Following a mixed reaction from the theatre community October 19 regarding a $1.5 million donation from Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere, Roundabout Theatre Company has issued a statement clarifying the purpose of the donation. The generous gift will contribute to the theatre’s 50th Anniversary Campaign and, more specifically, the Musical Theatre Fund, and will not exclusively go towards the construction of a VIP Lounge.
Roundabout has clarified that in recognition of the gift, it will name a VIP Patron’s Lounge at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, The Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere Lounge, but that the money will help support the development and production of musicals. The Lounge will be completed in 2017.
Read the clarifying statement below:
“Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere made a $1.5 million gift to Roundabout’s 50th Anniversary campaign, and more specifically, the Musical Theatre Fund, to support the development and production of musicals on RTC stages. As recognition for this generous gift, Roundabout has named the Sondheim Theatre lounge in their honor. In February, Roundabout announced the campaign with the following goals: ‘Allow for the continued growth of theatrical programming and artistic risk-taking to better serve the art form, an expanded commitment to the NYC public school students and their teachers, and sustained state-of-the-art theatres.’ The Kors and Le Pere gift will contribute to these endeavors.”
Read the original story here: Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere Donate $1.5 Million to Roundabout
