Canon’s demise is assured

After two decades of uncertainty, Beverly Hills’ Canon Theatre is finally facing the wrecking ball.

Susan Dietz, president of Canon Theatricals, which operates the theater, said that the city of Beverly Hills has approved a plan to tear down the Canon to make way for a hotel and condominium development.

Dietz said that since her company leased the theater in 1983, its existence has been threatened. The Canon has been home to such productions as the long-running “Love Letters” and Wendy Wasserstein’s “Isn’t It Romantic?” Lorna Luft’s “Songs My Mother Taught Me” is currently playing at the theater.

Dietz, who expects the theater to close in December 2004, said she remains undecided as to where she will continue her theater producing career.

“I think I can either find another space in Los Angeles or continue my work in New York,” she said. “Los Angeles has not been terribly supportive of theater lately.” “I’m not ever going to move to New York, -- my family is here, -- but I think I’ll be moving my theater activity to New York. This is not the end of the world.”

-- Diane Haithman