$47M James Earl Jones Theatre sets opening event for EGOT namesake

The Cort Theatre has introduced it is reopening because the James Earl Jones Theatre after a $47 million renovation.
Lorenzo Ciniglio

The newly christened James Earl Jones Theatre introduced Thursday that the official renaming and dedication ceremony will happen on Sept. 12.

Previously referred to as the Cort Theatre, it was introduced in 2021 that the 110-year-old home would endure a $47 million restoration and enlargement, in addition to be renamed in honor of the EGOT winner.

“The dedication of the James Earl Jones Theatre honors probably the most beloved Broadway and movie actors of all time,” Shubert Chairman and CEO Robert E. Wankel stated in a press release.

“It’s becoming that the renaming of this fantastically restored constructing even be a second through which to acknowledge the great contribution of BIPOC folks to Broadway,” his assertion continued.

“Mr. Jones’ identify rapidly rose to the highest of the Shubert Group’s checklist attributable to his illustrious profession performing in Shubert homes, his standing within the black group, and his worldwide repute as probably the most celebrated performers to ever grace the Broadway stage,” Wankel stated of the esteemed, deep-voiced actor, who started his stage profession in 1958 in “Dawn at Campobello” on the Cort Theatre and subsequently starred in 21 Broadway productions, incomes three Tony Awards, together with a Lifetime Achievement trophy.

Most of the refurbishments to the theater embrace a contemporary annex to enhance the historic theater in addition to a number of new lounges for viewers members and rehearsal house and workplaces for the theater’s employees.

Previously referred to as the Cort Theatre, it was introduced in 2021 that the 110-year-old home would endure a $47 million restoration and be rechristened the James Earl Jones Theatre.

Walter McBride/WireImage

Jones started his stage profession in 1958 in “Dawn at Campobello” on the Cort Theatre and subsequently starred in 21 Broadway productions, garnering three Tony Awards.

Michael Sofronski

Refurbishments to the theater embrace a brand new, fashionable annex to enhance the historic theater in addition to a number of new lounges for viewers members.

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Jones can be identified for his voice work on the silver display screen — maybe most notably as Mufasa in “The Lion King” in each the 1994 animated and 2019 live-action variations, in addition to the villainous Darth Vader from the “Star Wars” franchise.

Upon studying his identify could be on the marquee, Jones was overwhelmed.

“For me, standing on this very constructing 64 years in the past initially of my Broadway profession, it might have been inconceivable that my identify could be on the constructing right now,” Jones stated.

“Let my journey from then to now be an inspiration for all aspiring actors.”