James Earl Jones just had major respect placed on his name in NYC
There’s no questioning greatness when it comes to the iconic James Earl Jones. Easily one of the most recognizable voices and faces in all of Hollywood properly had respect placed on his name with The Shubert Organization, Inc. becoming officially dedicated and renamed to the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City.
James Earl Jones Theatre is now officially a real thing
This month, the massive change at the iconic 138 West 48th Street venue officially went down with VIP attendees there to celebrate including Big Apple’s Mayor Eric Adams, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Courtney B. Vance and Debbie Allen. Need even more star power to illustrate just how monumental of an honor this is? Then add celebrities Phylicia Rashad, Kenny Leon, Woodie King Jr. and Norm Lewis to the mix, too.
Monday, September 12, The Shubert Organization, Inc. (Shubert) officially dedicated and revealed the newly renamed James Earl Jones Theatre (138 West 48th Street), formerly the Cort Theatre, in honor of the iconic multi-award-winning American actor. The dedication ceremony follows a $47 million restoration and expansion of the building. The official dedication ceremony welcomed VIP guests, included special performances by Brian Stokes Mitchell and Norm Lewis, along with remarks from The Shubert Organization President Robert Wankel and NYC Mayor Eric Adams as well as a first look reveal of the new marquee.
The plan to change the venue’s name to a prominent actor or actress dated back to the start of the pandemic.
With the help of Francesca Russo Architect, over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shubert has performed extensive renovation and construction work on the theatre. A new contemporary annex, designed by Kostow Greenwood Architects, expands accessibility, increases public space, adds dressing rooms and rehearsal space, and enhances the beauty of the 110-year-old theatre.
In the summer of 2020, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, The Shubert Organization embarked on a mission to rename the Cort Theatre after a prominent BIPOC theatre legend upon completion of construction.
Shubert Chairman and CEO, Robert E. Wankel said, “The dedication of the James Earl Jones Theatre honors one of the most beloved Broadway and film actors of all time. It’s fitting that the renaming of this beautifully restored building also be a moment in which to recognize the tremendous contribution of BIPOC people to Broadway. Mr. Jones’s name quickly rose to the top of the Shubert Organization’s list due to his illustrious career performing in Shubert houses, his status in the Black community, and his worldwide reputation as one of the most celebrated performers to ever grace the Broadway stage.”
