LIZA MINNELLI - COCONUT GROVE CLOSES

World-famous Florida venue the Coconut Grove Playhouse has mysteriously shut down. The Miami theatre, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year (06), has been home to top names like LIZA MINNELLI, JESSICA TANDY and GEORGE C SCOTT. But, amid reports of employee pay cheques bouncing back and a lapse in liability insurance, signs were posted notifying staff of the sudden closure yesterday (12APR06). The board of directors will meet to determine the future of the theatre later today (13APR06), as well as of its next production, SONIA FLEW, which was to star LUCIE ARNAZ and her daughter KATHERINE D LUCKINBILL. According to theatre news website BroadwayWorld.com, Arnaz herself has donated funds to the struggling theatre and is encouraging wealthy businessmen and women in Miami to do the same. Arnaz, the daughter of LUCILLE BALL and DESI ARNAZ, says, "It would be a tragedy if this play didn't get to open in Miami. This is the best show I've done since I have been down here. The worst thing to do is not to let this play open and that the playhouse would stumble on its 50th anniversary."