Finishing up my three day salute to a fantastic theater I once managed – the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center (currently named the David H. Koch Theater). An astounding and beautiful arts space opened this month in 1964 and shown here through original architectural photography. As it happens it will soon be in the news again. In June the Tony Awards show will originate from this gorgeous space. Even back in my day (2000-2003) we had discussions with the Tony Awards team to host it here but there were two problems.

The first is the seating arrangement. Look carefully, the seating style is “continental” which means there are no center or intervening aisles (referred to as “American seating style”). The beauty of Continental seating is that the space in front of your seat is wider because you don’t lose floor space to the aisles. Yes, you have to enter through the end of a long aisle but guests can easily remained seated as you pass by. The leads to a much more comfortable seating arrangement to sit through a long performance and let’s face it, the very best seats are where the aisles are placed in most auditoriums. However, awards shows need those aisles so potential winners can be clustered along them. Jumping to their feet and racing to the stage is clumsier if you must go to the far end of the seating before trotting onto stage.

The second problem was that the orchestra pit was a permanent fixture, as it was always designed as a dance theater, not an awards site. The staging for most awards shows is to be right out in front with steps directly onto stage. Those original discussions finally led to alterations that including some limited aisles and a movable stage platform that was overseen by my successor in a significant 2008 renovation. I got a chance to see those changes and they make a big difference. When you see the televised Tony Awards you will recognize those changes which alters the “sea” of faces you see in this early audience photo.

Now you know what it oks like from the stage looking out at that beautiful auditorium. It will look a bit different for its star turn this June. Leaving you with a few color shots taken later in the history of the theater. Much has changed over the years but the core beauty remains. Next time you are in New York, stop by Lincoln Center and catch a performance of the New York City Ballet at the historic David H. Koch Theater.