Gavin Creel's Legacy Dims as Broadway League Limits Tribute to Select Theaters: Community Reacts

The Broadway League revealed plans for a partial marquee dimming ceremony to honor the memory of Gavin Creel.

Following this announcement, passionate theatre enthusiasts expressed their disappointment over not diming all 41 Broadway theatre marquees fully.

In a tradition that honors the legacy of influential individuals in the Broadway community, theaters along the iconic street collectively dim their lights simultaneously. Sometimes, the Broadway League dims the lights at specific theaters, reserving a full dimming for those most cherished.

Playbill reported that at present, Roundabout Theatre Company is the primary organization that owns and operates multiple theaters where the marquee lights are set to be dimmed. This will take place under their control at the Stephen Sondheim, Studio 54, and Todd Haimes Theatre.

Other Participants

Other participants in this dimming event include Disney Theatricals and non-profit entities like Circle in the Square, Second Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Lincoln Center Theater, each dimming lights at their respective Broadway venues. The Shubert Organization's Shubert, Nederlander's Marquis, Ambassador Theatre Group's Marquis, and St. James Theatres will also be part of this symbolic gesture.

According to Interim President of The Broadway league Jason Laks, "It is hard to fathom the loss of Gavin Creel. Not only was he an actor of the highest caliber, but he was also a committed activist and champion for so many causes both within and outside of our industry."

He continued, "Gavin gave of his whole self to our community, both in his performances and his charitable work. The Broadway community is lucky to have known him both as an actor and an individual, and to have benefited from the joy that he brought into so many people's lives."

It is widely agreed among fans that this is insufficient. Creel, a Tony Award recipient and three-time nominee, boasted an impressive resume of eight Broadway productions.

@tomrquicksell said on X, "What is with all the picking and choosing and qualifications. 20+ year Broadway career. Tony winner. Beloved by all. It's a no brainer. Dim every damn theater marquee and Times Square as well. It's for one minute. I can't with these theater wing."

@singforfood added, "Why are they acting like doing this costs a million dollars each time? Just flip the damn switch!"

"Now Broadway don't play with me because I will personally be going to every single theater that is not dimming their lights for Gavin Creel and reading yall for filth," @unsaidcassidy argued.

@whatlaurenthinx said, "I don't understand why the @BroadwayLeague constantly makes theatre artists and fans fight for them to do the correct thing ... especially since they do eventually do it. Why make us beg? Just dim ALL the lights for Gavin. Don't make us explain to you why you need to. Just do it."

Creel passed away on September 30 after bravely fighting cancer. He was 48 years old.

Before his role in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and the 2009 revival of "Hair," he had garnered nominations for his exceptional Broadway performances in "The Book of Mormon," "She Loves Me," "Waitress" La Cage aux Folles" and "Into the Woods."

Sign the petition to have all lights dimmed for Creel on Change.org.