The lights in the West End and Broadway will be dimmed on Wednesday (3 August) in memory of impresario James M. Nederlander whose death at the age of 94 was announced this week.
The chairman of The Nederlander Organization, whose career spanned more than 70 years, will be honoured with the traditional tribute to the biggest names and contributors to theatre on both sides of the Atlantic.
At 7pm on Wednesday 3 August the lights will be dimmed for two minutes in theatres across the West End ahead of the evening performances.
Often referred to as one of the ‘titans of Broadway’, Nederlander was the patriarch of a family business that remains one of the world’s biggest and most successful theatre owners.
The Nederlander Organization owns nine theatres on Broadway alone, as well leading West End venues the Aldwych and the Dominion and is a part owner of the Adelphi Theatre. In the US it is also the owner of a network of some of the finest theatres in the country, including five in Chicago and two in Los Angeles.
Paying tribute to Nederlander, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre, Julian Bird said: “James M. Nederlander was a true titan of the theatre industry. His beautiful theatres here in the West End, which are filled with thousands of people every night, are a testament to his vision and the organisation he grew on both sides of the Atlantic. He was a friend and mentor to so many in the industry and he will be missed greatly. We are proud to acknowledge his extraordinary contribution to our industry with the dimming of London’s theatre lights.”
Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, added: “Jimmy Nederlander’s name has been synonymous with quality theatrical productions in New York City and throughout the United States throughout his career, and in recent years his name has also come to symbolise excellence and achievement when The Jimmy Award’ is presented annually at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards.
“A tribute to his passion for arts education, his legacy will help to inspire the next generation of performers and enthusiasts. Beloved by the industry, Jimmy was a loyal and trusted collaborator and a guiding mentor to so many. He was ‘one of a kind’ and his indomitable spirit lives on throughout this country in the people he nurtured who are helping to make Broadway what it has become today. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.