Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory of Neil Simon | Playbill

Obituaries Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory of Neil Simon The legendary playwright died August 26 at the age of 91.
Neil Simon Jonathan Exley

Broadway theatres, which have lit up Neil Simon’s name and the names of his beloved works since 1961, will honor the life and legacy of the late playwright. Marquees will be dimmed August 30 for exactly one minute beginning at 6:45 PM.

Mr. Simon passed away at the age of 91 August 26 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital due to complications from pneumonia. His wife, Elaine Joyce Simon, and his daughters, Ellen and Nancy Simon, were at his side.

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner found a home on Broadway with a string of comedic hits, including Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple, The Sunshine Boys, California Suite, and the semi-autobiographical “Eugene Trilogy”: Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, and Broadway Bound. He also contributed to numerous musicals, including Sweet Charity, Promises, Promises, and They’re Playing Our Song.

"Neil Simon’s plays are a testament to the human experience: he made audiences laugh, cry and think. No other American playwright has had as many performances or as many shows in production simultaneously on Broadway," said Broadway League Chairman Thomas Schumacher in a statement. "The outpouring of accolades and personal memories being shared since his death are a tribute to how deeply he influenced our culture and touched the lives of literally millions of theatregoers."

At the time of his death, Mr. Simon was one of two living writers to have a Broadway theatre named after him (along with Stephen Sondheim). The 52nd Street venue was named after him in 1983 during the run of Brighton Beach Memoirs.

Look Back at the Shows Neil Simon Brought to Broadway

 
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