Lincoln Center Theater’s Gala performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC honored the three extraordinary women for whom its three theaters are named: Vivian Beaumont Allen, Mitzi E. Newhouse, and Claire Tow.
“As we reflect on LCT’s 40-year journey, we are deeply grateful for the generosity of the individuals and families who believe in the transformative power of the theater,” said Board Chair Kewsong Lee. “Their vision and support have been central to our growth as an institution, and we are honored to celebrate them as we mark this milestone season.”
Watch a video about our three honorees!
THE TOW FAMILY
Claire Tow Theater
The Claire Tow Theater opened in June 2012 and is Lincoln Center Theater's newest space. It is home to LCT3, Lincoln Center Theater's programming initiative, launched under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director André Bishop. LCT3 is dedicated to producing the work of the next generation of theater artists and building new audiences. The theater is named in honor of Claire Tow, the wife of longtime LCT Board Member Leonard Tow.
LCT3 productions at the 112-seat Claire Tow Theater include Disgraced, Preludes, The Harvest, Pass Over, Marys Seacole, At the Wedding and The Nosebleed.
“When I come in here, it’s Claire reappearing.”
- Leonard Tow, Claire Tow’s husband & LCT Board member
“I absolutely remember the topping off ceremony where we went up onto the roof and I signed my mom’s name for her. And so, she is forever there.”
- Emily Tow Jackson, Claire Tow’s daughter
“Having a theater named after my grandma at Lincoln Center is really special to not only my family, but the Lincoln Center community. I feel like her presence is here. Her joy, her passion, and her love, you can feel it in the walls, and I think she would be more than happy to see the amazing and innovative productions that are on this stage.”
- Hope Tow Jackson, Claire Tow’s granddaughter
THE NEWHOUSE FAMILY
MITZI E. NEWHOUSE Theater
The 299-seat Forum Theater opened to the public on November 10, 1967, and is situated in the lower level of the Vivian Beaumont Theater building. In 1973, the Forum was renamed for Mitzi E. Newhouse, a notable benefactor in New York.
Susan Newhouse, Mitzi E. Newhouse’s daughter-in-law, served on the LCT Board from 1988 to 2011. The Newhouse family remains an integral part of the LCT Board through Elyse Newhouse, Susan Newhouse’s daughter-in-law.
Since 1985, Lincoln Center Theater productions at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater include The House of Blue Leaves, Sarafina!, Six Degrees of Separation, A New Brain, The Sisters Rosensweig, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, The Clean House, Other Desert Cities, Pipeline and Oslo, several of which had successful premieres at the Newhouse that then transferred to the Vivian Beaumont Theater or other theaters on Broadway.
“I feel that this is my mother’s theater, and I feel a great love for what Lincoln Center Theater has accomplished. I feel it’s really a charge of energy when I see the name.”
- Donald Newhouse, Mitzi E. Newhouse’s son
“Lincoln Center Theater started as theater for the people, and I think we have continued that legacy today.”
- Elyse Newhouse, Mitzi E. Newhouse’s granddaughter-in-law & LCT Board member
THE BEAUMONT FAMILY
VIVIAN BEAUMONT Theater
The Vivian Beaumont Theater opened to the public on October 21, 1965. Designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, it was named for Vivian Beaumont Allen, an American actress, prominent New York philanthropist, and heiress. The theater was originally the home of the Repertory Theater of Lincoln Center, which closed in 1973 after nine seasons.
At 1,099 seats it is the Tony Awards eligible theater among LCT’s three unique theaters. It is also the only Broadway theater north of the Theater District in Times Square and holds the title of the third largest stage in New York.
Notable LCT productions at the Vivian Beaumont Theater include Anything Goes, Carousel, Parade, Contact, South Pacific, The Coast of Utopia, The Light in the Piazza, War Horse, Act One and The King and I.
“If you look back at the time period for a woman to take a large chunk of her largesse and dedicate it to starting a theater, that really just is so inspiring.”
- Ian MacLean, great grandson of Vivian Beaumont Allen
EXPLORE LCT'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
