Theatre at Westbury facts for kids

The Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair is a popular entertainment spot. It's located in Jericho, New York, which is a small community near Westbury, New York. This venue is special because it's a "theatre in the round." This means the stage is in the middle, and the audience sits all around it. This design helps everyone feel close to the performers and enjoy the show.

Discovering the Westbury Music Fair's Story

The idea for the Westbury Music Fair started with two friends, Frank Ford and Lee Guber. Frank was a radio broadcaster, and Lee owned a nightclub. In 1954, they went to a musical show held in a tent. They kept talking about how they could make the show better. Frank's wife finally told them, "Well, why don't you?"

Creating a New Kind of Theater

Frank and Lee decided to try. They teamed up with Shelly Gross, a news anchor who wanted a change. Together, they raised money to open their first theater. It was called the Valley Forge Music Fair in Pennsylvania. It opened in 1955 and was very successful.

From Tent to Permanent Stage

After their first success, they looked for another location. They found an old lime pit in Jericho, New York, on Long Island. This became the home of the Westbury Music Fair. In 1956, they put up a large, striped tent. It could hold 1,850 people. This tent was one of many similar tent theaters across the country back then.

The tent was set up in a good spot in Nassau County, New York. It was easy to get to from major roads. However, it was also near the flight path for planes landing at what is now John F. Kennedy International Airport. Sometimes, the loud noise from planes flying overhead made it hard to hear the performers!

Building a Modern Entertainment Venue

Later, Frank Ford left the team. Shelly Gross and Lee Guber decided to build a permanent theater. In 1966, they opened a new concrete building. It was much bigger, able to hold 3,000 people. The new building had carpeted floors and comfortable seats. It also had heating and air conditioning, making it comfortable all year round.

The new building kept the "theater in the round" style. This design is great because every seat offers a clear view. It also makes the audience feel very close to the performers. This closeness helps create a special experience.

Growing Popularity and Changing Names

In its first year, the theater earned $230,000. By 1976, its earnings had grown a lot, reaching $13 million. Ticket prices also went up over time.

Over the years, the theater's ownership changed. It is now owned and run by Live Nation. The venue has also had several different names because of sponsorship deals:

• From 2005 to 2008, it was called the North Fork Theatre in Westbury.
• From 2008 to 2009, it became the Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury.
• For a short time in 2009-2010, it was simply the Theatre at Westbury.
• From 2010 to 2024, it was known as the NYCB Theatre in Westbury.
• Since March 2024, it has been called the Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, bringing back part of its original name.

Famous Performers and Special Events

Many famous stars and groups have performed at this theater. Some well-known names include The Doors, The Who, Alanis Morissette, The Supremes, Nina Simone, Chicago, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, George Carlin, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr., Connie Francis, The Carpenters, Britney Spears, 'N Sync, Judy Garland, Jonas Brothers, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Lena Horne, Stevie Wonder, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Jerry Seinfeld, Olivia Newton-John, and Weird Al Yankovic.

The theater's "in the round" setup is also great for other events. For example, professional wrestling shows have been held there. It has also given Broadway musical fans a chance to see award-winning shows close to home.

See also

• House Of Blues