility because of the location.
Sylvan Notes, son of Marcus Notes,
said today the idea of converting
that house to stage shows was his.
He indicated, however, he had be-
gun to doubt the ACCESSIBILITY of such
a change.
You know how it is" he said,
"you read something in the news
papers-such as about the legiti-
mate theater-and you get an idea.
But it would cost lot of money
to get the theater ready for stage
shows, and we've been doing all
right with pictures.
Mr.. Notes admitted there had
been some talk" with other parties
but would not say whether he had
received any firm offers.
The National, sole professional le-
ultimate playhouse here in recent
years, ended its season last week,
and Workmen began installing
equipment for film showings.
Marcus lehman, president of the
corporation operating the theater,
decided on the change as result
Of an impasse with Actors Equity,
the performers union, over admis-
sion policy.
Actors Equity announced its
members would not appear at the
National unless persons of all races
were admitted to the performances.