Theatre marquee lights on both sides of the Atlantic are set to dim August 3 in honor of James M. Nederlander—the longtime patriarch of the Nederlander theatre-owning dynasty, which includes nine Broadway theatres—who died the evening of July 25 in South Hampton, NY. He was 94.
The marquees of London theatres will dim at 7 PM GBT, with Broadway theatres to follow at 7:45 PM EST.
Mr. Nederlander transformed what was a regional theatre business based in Detroit into a New York powerhouse when, in the 1960s, he set his sights on New York City and began buying Broadway theatres. The Nederlander Organization now has holdings second only to the Shubert Organization.
“Jimmy Nederlander’s name has been synonymous with quality theatrical productions in New York City and throughout the United States throughout 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,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, in a statement. “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.”
Julian Bird, chief executive of Society of London Theatre, added, “James Nederlander was a true titan of the theatre industry. His beautiful theatres here in the West End, which are filled with thousands of people every night, are a testament to his vision and the organisation he grew on both sides of the Atlantic. He was a friend and mentor to so many in the industry and he will be missed greatly. We are proud to acknowledge his extraordinary contribution to our industry with the dimming of London’s theatre lights.”
