After Years of Planning, The Bethesda Theatre Prepares to
Re-Open Its Doors to the Public

Bethesda Cultural Alliance and Nederlander Worldwide Partner To Provide
Unique Performing Arts Opportunities for the Region

Greenbelt, Md...The Bethesda Cultural Alliance, owners of the newly renovated Bethesda Theatre, and theater operator Nederlander of Bethesda, a subsidiary of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, marked the reopening of the theater this morning with a symbolic "handing over the keys" ceremony. Nederlander will manage the Bethesda Theatre, which has been thoroughly renovated under the direction of the Bethesda Cultural Alliance.

The ceremony took place in the theater's auditorium, among the hustle and bustle of the first rehearsals for the Off-Broadway hit I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, premiering October 4.

"This is a stunning example of all that can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together," said John Slidell, president of the Bethesda Cultural Alliance. "We’ve worked since 1996 to breath new life into the theater, and thanks to the support of the state of Maryland and Montgomery County—the Bethesda Cultural Alliance has been able to see this project through and create a wonderful asset for the community."

The Bethesda Cultural Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the financial and operational support of the Bethesda Theatre, has worked closely with the state and county, along with private supporters—The Bozzuto Group and Prudential—on the restoration and reuse of the Bethesda Theatre. Not only will the theater provide off-Broadway performances, the Alliance also plans to use proceeds from the theater operation in support of local cultural arts activities.

"We are trying to create a truly unique entertainment opportunity for the region," explained Robert Nederlander, Jr., founder of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment. "With the convenience of Bethesda—accessible public transportation and inexpensive public parking—fabulous shopping and restaurants, we believe this community can truly be a destination and the Bethesda Theatre is at the heart of it."

The Bozzuto Group, along with Smith Payes LLC, donated the theater to the Bethesda Cultural Alliance in 2006, with additional financial support provided by the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development and the state of Maryland.

Plans for renovating the Bethesda Theatre began in 1996 as part of The Bozzuto Group’s development of The Whitney Apartments, located directly behind the theater. The Bozzuto Construction Company began restoring the Bethesda Theatre in 2001 under the direction of preservation architects. The theater’s restoration has cost upwards of $11.75 million, which is a combination of private and public funds raised in part by the Bethesda Cultural Alliance.

This is the fourth iteration of life for The Bethesda Theatre, which first opened its doors as the Boro Theatre in May 19, 1938. Nearly 50 years later, in 1983, the theatre was converted to a restaurant/movie house and was re-opened as the Bethesda Cinema and Draft House featuring second-run movies, banquette and small dining tables and low admission prices. In 1990, it became the Bethesda Theatre Café.

Renovations to the Bethesda Theatre include:
• Restoring the marquee of the theater to its original condition at a cost of $500,000
• Restoring the auditorium ceiling and exterior storefronts
• Reconfiguring auditorium-style seating for up to 700 patrons
• Incorporating the technical and spatial requirements of a Broadway-style, performing arts venue into a building that was not designed for such a purpose
• Preservation of the Art Deco design originally designed by John Eberson, the renowned "Dean of American Theater Architects"
• Building a new public parking garage for theater patrons

In addition to show performances, The Green Room Café and Honest Tea Bar will offer cocktails, light snacks and sandwiches before and after performances. For more information about the Bethesda Theatre and ticket information, visit www.bethesdatheatre.com.

About The Bethesda Cultural Alliance

The mission of the Bethesda Cultural Alliance is to provide financial and operational assistance to the Bethesda Theatre, sponsor educational outreach programs, and become a supporting institution for the expansion of cultural arts and activities in Bethesda and the greater metropolitan area. The Bethesda Cultural Alliance is a registered 501 (c )3 nonprofit organization.