Obama Graces Ford's Theatre Opening

February 12, 11:05 AMDC Theater ExaminerClare Johnson

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Photo courtesy of Ford's Theatre

As expected, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle graced the grand re-opening of Ford's Theatre, paying homage to President Lincoln on the eve of his 200th birthday.

The Washington Post has extensive coverage of the evening, which included such luminaries as Sidney Poitier and  George Lucas (both of whom were honored with the Lincoln Medals for holding to the ideals of the 16th president).

Other famous folk on hand included actors Richard Thomas, who served as MC,  Kelsey Grammar, Ben Vereen, James Earl Jones, Jeffrey Wright, and Audra McDonald.  Opera singer Jessye Norman also performed, as did violinist Joshua Bell, who played a violin that had last been played on the night of Lincoln's assassination.  Highlights of the night included a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and a group sing-along of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

If you want a peek at the new theatre, visit its website, where you can take a super-cool virtual tour of the venue.