Briefly in the news

-- S.J. Cahn

The managers of the Lido Theatre announced Friday that the 62-year-old

Newport Beach landmark will undergo a renovation to restore its art deco

architecture.

“The renovation will include repairing the marquee; repainting the

exterior, including the pastel art deco plaster work on the columns;

repairing lighting; and thorough cleaning of the interior to restore the

original luster of the theater,” said John Loper, vice president of the

California division of the Fritz Duda Co., which manages the Via Lido

Plaza.

Fritz Duda also is looking for a new company to handle the theater,

Loper said. Talks are underway with several independent theater chains.

The theater was built in 1939 by the Griffith Co., the original

owners. In the mid-70s, Edwards Cinemas bought the theater and is

operating it now on an interim basis while it goes through bankruptcy

proceedings.