Broadway refuses to dim lights in honour of Joan Rivers

The Broadway League has refused to dim theatre lights in honour of Joan Rivers, following the comedian’s death last Thursday (September 4).

The organisation, which represents theatre owners and producers, has explained that Rivers does not meet the criteria for a tribute.

The league’s executive director Charlotte St. Martin told The New York Times that
someone needs to have been “very active recently” on Broadway, or to have made his or her career there.

“We love Joan – she was very supportive of Broadway and came to a lot of show openings – but she hasn’t acted on Broadway in 20 years,” Ms. St. Martin added. “When you say Joan Rivers, you don’t think comedy, television and Broadway. You think comedy and television. It’s certainly nothing against her.”

However, the decision has attracted criticism, with a petition set up asking for the decision to be reconsidered.

As a result of the criticism, Jujamcyn Theaters owner Jordan Roth announced that his venues will dim their lights at 6.45pm tonight (September 9). Disney have also confirmed that the lights outside the New Amsterdam Theatre will also be dimmed.

We ain’t never had a friend like Joan! @DisneyOnStage is proud to dim the New Am marquee tonight in honor of the late, great Joan Rivers.

— Aladdin (@aladdin) September 9, 2014

Rivers was laid to rest in New York City on Sunday (September 7) at a funeral attended by the likes of Kelly Osbourne, Kathy Griffin and Sarah Jessica Parker.

> Joan Rivers dies: Friends and celebrities pay tribute
> RIP Joan Rivers. A reminder of her memorable zingers