Photo Flash: Minnelli, Dahl & More Attend Lighthouse Int'l Grand Re-opening Ceremony

Last night, 59th Street between Park and Lexington was a little stretch of Tinseltown. Lighthouse International and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences ("AMPAS") unveiled the newly restored Academy Theater at Lighthouse International. And some of Hollywood's greatest stars were out to celebrate the occasion.

The renovation was made possible through a generous donation by Charles S. Cohen, a board member of the Lighthouse, and his wife, Clo. The theater is the East Coast home to The Academy's screenings. It also serves as an event venue for Lighthouse International, a non-profit dedicated to fighting vision loss. Through the Cohens' gift, the theater upgraded its sound and projection equipment to the latest industry standards, including 3D technology. Mr. Cohen worked with internationally renowned theater designer Theodore Kalomirakis to refurbish the interior and create a glamorous, old Hollywood look.

Among the attendees were Academy Award-winning performer Liza Minnelli, silver screen actress Arlene Dahl, Commissioner of the New York City Office of Film Katherine Oliver, President of AMPAS Tom Sherak and the CEO of Lighthouse International Mark Ackermann.

Liza Minnelli, Tom Sherak, Arlene Dahl, Charles Cohen

Clo and Charles Cohen with Liza Minnelli