NYCB Theatre rebranded as Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, reviving original name
The Westbury Music Fair, which launched in 1956, was originally held in a tent. A permanent venue eventually was built, opening in 1966. Credit: NYCB Theatre
A venerable Long Island entertainment venue has resurrected its own vintage name. NYCB Theatre at Westbury is now called Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair.
“Flagstar Bank and New York Community Bank recently rebranded under the Flagstar name. This change also affects the name of the NYCB Theatre at Westbury, which will now be known as Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, returning to its original and well-loved name,” says Danika Azzarelli, vice president of communications for Live Nation, which owns and operates the theater. “We hope the community embraces the return to the venue’s historical identity.”
The facility initially changed its name to North Fork Theatre at Westbury when it took on a corporate sponsorship by North Fork Bank in 2005. By 2008 when the bank was taken over by Capital One, the theater was rebranded as the Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury. The name changed again to the NYCB Theatre at Westbury when New York Community Bank obtained the naming rights in 2010.
Opening June 18, 1956, Westbury Music Fair was launched with a theatrical season starting with a production of “The King and I” starring Constance Carpenter and Charles Korvin followed by “Pal Joey,” “Kismet” and “Guys & Dolls.” The inaugural performances were held under an outdoor tent during the summer months.
A permanent building was constructed in 1966 with a dome-like ceiling allowing shows to run year-round. The venue became known for its signature theater in the round, with a stage that slowly rotates during each performance.
Comedian Richard Pryor performed at the Westbury Music Fair in 1993. Credit: Newsday/ J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Throughout the decades the venue has hosted concerts by various music legends including crooners Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett, classic rock bands The Who, Jethro Tull, The Doors and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, blues guitarist B.B. King, country singer Johnny Cash, R&B pop group the Jackson Five and the Godfather of Soul James Brown. Additionally, many iconic comedians headlined the stage such as Richard Pryor, Don Rickles, George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Bob Hope, Rodney Dangerfield, Chris Rock and Eddie Murphy.
NYCB's stock price has been under pressure since announcing in late January that it unexpectedly lost money in the October-December period and was cutting its dividend.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
