WASHINGTON (AP) - James Earl Jones, Katie Couric and Kelsey Grammer are planning to honor Abraham Lincoln on the eve of his 200th birthday in a star-studded gala at Ford's Theatre.

Also, Sidney Poitier and "Star Wars" director George Lucas will be given the Lincoln Medal Wednesday night. The theater where Lincoln was assassinated is celebrating its reopening after an 18-month renovation. The $25 million facelift includes new seats, a modern lobby and new dressing rooms.

President Barack Obama and his family have been invited to the party. Actors Ben Vereen and Jeffrey Wright, actress Audra McDonald from TV's "Private Practice" and opera singer Jessye Norman also will offer tributes to Lincoln.

The theater will reopen to the public on Thursday.

By BRETT ZONGKER Associated Press Writer

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