Show will go on at Biltmore

GableStage theater gets a break

After weeks of quiet negotiation and an outpouring of public support, the Biltmore has agreed to extend GableStage's residency at the historic Coral Gables hotel through August 2002.

"The hotel has been wonderful, and I'm very, very grateful," said Joseph Adler, the theater's award-winning producing artistic director. "Without this additional year, we couldn't have made a smooth transition to a new home. A theater that has to close for a year is finished."

In a news release, Biltmore President Gene Prescott said the city-owned hotel had expected the theater's move to a permanent home would have already taken place, given that this season is an extension of the theater's original five-year deal. But, he added in a nod to the calls, letters and e-mails that flooded his office since news broke in December that the hotel wouldn't extend the theater's lease beyond this August, "We hope everyone in the community who asked us to help will step up and assist GableStage to secure their new space quickly so that they can complete their move, and we can complete the Biltmore's necessary physical and operational changes."

GableStage, which has occupied its 3,000-square-foot home for six seasons at no charge, will pay the hotel $3,000 per month in rent as part of the agreement. Adler acknowledged the company's extended presence will cause delays to some facets of the hotel's capital-improvements program, confessing, "This is an inconvenience to them."

Adler said his hope is to find a larger space -- the Biltmore theater seats 150, and he'd like a 200- to 250-seat theater -- in Coral Gables. But, he added, he is "open to any offers" and said he has already received inquiries from other South Florida communities.