[2] The cover of the February 27, 1970 issue of Life was a two-page pull-out featuring The Spirit of Cinema America,[3][4] which inspired the creation of the Playhouse Square Association.

[3] Two years later in 1972, and again in 1977, both the State and Ohio Theatres were threatened with demolition to build a parking lot, but were saved through public outcry.

In 1973, the newly formed Playhouse Square Foundation obtained a long-term lease for the Palace and State, and Ohio Theatres, and by 1977, the Loew's Building was purchased by Cuyahoga County.

[5] Also in 1973, the musical revue Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris opened in the State Theatre's lobby.

The revue was expected to run for three weeks, but instead played for two years,[6] making it the "longest-running show in Cleveland history.