KENNEDYS ATTEND THE NATIONAL THEATRE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 1, 1963, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy attended a performance of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The School for Scandal at the National Theatre* here in the Nation's Capital. The Kennedys were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Goddard Leiberson** and Mr. and Mrs. Max Freedman.***
The National Theatre is located three blocks from the White House. On April 14, 1865, Tad Lincoln was attending Aladdin at the theater (known as Grover's at the time) when it was announced that his father had been shot at Ford's Theatre on 10th Street.
Every U.S. president has attended performances at the National Theatre which is appropriately named "The Theatre of Presidents." The auditorium and front have been rebuilt several times over the years. National was remodeled in anticipation of the Kennedy presidency with a large white plaster eagle and an array of white stars placed over the proscenium arch.
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 1, 1963, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy attended a performance of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The School for Scandal at the National Theatre* here in the Nation's Capital. The Kennedys were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Goddard Leiberson** and Mr. and Mrs. Max Freedman.***
The National Theatre is located three blocks from the White House. On April 14, 1865, Tad Lincoln was attending Aladdin at the theater (known as Grover's at the time) when it was announced that his father had been shot at Ford's Theatre on 10th Street.
Every U.S. president has attended performances at the National Theatre which is appropriately named "The Theatre of Presidents." The auditorium and front have been rebuilt several times over the years. National was remodeled in anticipation of the Kennedy presidency with a large white plaster eagle and an array of white stars placed over the proscenium arch.
*The National Theatre, which opened in 1835, is located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. It seats 1676 persons & despite its' name is not funded privately & is operated by a non-profit organization.
**Goddard Lieberson (1911-1977) was president of Columbia Records from 1956-1971 and 1973-1975. He was President of the Recording Industry Association of America in 1964. Before becoming president at Columbia, Lieberson introduced the LP or long play 33 1/3 rpm vinyl record.
***Max Freedman (1914-1980) was Washington correspondent for the Winnipeg (Canada) Free Press and wrote a syndicated column for the Chicago Daily News which appeared in 100 papers. It was said that his advice was often sought by JFK's staff.
**Goddard Lieberson (1911-1977) was president of Columbia Records from 1956-1971 and 1973-1975. He was President of the Recording Industry Association of America in 1964. Before becoming president at Columbia, Lieberson introduced the LP or long play 33 1/3 rpm vinyl record.
***Max Freedman (1914-1980) was Washington correspondent for the Winnipeg (Canada) Free Press and wrote a syndicated column for the Chicago Daily News which appeared in 100 papers. It was said that his advice was often sought by JFK's staff.
National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C.
Photo by John White (2016)
