You can read the full story over at the Washington Post:
After five turbulent years, the nonprofit steward of the Howard Theatre is preparing to cut ties with the venue’s operator as the theater struggles to pay down more than a half-million dollars in tax debts and make its rent payments.
Myla Moss, chairwoman of Howard Theatre Restoration, said that she has hired lawyers to terminate the 20-year contract with Howard Theatre Entertainment, which runs the venue. The move could potentially shutter the theater, financed in part with a $12 million contribution from the District government, at least temporarily, while a new operator is sought.
“We are looking to formally move forward to sever our relationship with the current operator,” Moss told The Washington Post, adding that she has not received rent payments for several months. “We tried to work with this operator for five years now. We have given them ample opportunity to retool their strategy to make it a successful venue, and we have not seen a positive result. We can’t possibly sustain this current formula for 20 or more years.”
Moss added that she plans to keep the theater running. “It is our hope that we are not dark at all,” she said.
