Greek Theatre

* “Avoiding a Greek Tragedy” (editorial, Dec. 13) alludes to the year the Greek Theatre opened, 1929, and then states that it “badly needs upgrading.” The inference here is neglect under the current management. Been in their new public restrooms lately? Over the years the Nederlanders have invested millions of dollars in maintaining and upgrading the Greek. And how about the financial and cultural albatross the Greek represented in the years just prior the Nederlanders’ involvement? In the 24 years they have operated the Greek it has returned a steady stream of revenues to Los Angeles and season after season of great lineups. Ticket prices have remained affordable.

The House of Blues, which is vying to take over the Greek, also operates the Universal Amphitheatre, the Greek’s sole competitor in its geographic area. Should the House of Blues secure the franchise to operate both of these venues, that would be a monopoly, which in turn would most likely lead to increased ticket prices. Under caretakership of the Nederlanders, the Greek Theatre has not only been revitalized but has become recognized as a world-class concert venue. It’s unfortunate that The Times is advocating the ouster of a company whose presence has consistently benefited Los Angeles.

ROY M. ROSENBLUTH

Sherman Oaks