The starry evening begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and, as a nod to the building's 1943 dedication ceremony, when Mayor LaGuardia conducted the New York Philharmonic, Mayor Bloomberg will take the stage to conduct the Encores! Orchestra.

The performance, which is directed by Tony Award winner and former Encores! artistic director Kathleen Marshall, celebrates New York City Center with performances, reminiscences and tributes. Among those scheduled to participate as speakers or performers are Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alex Bernstein, Joshua Bell, Denyce Graves, Sarah Jessica Parker, New York City Ballet, Matthew Broderick, Donna Murphy, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Patti LuPone, Barbara Cook and Brian Williams.

The evening also features music direction by Encores! music director Rob Berman.

A post-performance dinner will be held at Cipriani 42nd Street.

Gala tickets start at $1,500. Performance-only tickets start at $50. For Gala information and tickets, contact Susan Strebel at [email protected] or (212) 763-1205.