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Broadway Comes Out to Celebrate the Newly Dedicated James Earl Jones Theatre
May 17, 2024
Earlier this week, the Cort Theatre was officially renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in honor of the iconic multi-award-winning American actor! Go inside the ceremony, which included special guests Brian Stokes Mitchell, Norm Lewis, Samuel L. Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Danielle Brooks, cast members from the Tony-winning Best Musical, A Strange Loop and more. Watch the full video!
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0:00
Hello, I'm Richard Ridge for Broadway World
0:02
We're here at the reopening and dedication of the beautiful new James Earl Jones Theater
0:12
I have often dreamed of a heart of place where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me
0:26
Look at this. It is completely, I wouldn't say restored. I would say it's renewed
0:33
We cherish him and we're going to all be knocking each other down to get on this stage
0:40
That's what's getting ready to happen. I'll be there someday. I will go the distance
0:48
It's a momentous day. I was reading that there's only one other person of color that has a Broadway theater
0:56
for him and that's August Wilson and it's all in the family. I am very excited. I love James and I love the idea and we keep going, don't we
1:06
We're here. God bless us. We're here. The only reason I'm an actor is because of this man, James O. Jones. He's one of my personal heroes
1:16
And this is such a great honor. I want to be here today
1:20
I have so much love and respect for him James O Jones not just an icon but someone who actually I felt when I see him on stage or when I see him in films lifts my spirit and makes me know that what I do the work I do is possible
1:35
To be here and live a couple of things, to see all this diversity of Broadway
1:40
but this is, this is, like, amazing. I'm so excited. I'm so excited to be a part of this experience
1:46
It was such a joy and a thrill to be able to
1:50
to share space with him and he was so funny and so down to earth
1:54
And I even have it hanging in the kitchen is a picture of my boy sitting on his lap
1:59
Today means that change is coming. You know, it's not totally here
2:06
but this theater being renamed is just such a wonderful major step
2:12
in all the work that so many people have been doing. I have watched James Earl Jones since I could watch television
2:19
And I just am so excited that other audience members and other people will get to pass by this theater and ask questions
2:25
Who is that and why do I need to know as now? This is legendary for a legend and this act is
2:31
I've never seen a theater dedicated to anyone in my lifetime. And then it's James Earl Jones
2:36
This is the most special thing in the world to me that I get to be even kind of a part of seeing this
2:42
It's so special. He's a legend. This is just an auspicious occasion I mean it very inspiring it very you know emotional if you will I know a lot of groups like BAC B many many other people fought along with the theater owners
3:03
to have days like this, because it seems like a small gesture, but it's huge
3:10
The naming of the legendary theater, the court theater. Now it's the James Earl Jones Theater
3:16
I can say I feel seen to that. The power he always brought to the stage and the integrity of his characters and the strength that he showed
3:25
and his artistry and his excellence as well. And he became probably the first person and remains one of those people that for me, I think
3:34
I want to be like him. How justice was a battle. And how justice was
3:43
not, make them hear you, make them hear you. And say to those who blame us for the way we chose to fight
3:59
What a pleasure and a joy and honor to be here but say a few words about Mr. Jones
4:05
If you are an actor or you inspired to be an actor or you counted the pavement in the streets in the streets looking for jobs and doing things One of the standards that we always had was to be a James Yale Jones To have that level of accomplishment to be able to enunciate and make people listen to you
4:31
Oh, my God, I wish I had that way. Look forward to the many ways this landmark theater will further enhance our culture, landscape
4:41
as we take bold steps to come back stronger from the pandemic
4:46
Now therefore I, Eric Adams, mayor of the City of New York
4:50
do hereby proclaim Monday, September 12, 2022, and the City of New York as James Earl Jones Day
5:11
When they hear you, I'll be near you again
5:41
Thank you
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