Lincoln Center Theater Welcomes Lear deBessonet's Debut, Marked by a Transformative Donation
Kewsong Lee and his wife, Zita Ezpeleta, have funded the artistic director role at Lincoln Center Theater (LCT), with Lear deBessonet now officially titled as the "Kewsong Lee Artistic Director." This significant move reflects the crucial role Lee's contribution plays in shaping deBessonet's artistic mission at the renowned theatre complex.
DeBessonet, a former artistic director at Encores!, has directed shows like Once Upon a Mattress, Into the Woods, and Oliver!, and is dedicated to making live theater accessible to all and rooted in community. Her new role at LCT is a testament to her ambition and the support she receives from Lee.
The financial support provided by Lee and Ezpeleta is essential for sustaining deBessonet's leadership position, allowing her to lead LCT's three-theater complex with stability and vision. As Board Chair since 2023 and a long-time board member since 2009, Lee brings passion and visionary leadership that aligns with deBessonet's artistic goals.
Lee's endorsement and visionary leadership further legitimize deBessonet's artistic mission within the organization and to the public. DeBessonet feels a strong personal and professional commitment to carry forward the theater’s mission, crediting Lee with having "forever impacted my life."
Lee and Ezpeleta's history of philanthropy in the arts, such as their involvement with the School of American Ballet, illustrates a sustained commitment to fostering artistic leadership and innovation. This positioning of deBessonet’s role within a larger framework of arts patronage and cultural development is a significant step forward for LCT.
DeBessonet's inaugural season at LCT will open with a new production of the musical Ragtime, starring Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz. Additionally, the Whoopi Monologues and a free silent disco listening party for the "Warriors" album by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis are also in the works.
This gift from Kewsong Lee and his wife marks the beginning of a new chapter for Lincoln Center Theater under deBessonet's leadership. DeBessonet believes that LCT does musical revivals of sweeping scale like no place else, and her mission is to create community and appeal to a wide audience, exploring American history through an epic and personal lens.
This move follows a year of transition and celebration at Lincoln Center Theater, and it is part of a multi-year progression and path forward for the institution. Kewsong Lee and his wife's generous gift is an example of a board chair directly investing in an artist's leadership, setting a powerful precedent for future artistic endeavors at LCT.
- Lear deBessonet's new role as the "Kewsong Lee Artistic Director" at Lincoln Center Theater (LCT) underscores the significant impact of entertainment, as she aims to make live theater accessible and community-rooted.
- The financial support from Kewsong Lee and his wife, Zita Ezpeleta, plays a crucial role in the continuation of LCT's artistic mission, further emphasizing the importance of patronage and innovation within the entertainment industry.
