New York State Theater

The New York State Theater (to be renamed in 2008 the David H. Koch Theater) is part of New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex. The theater occupies the south side of the main plaza (at Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street) that it shares with the Metropolitan Opera House and Avery Fisher Hall (home of the New York Philharmonic). The New York State Theater is home to both New York City Ballet and New York City Opera. The Theater was built with funds from the State of New York as part of New York State's cultural participation in the 1964-1965 World's Fair. After the Fair, the State transferred ownership of the theater to the City of New York. The City leases the theater to Lincoln Center, Inc., which then has a sublease with City Center of Music and Drama, Inc. (CCMD). The present corporation of CCMD (separate and apart from New York City Center on 55th Street) continues to manage the theater today.

The theater was designed by architect Philip Johnson and opened on April 23, 1964. Richard Rodgers was named President of the Music Theater of Lincoln Center, and during his tenure, many classic Broadway musicals were revived there, among them "The King and I", "Carousel" (with its original star, John Raitt), "Annie Get Your Gun" (with its original star, Ethel Merman), "Show Boat", and "South Pacific".

The theater seats 2,755 and features continental style seating on the orchestra level, five “Rings” (balconies), faced with jewel-like lights and a large spherical chandelier in the center of the gold paneled ceiling. The lobby areas of the theater feature many examples of modern art.

In July 2008 it was announced that billionaire philanthropist David H. Koch (pronounced "COKE")has pledged $100 million over the next 10 years for the purpose of renovating the theater and providing for an operating and maintenance endowment. [ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hvjS1dtINQ7MH8IPGORKMREZFIVQD91QS7Q80 Koch giving $100 million to Lincoln Center theater - AP - July 8, 2008] ] In recognition of the gift, in the fall of 2008 the theater will be renamed the David H. Koch Theater.

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