Produced by Ovation Studios and 1895 Films, "Ford鈥檚 Theatre: America鈥檚 Playhouse" makes its premiere at 10 PM ET; check local listings for times elsewhere.
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at the theatre on April 15, 1865, while watching the play Our American Cousin.
"Ford鈥檚 Theatre has a rich and storied past, even beyond the assassination 150 years ago," stated Scott Woodward, EVP, Programming and Production, Ovation TV. "It was a celebrated venue for live performances that went through a series of challenges, including a fire that destroyed theatre in 1862. In this documentary, we鈥檒l explore its rich history and what鈥檚 ahead for this Washington landmark."
"This documentary film provides us with the opportunity to memorialize an important anniversary in the theatre鈥檚, as well as America鈥檚 history, while also looking forward to the future of a great American playhouse," added Paul R. Tetreault, director, Ford鈥檚 Theatre. "Ovation is the perfect network to showcase Ford鈥檚 legacy as a cultural icon."
Using rare footage, photographs and interviews with historians, as well as directors and actors from the theatre itself, "Ford鈥檚 Theatre: America鈥檚 Playhouse," according to press notes, follows "its history from when it first occupied an abandoned church, through the tragic fire that destroyed it, its various renovations, Lincoln鈥檚 involvement with the theatre and assassination there, its closure and re-opening in 1968, restoration and re-opening in 2009 and planned events around the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Lincoln鈥檚 assassination taking place this year."
