Lincoln Center names a Broadway producer as head

[May 16, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has tapped as its new leader a Broadway producer who has helped mount such hits as the Tony Award-winning revival of "Hair" and "Equus" with Daniel Radcliffe.

Jed Bernstein, a former advertising executive who led the trade group Broadway League from 1995-2006, was named Wednesday as president Reynold Levy's successor.

Under Levy's tenure, the 16-acre center underwent a $1.2 billion physical transformation and its programming was expanded to include a public art component, as well as the space being used for events like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Bernstein, 58, who steps down as producing director of the Bucks County Playhouse, will take over managing the Lincoln Center campus, which features such artistic gems as the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet, beginning in January 2014.

He will provide support and services for the Lincoln Center complex and its 11 resident organizations, welcoming more than 5 million visitors annually.

"The chance to lead the next phase of Lincoln Center's evolution is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Bernstein said in a statement.

Others shows Bernstein has helped produce on Broadway include "Driving Miss Daisy" with Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones, and "Oleanna" with Bill Pullman and Julia Stiles.

The appointment came on the same day The Public Theater announced that Rachel Pivnick will join the venerable nonprofit as its new chief financial officer. Pivnick held the same position at American Ballet Theatre for the past nine years.

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Online:

http://lc.lincolncenter.org/

[Associated Press; By MARK KENNEDY]

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