Broadway theaters are dimming their lights to honor Gavin Creel, as well as Adrian Bailey and Dame Maggie Smith. Creel, a celebrated actor renowned for his Tony Award-winning roles, sadly passed away at 48 on September 30 after a battle with cancer.
Following some backlash over the decision to dim the lights for Creel, Broadway theater owners have stated they are reevaluating their current practices and guidelines around this tribute.
In a statement, the Committee said, per Deadline, "In recognition of the passing of several beloved Broadway community members in recent weeks, and in honor of their significant impact on that community, the Committee of Theatre Owners has announced that they will dim the lights of all Broadway theatres in New York in honor of Adrian Bailey, Gavin Creel, and Maggie Smith."
"In addition, the Committee is reviewing their current dimming policy and procedures."
The nine Broadway theater owners are responsible for determining which theaters will have their lights dimmed.
In light of recent events, specifically the passing of Creel, a debate has resurfaced regarding the decision-making process of the League's committee, comprised of representatives from Broadway theater owners in the city.
The committee is responsible for organizing the customary marquee-dimming tributes and determining the timing and scope of these commemorations.
Although the inner workings of the committee remain confidential, the level of participation from Broadway venues in dimming their lights is often interpreted as a measure of the individual being honored and its impact, longevity in the industry, and the recency of their Broadway contributions.
In most cases, partial dimmings involve selecting a single establishment owned by each of the 11 major theater proprietors. However, there have been instances where dimmings occurred solely at the venues most closely linked to the Broadway star being honored.
On October 17, Bailey's lights will be dimmed, while the dimming ceremonies for Creel and Smith will be arranged in coordination with their loved ones later.
