B'way dims its lights in memory of James M. Nederlander

In accordance with The Broadway League, the Broadway theatres will dim their marquee lights tonight in memory of James M. Nederlander, Sr., Chairman of the Nederlander Organization, theatre owner/operator, producer and presenter.

President Charlotte St. Martin commented:

"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. 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."

As Chairman of the Nederlander Organization, he operated an impressive total of nine Broadway theatres (Brooks Atkinson, Gershwin, Lunt-Fontanne, Marquis, Minskoff, Nederlander, Neil Simon, Richard Rodgers, and Palace) and three West End theatres (Adelphi, Aldwych, and Dominion), along with high-profile regional venues such as Los Angeles' Pantages Theatre and the Auditorium and Bank of America Theatres, Broadway Playhouse, Cadillac Palace and Oriental Theatres in Chicago.

As a producer, his many Broadway credits include 'Annie,' 'Applause,' 'La Cage aux Folles,' 'Me and My Girl,' 'Nine,' 'Noises Off,' 'Peter Pan,' 'Sweet Charity,' 'The Will Rogers Follies,' 'Woman of the Year,' among many others.

In 2004, James M. Nederlander, Sr. was honoured with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement.

- by Tom Millward