Return
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, the Mahalia Jackson Theater was severely damaged. The theater sustained 14 ft. of water, which damaged the motor control center, orchestra lifts, heating and air-conditioning controls, sewerage ejector pumps and other structural components. Following Katrina, repairs and upgrades were made including the addition of enhanced lighting and a new sound system, orchestra shell, ballet floor, and digital cinema screen. The cost of the theater renovation was around US$27 million, and was financed by local tax dollars, about $8.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
About a week of events from January 8 through January 17, 2009 celebrated the reopening of the theater, including a free performance by Kermit Ruffins, Irma Thomas, and Marva Wright as well as paid concerts by Allen Toussaint, Yolanda Adams, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra with Itzhak Perlman, New Orleans Ballet Association with members of the San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet, and the New Orleans Opera Association with Placido Domingo. The theater is the first of three major theaters in New Orleans to reopen since Hurricane Katrina, with the Saenger Theatre and the State Palace Theatre scheduled to reopen between 2009 and 2011. City officials hope the theater will help draw tourists to the city.
Diana Ross played a three night sold out engagement at the theater in 1996. It was deemed one of the most successful pop concerts at the venue to date.
In 2013, the theater will host the 2012 NFL Honors, honoring the best National Football League players and performances.
Read more about this topic: Mahalia Jackson Theater Of The Performing Arts
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