Audiences enjoying the Broadway musical Ragtime may get to walk around the Ford Center a little during intermission, but there's little time or opportunity to get a real, nuts-and-bolts sense of the recently constructed venue. However, those who want to take an in-depth look at the Center can now go on weekend tours of the site, with guides offering historical background (the building was erected on the site of the old Lyric and Apollo Theatres) as well as visits to the auditorium, VIP suites, the stage and wings areas.
(According to Livent spokesperson Wayne Wolfe, backstage areas, wardrobe and dressing rooms are off-limits because the costume people are already busy prepping for the day's show).
Public tours are currently given Saturdays at 10:30 & 11:30 AM, and Sundays at 11:30 AM & 12:30 PM. Tours start at the Ford Center's 43rd Street box office.
The 1813-seat theatre on New York's West 42nd Street boasts 77 chandeliers and many designs inspired by the original Apollo and Lyric layouts.
For tour information (tickets $8) call (212) 556-4719.