The New York Times reports that the Ford Center for the Performing Arts on West 42nd Street will be renamed the Hilton Theatre in January. Clear Channel Communications has formed a deal with Hilton Hotels that includes the renaming of the theatre, which is currently the home of the Tony-winning revival of 42nd Street.

Clear Channel's David Anderson told the New York daily that the new agreement would include "a wide range of marketing tie-ins . . . Broadway's a tourist business, and Hilton's hotels and resorts are the top end of the food chain."

42nd Street is set to end its lengthy run at the Ford Center Jan. 2, 2005. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will begin previews at the theatre March 27, 2005, with an official opening scheduled for April 28, 2005.

The Ford Center for the Performing Arts is located in Manhattan at 213 West 42nd Street.