Broadway In Chicago will mourn the loss of James M. Nederlander Sr., the longtime patriarch of the Nederlander theatre-owning dynasty who passed away July 25 at age 94, by honoring the Broadway tradition of dimming the marquee lights. Mr. Nederlander was integral in the formation of Broadway In Chicago.
Lou Raizin, president of Broadway In Chicago, said, “James Nederlander was a true titan of the theatre industry, believing in Chicago, opening and operating theatres in the Loop since 1954. He left his impact on our city through the creation of Broadway In Chicago as well as his commitment to making Chicago a long-run town.”
Theatres dimming their lights in honor of James M. Nederlander include Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph), Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph), The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe) and the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut).
In addition, the League of Chicago Theatres will be inviting all other theatres in Chicago to join with the Nederlander venues in Chicago, on Broadway, in the West End and in cities across the country who will all be dimming their lights August 3. Lights will be dimmed for one minute prior to show time—in Chicago at 7:15 PM CT, prior to The Book of Mormon and Newsies performances and appropriate to show times for all other theatres around the world.
“Jimmy Nederlander’s name has been synonymous with quality theatrical productions in New York City, Chicago and throughout the United States during his career, and in recent years his name has also come to symbolize 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,” added Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. “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.”
Read BROADWAY ROYALTY TURNED OUT TO HONOR THEATRICAL GREAT JAMES M. NEDERLANDER, SR.
