PROVIDENCE – The lawyer overseeing the receivership of Providence Place mall , the state’s largest retail destination, is looking to replace Showcase Cinemas as the operator of the 16-screen movie theater, according to media reports.

Citing court documents, WPRI reported that W. Mark Russo moved to replace the movie chain after learning Showcase would not renew its lease when it is due to expire on Jan. 31.

Russo is asking Superior Court Judge Brian P. Stern to allow them to pull out of the lease before its expiration and seek a replacement for Showcase, which is owned by National Amusements Inc. The receiver also seeks to retain the equipment to keep the theater operating during the transition.

“The departure will not have a negative impact. We are confident that the cinema space w

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