Lincoln Center Theater executive producer stepping down

• Tweet

NEW YORK, July 9 (UPI) -- Bernard Gersten will step down as executive producer of New York's Lincoln Center Theater next June and will not be replaced, the theater said.

J. Tomilson Hill, chairman of the theater's board of directors, said Monday Gersten, 89, has decided to step down from the position he will have held for 28 years as of June 30, 2013.

"Lincoln Center Theater is truly fortunate to have been the beneficiary of Bernard's dedication, vision, grace, and his gift for working with Andre Bishop to create a leadership position for our theater," Hill said in a statement.

"We've had a terrific run for 27 years at Lincoln Center Theater and with a devoted board and a crackerjack staff, the theater can look forward to the next 27," Gersten said.

"Working with Bernie has been glorious -- that's the word. We've had a wonderful partnership and a wonderful friendship," Bishop said. "All of us at LCT owe him so much and love him so deeply. He is an amazing and generous creature. Always has been, always will be."

The theater said no successor to Gersten as executive producer will be named. Lincoln Center Theater will operate with its current staff under the direction of Bishop.