Max Weitzenhoffer, a co-producer of such Broadway hits as The Will Rogers Follies and Dracula, as well as such West End shows as Defending the Caveman and the current Fiona Shaw Medea, has added a new line to his resume: theatre owner.

He's taking over the Vaudeville Theatre, current home of Richard Nelson's Off-Broadway-bound hit, Madame Melville. Previous owners Vaudeville Enterprises, Ltd., are still managing the venue, according to a spokesperson at the Keith Sherman press office (Feb. 9), and "all staff and services will remain intact."

Regarding the purchase, Weitzenhoffer said in a statement, "I've worked in the theatre all my life and always dreamed I would own my own. I feel fortunate to be associated with such a beautiful and prestigious venue."

After Madame Melville leaves the Vaudeville for New York, the 700 seat West End venue will house Hugh Whitemore's God Only Knows, starring Derek Jacobi.

— By David Lefkowitz