Broadway's Ford Center to Change Name to the Hilton Theatre

Clear Channel Communications has struck a 10-year deal with the Hilton Hotels Corporation that will involve switching the name of the Ford Center for the Performing Arts to the Hilton Theatre. The change will take effect in January.

"Building upon the natural link between travel, leisure and the arts, Hilton is extending its legacy in the art of hospitality by sponsoring one of Broadway's finest theaters," Jeffrey Diskin, senior vice president, brand management and marketing for Hilton, said in a statement. "Through our relationship with Clear Channel, the Hilton Theatre will celebrate personal performance at its highest level."

Erected on the site of the Lyric and Apollo Theatres constructed in 1903 and 1920, respectively, the Ford Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1998 with Ragtime. It has since housed Jesus Chris Superstar and 42nd Street, which is currently running and will close on January 2, 2005. The first show at the Hilton Theater will be Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is scheduled to begin performances on March 29.

Including the Hilton, there will be three Broadway houses changing names this season. As previously reported, the Plymouth Theatre will become the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre and the Royale Theatre will become the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in the spring.