Martin Richards: Broadway dims light in memory

The Broadway community mourns the loss of celebrated producer Martin Richards, who passed away on 26 Nov 2012 at age 80. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory on 27 Nov 2012 at exactly 7pm for one minute.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, said, "For over 50 years, Marty Richards has been transferring his passion for theatre to the stage. The popularity of his shows has brought many generations to Broadway. He was an admirer of talent, and we were an admirer of his. His love for the arts was matched only by his generosity and philanthropic causes. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Richards produced such Broadway hits as 'On the Twentieth Century,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'La Cage aux Folles' (original and 1st revival), 'Grand Hotel,' The Life,' 'Will Rogers Follies' amongst many others. His shows have won over 40 Antoinette Perry 'Tony' Awards as well as numerous Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. In addition, his production of 'Crimes of the Heart' garnered a Pulitzer Prize. Richards was the producer of the original 'Chicago' on Broadway and went on to win an Academy Award for producing the film version in 2003. His other films include "The Shining," "Boys from Brazil," "THE SHINING," "BOYS FROM BRAZIL" and "Fort Apache, The Bronx."

Richards was also a philanthropist. He, along with his late wife Mary Lea Johnson Richards, was instrumental in founding Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Meals on Wheels. Richards went on to establish the liver and kidney transplant unit at the NYU Medical Center that bears his wife's name. Richards also created the New York Center for Children to care for abused children and their families.

Richards is survived by his brother Bruce Klein and a niece and nephew.