Articles on the lease of Banvard’s Opera House by George Wood

“We learn that on Saturday last Mr. Geo. Wood, formerly of ‘Wood’s’ and the ‘Broadway Theatres,’ entered into arrangements whereby he becomes the lessee of this property for ten years from May 1. The premises will be closed on that date, and remain closed for the period of four months, during which time it will undergo thorough reconstruction in all its departments. The museum department will be made newly attractive… The reopening of the establishment will occur about Sept. 1.”

“George Wood, a gentleman pretty extensively known as a manager, has secured Banvard’s Musuem on a lease of ten years…Mr. Wood will personally supervise the alterations, and as he has had considerable experience in such matters, as well as reviving the fallen fortunes of many a theatre, this building, which has failed to make a dollar since it was first opened, will probably become one of the leading theatres in the city. It is Mr. Wood’s intention to make it a first class establishment in every respect, and to vie with any other, in its interior decorations, in the country. The outlay devolved upon Mr. Wood, it is said, will reach $100,000. [Description of renovation plans; building will resemble Madame Tusaud’s in London.]”