When someone in the Broadway community passes, it is tradition to dim the lights of the Broadway theatres. Well… sort of. People’s contributions to the world of New York Theatre are weighed and then either a full dimming, a partial dimming, or no dimming at all is determined by the Broadway League. Obviously, we cannot extinguish the lights for every artist in the New York Theatre community who has died; Broadway would be eternally in the dark if we celebrated every artist in this fashion. However, the decision behind whose death warrants any level of dimming seems arbitrary at times, prompting us to confront question “What criteria is used to decide who is honored and on what level will they receive such a commemoration?”

The recent passing of Tony Award-winning star Gavin Creel has put this issue in the spotlight (once again). Creel had been a frequent face on the Broadway stage for two-decades, having starred as Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002, original cast, Tony nomination), Jean-Michel in La Cage aux Folles (2004), as Claude in Hair (2009, Tony nomination), Elder Price in The Book of Mormon (2015), Kodaly in She Loves Me (2016), Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! (2017, Tony Award winner), Dr. Pomatter in Waitress (2019), and Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods (2022). That is an impressive, and extensive Broadway resume for someone who died at the age of 48. Let us also take into account the amount of love that has outpoured for Mr. Creel from his friends, colleagues, and fans, all mourning one of the genuine bright lights of creativity, kindness, and talent. Should it be any wonder that people all over the world are signing a petition for the Broadway League to reconsider their determination that only SOME theatres will dim their lights for Creel. If not a full dimming for him, then for whom? Where exactly is the cut-off?

It seems to me that perhaps we need a better way to celebrate the wonderful people who have brought the best of themselves to the Great White Way. If dimming the lights of Broadway is a problem, a hassle, or if doing it too often waters down the value of its purpose, then maybe we need another option. How CAN we give everyone in this wonderful community, one that strives to be inclusive and embracing of all its members, a chance to both mourn our losses and celebrate the contributions that were so special to us? I am interested to hear feedback on this. What could that option be?