Coconut Grove Playhouse's Mittelman-No Resignation

Arnold Mittelman, the 21 year long Producing Artistic Director of Miami's renowned Coconut Grove Playhouse has responded to Board requests for his resignation.

Board member Lynn Marmtenstein, who was one of three members to "ask for Mittelman's resignation" on Friday, says that she spoke with Arnold Mittelman Monday and he does not wish to or plan to resign. Mittelman told Marmtenstein that he wants to at least finish out his current contract which runs through 2008.

It was clarified that there was never a Board vote to oust Arnold Mittelman. Leaders of the Board now say it was one of many options being explored to keep the theater in excellent "health." Mittelman has strong supporters on the Playhouse Board. There are also Board members who believe it is "time for him to go."

The Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss Mittelman's tenure and the future of the Playhouse.

Arnold Mittelman was recently awarded South Florida's Carbonell George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. This occurred as problems plaguing the Playhouse came to surface. Please see prior articles by this writer for the detailed happenings at the Coconut Grove Playhouse.

Watch this column for unfolding events at America's best known and most widely respected regional theater.

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