N.J. Theater May Be Forced to Shut Down

The Paper Mill Playhouse, in Millburn, N.J., may close tomorrow if it does not receive $1.5-million, reports The Star-Ledger.

The theater has undergone a number of setbacks: the collapse of its capital campaign, the resignation of its chief executive, lackluster ticket sales, and scarce donations. It may receive emergency assistance from the state legislature, but the grant, if passed by lawmakers, would be for a maximum of $400,000 and would not be distributed until August.

Underscoring the theater’s dire situation, Diane Claussen, Paper Mill’s managing director, said, “All this activity and energy is great, but I need cash.”