Broadway dims its lights in memory of Gene Saks
The Broadway community mourns the loss of Gene Saks, three-time Tony Award-winning director, who died Saturday, 28 March 2015 at the age of 93. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory tonight, 1 April 2015, at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.
Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, released the following statement:
"Gene Saks was a notable presence on Broadway for six decades as an acclaimed performer and celebrated director. His legendary collaboration with Neil Simon contributed unparalleled magic and laughter to Broadway, and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans."Mr. Saks won three Tony Awards in total: Best Direction of a Musical for the Cy Coleman/Michael Stewart musical 'I Love My Wife' (1977) and two Awards for Best Direction of a Play for Neil Simon plays 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' (1983) and 'Biloxi Blues' (1985). He also received Tony nominations for the following productions: 'Half a Sixpence' (1965), 'Mame' (1966), 'Same Time, Next Year' (1975), and 'Lost in Yonkers' (1991).
Additional Broadway directing credits include 'Enter Laughing,' 'Nobody Loves an Albatross,' and 'Rags.' His final Broadway production was the bio-play 'Barrymore' in 1997.
Mr. Saks is survived by wife Keren, their daughter, Annabelle, and three grandchildren. He is also survived by sons Matthew and Daniel from his marriage to his first wife, actress Bea Arthur.
Gene Saks 1921-2015Originally published on