Ford’s Theatre Reopens Doors on February 11 for the Bicentennial of Lincoln’s Birth

-(Business Wire)-January 29, 2009 - After an 18-month renovation process, Ford’s Theatre Society, in partnership with the National Park Service, will reopen the doors of Ford’s Theatre. On Wednesday, February 11, the theatre will host a morning press conference and star-studded evening event to celebrate its reopening and initiate the celebration of the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Media is invited to cover both events; details for each are below.


PRESS CONFERENCE

WHEN:	Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.

WHAT:	Paul Tetreault, Director of Ford’s Theatre will be joined by Rex Tillerson, chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, and other distinguished guests to showcase the renovations and mark the reopening of Ford’s Theatre’s doors.

	*Cameras welcome*

	10:00 a.m.	Ribbon-cutting & photo opportunity with all principals

	10:10 a.m.	Press Conference
		Remarks by:
		— Director of Ford’s Theatre Paul Tetreault
		— Mayor Adrian Fenty (invited)
		— City Council Chair Vince Gray (invited)
		— City Councilman Jack Evans (Ward 2)
		— Ford’s Theatre Society Board of Trustees Chairman Wayne Reynolds
		— Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign Chairman Rex Tillerson
		— Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar (invited)

	10:50 – 11:00 a.m.	Paul Tetreault will take questions from attendees

WHERE:	Ford’s Theatre’s new lobby: 511 Tenth Street, NW. Press conference attendees will need to enter the theatre through the old lobby, south of the theatre.


RED CARPET ENTRY

WHEN:	Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 5:30 p.m.

WHAT:	Ford’s Theatre will host a red carpet event and a special performance to officially reopen the theatre. Filmmaker George Lucas will receive the Lincoln Medal in honor of his accomplishments, which exemplify the character and lasting legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. The performance will serve as a tribute to Lincoln’s love of the theatre and will feature musical performances and a scene from The Heavens Are Hung In Black.

	*This is not a public event.

WHERE:	Ford’s Theatre: 511 Tenth Street, NW

ATTENDEES:	Entertainment attendees to be announced on February 3, 2009.

RULES AND RESTRICTIONS OF COVERAGE: The entire red carpet event may be filmed.


BACKGROUND

Since its closing in August 2007, Ford’s Theatre has been undergoing a “face-lift.” Some of the renovations will be immediately noticeable – the new lobby, theatre seats and restrooms – while others are not visual, but help improve the experience patrons will have when attending performances at Ford’s Theatre. Behind-the-scenes improvements include enhanced heating and air conditioning, and upgraded sound, staging and lighting systems. Many things will have changed, but all historical elements of the building have been preserved. For detailed information about the renovation, please visit www.fords.org.

Please let us know if you plan to attend either event, and if you would like further information.