ObituariesBroadway's Shubert Theatres Will Dim Lights for TV Musical Visionary Craig ZadanThe producer died in August at the age of 69.
By
Ryan McPhee
September 25, 2018
Craig Zadan
The Shubert Organization will pay tribute to the late Craig Zadan, who died earlier this summer at the age of 69. Shubert-owned Broadway theatres on 44th and 45th Streets (the Belasco, Jacobs, Booth, Broadhurst, Schoenfeld, Golden, Imperial, Lyceum, Majestic, Music Box, and Shubert) will dim their marquees September 25 at 6:45 PM.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
The beloved producer passed away August 20 following complications from shoulder surgery.
Mr. Zadan, along with his frequent partner Neil Meron, were instrumental in the revitalization of the live TV musical, beginning with 2013’s The Sound of Music Live! and continuing with Peter Pan, The Wiz, Hairspray, and, most recently, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, which earned him a posthumous Emmy Award.
Additionally, the two collaborated on the Oscar-winning film adaptation of Chicago, CBS’ Bette Midler-led remake of Gypsy, the 1997 Disney remake of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, NBC’s cult favorite musical drama Smash, and the miniseries Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows. They also produced the most recent Broadway revivals of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises.
In May, the Shubert Organization and the producing duo announced a partnership to develop a new musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot, slated for a 2020 Broadway premiere.
Mr. Zadan is survived by his partner, Elwood Hopkins.
0
of
22
From Footloose to Jesus Christ Superstar Live: Look Through Some of the Stories Craig Zadan Brought to Life in Film and on Stage
From Footloose to Jesus Christ Superstar Live: Look Through Some of the Stories Craig Zadan Brought to Life in Film and on Stage
The prolific producer, along with frequent collaborator Neil Meron, was behind such musical-driven projects as Smash, NBC’s live musicals, and the Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
The composer/lyricist was responsible for some of the most popular cult musicals of all time, including Falsettos, A New Brain, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
The Broadway alum's golden vocals brought Old Deuteronomy from Cats and the Lion from The Wiz to life, along with Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
