President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at the theatre on April 15, 1865 while watching the play Our American Cousin.
Produced by Ovation Studios and 1895 Films, "Ford’s Theatre: America’s Playhouse" will make its premiere April 14 at 10 PM ET; check local listings for times elsewhere.
"Ford’s 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’ll explore its rich history and what’s ahead for this Washington landmark."
"This documentary film provides us with the opportunity to memorialize an important anniversary in the theatre’s, as well as America’s history, while also looking forward to the future of a great American playhouse," added Paul R. Tetreault, director, Ford’s Theatre. "Ovation is the perfect network to showcase Ford’s legacy as a cultural icon."
Using rare footage, photographs and interviews with historians, as well as directors and actors from the theatre itself, "Ford’s Theatre: America’s 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’s 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’s assassination taking place this year."