Landlords to review criteria for full and partial dimming decisions.
Broadway theater owners have faced criticism for their decision to dim the lights outside only a few theaters in honor of the late musical theater performer Gavin Creel. However, due to public pressure, they have now agreed to dim the lights of all 41 theaters to acknowledge his passing. Additionally, they will also dim the lights to honor Maggie Smith and Adrian Bailey, who both recently passed away.
The tradition of dimming the lights to honor theater industry figures has been a longstanding practice, but it has become a contentious issue for Broadway theater owners. The decision of which individuals deserve this public recognition and how many theaters should participate in the dimming ceremony has been a point of debate among the theater community.
Notable figures like Stephen Sondheim, James Earl Jones, and Chita Rivera have been honored with lights dimmings at all theaters, while others have received partial dimmings, leading to disagreements and pushback from artists and audiences. For instance, there was controversy over whether to dim the lights for Joan Rivers, Jan Maxwell, Marin Mazzie, and Hinton Battle, with disagreements over the number of theaters involved in the tribute.
After initially announcing a limited dimming for Gavin Creel at only 11 theaters, the Broadway League faced backlash on social media, prompting the theater owners to reconsider their decision and agree to dim the lights at all 41 theaters to honor Creel, Smith, and Bailey.
The Broadway community and fans have expressed relief and appreciation for the theater owners’ decision to honor these beloved performers in a more inclusive and respectful manner. The tradition of dimming the lights to pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to the theater world continues to be a meaningful and cherished practice on Broadway.
Source: The NY Times
