Coconut Grove Playhouse-Bad Bank Loan & Blue Ribbon Panel

Wednesday's Board meeting at the Coconut Grove Playhouse led to no decision regarding the future of producing artistic director of 21 years, Arnold Mittelman.

The previous Friday, April 21, three Board members met with Mittelman and asked him to tender his resignation. It has been clarified that there has been no Board resolution or vote calling for Mittelman's ouster. The Board is referring to the request for Arnold Mittelman's resignation as one of many avenues they are exploring to salvage the struggling Coconut Grove Playhouse. Mittelman has refused, stating he would like to, at least, stay with the Playhouse until his current contract expires in 2008.

At the meeting it was disclosed that Mittelman took out a $125,000 unapproved loan in April, from the Coconut Grove Bank, to cover Playhouse expenses, including his own salary. A state grant for building improvements was used as collateral, according to sources from the Playhouse's Board.

Sources say Mittelman's taking out the loan and the collateral he used was in violation of the theater's policies and put the Playhouse in jeopardy of receiving future state funding.

A group of South Florida leaders led by Coral Gables philanthropist R. Kirk Landon, has offered to "help the Playhouse." Board member Lynn Martenstein said this group would likely act as a blue ribbon panel of advisors.

Sources revealed that the Playhouse "simply has no money," and that Landon and the blue ribbon panel will do their best "advising" by donating much needed funds to the Playhouse.

A source tell this writer, that unless the "blue ribbon panel" provides financial aid to the Playhouse immediately, all but essential staff will likely be laid off very soon.

Board member Lynn Martenstein is the Coconut Grove Playhouse's newly appointed spokesperson.. Wednesday's Board meeting lasted about 3 and a half hours with most discussion centered on the theater's financial failings and determination to identify how the theater "reached the financial state it is in."

Arnold Mittelman and R. Kirk Landon could not be reached for comment about the ongoing imbroglio at America's most famed regional theater.

Please see prior columns by this author for the full, unfolding drama at Miami's Coconut Grove Playhouse.

FALL IN LOVE TODAY! ADOPT A PET FROM YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER