The Broadway community and the Committee of Theatre Owners will honor the memory of actor, singer, and dancer Adrian Bailey—who passed away September 22 at the age of 67—by dimming the lights of select Broadway theatres October 17 at 6:45 PM ET for one minute in collaboration with Mr. Bailey's family.
"In a rare tradition that reflects the magnitude of Mr. Bailey’s
impact on the Broadway industry and the community," a statement from The Broadway League reads, "the Committee of
Theatre Owners will dim the lights of one theatre from every Theatre Owner on Broadway in his honor."
Those theatres set to dim their lights for the beloved triple threat are the August Wilson, Circle in the Square, Helen Hayes, Lunt-Fontanne, New Amsterdam, Samuel J. Friedman, Shubert, Todd Haimes, and Vivian Beaumont.
“Over the years, Mr. Bailey has served as an inspiration not only due to his talented performances on Broadway and Touring Broadway stages, but also through his perseverance, positive attitude, and indomitable spirit,” stated Interim President of The Broadway League Jason Laks. “The outpouring of love from our community is a testament to that spirit. In losing Adrian Bailey, we have truly lost a bright light both on and off Broadway, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who loved him best.”
A Detroit native, Mr. Bailey moved to New York and made his Broadway debut in the 1976 production of Your Arms Too Short to Box With God. During a career that spanned three decades, he would perform in 15 Broadway productions and two touring Broadway shows. Mr. Bailey’s performing career ended after a serious onstage accident in 2008; in the years that followed, he continued to inspire friends and colleagues in the Broadway community and beyond, using social media to share his remarkable spirit through updates, insights, and songs with his peers.
Read Playbill's complete obituary for Mr. Bailey by clicking here.
The
Broadway League is the national trade association for the Broadway
industry representing more than 800 members from nearly 200 national and
international markets, including theatre owners and operators,
producers, presenters, and general managers as well as suppliers of
goods and services to the commercial theatre industry.