The Lights WILL Be Dimmed For Joan Rivers- Page 2

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 9/6/14 at 7:33pm

It doesn't matter what her "qualifications" are.

The dimming of the lights is a mark of respect and an honor to demonstrate the feelings of the Broadway community - and there is no doubt that she was loved.

[pmensky]

Posted: 9/6/14 at 8:32pm

According to an article on Playbill, Broadway dims the lights for those have "achieved a place in theatre history." "Who gets honored is decided by a committee within the Broadway League."
So, although no one is tallying up nominations or awards, you do have to meet "qualifications."

[Playbilly]

Posted: 9/6/14 at 9:06pm

If it hasn't been announced by now, I doubt they would be dimmed. I think she's a victim of the backlash from the Robin Williams dimming. They probably will "tighten" the criteria from now on.

And let's not forget....she rubbed a LOT of people the wrong way. Hardly a universally loved figure.

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 9/6/14 at 9:17pm

I think Joan would've made a bad ass Madame in Cinderella. I wonder if the producers ever approached her? Liked or not liked Joan was a gracious supporter of the Theatre community, and had a well respected eye on Broadway as a whole. She should be honored.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 9/6/14 at 9:37pm

"If it hasn't been announced by now, I doubt they would be dimmed. I think she's a victim of the backlash from the Robin Williams dimming. They probably will "tighten" the criteria from now on."

There was a "backlash" from the Robin Williams dimming? I missed that one, and I don't know why there would have been one. He had been on Broadway twice, performed Godot at Lincoln Center, and studied at Juilliard.

While the announcement usually comes within 24 hours, it doesn't always. I don't think there will be any tightening of the criteria, but since no one but the League knows what that criteria is, we'll never know.

eta: I think they will dim the lights for her, primarily out of respect for her love and support of theater - but if they don't, I would think the crassness and negativity of her schtick would be what ruled her out. I can't think of any other performer whose act involved such negativity towards others who has been honored. Either way, it is the decision of the League, and if they decide not to, there is no recourse. The honor is theirs alone to bestow or withhold.


Article on dimming the lights on Broadway Updated On: 9/6/14 at 09:37 PM

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 9/6/14 at 10:03pm

While she may have rubbed some people the wrong way I saw a great number of "what a great lady we've lost" type of posts on Facebook from many in the Broadway community: actors, directors, designers, technicians, producers, you name it

I wasn't a huge fan personally (fairly neutral to be honest) but I would agree that she deserves this sign of respect.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/7/14 at 4:24pm

If there's not an announcement by end of day tomorrow about this, I'm going to be really pissed.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 9/7/14 at 5:21pm

You're not alone, Jordan!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 11:48am

I'm waiting....

[dreaming]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 12:08pm

You have a chance to make this right, Broadway League.

This lady wanted Broadway singers and groups affiliated with Broadway to sing at her funeral.

She devoted much of her time and energy to promoting the theater. She also performed on the stage. She was working on a musical at the time of her death.

PS-If this is somehow 'payback' for Robin Williams getting recognition-it's uncalled for. Joan deserves this honor. Leave anyone's feelings about so-called celebrities aside on the issue. Updated On: 9/8/14 at 12:08 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 12:16pm

CALL THE BROADWAY LEAGUE!

212-764-1122

[dreaming]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 12:35pm

OK!!!

[alliez92092]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:23pm

Well they won't be dimming them. I think the reasoning is pretty stupid.

“Under our criteria people need to have been very active recently in the theater, or else be synonymous with Broadway – people who made their careers here, or kept it up,” Ms. St. Martin said in an interview on Monday.

“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.”

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/08/broadway-wont-dim-lights-for-rivers/?_php=true&_type=blogs&smid=tw-nytimesTheater&seid=auto&_r=0

[dreaming]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:25pm

Well it's out of our control.

I'm guessing the Robin Williams part had a lot to do with it. (I think 'film' more than any medium with him.)

[Everlast85]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:27pm

Her statement is completely true, and I totally respect it.

[dreaming]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:29pm

If they hadn't done it for Robin Williams, I'd agree.

But she's much more theater oriented than he was.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:29pm

Exactly, dreaming. Don't mind Everlast85. He/she is flat out wrong.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:31pm

I'm sure Joan would have some VERY funny things to say about a woman whose name, supposedly, is "Charlotte St. Martin."

[Everlast85]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:37pm

Robin Williams was more recently on Broadway, and he never said the horrible things Joan has. He was never cruel to rape victims. Funny how that is forgotten so quickly.

And no, Liza's Headband (?), my opinion isn't wrong. It's a view that doesn't match your own. End of story.

[dreaming]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:39pm

Everlast-she also gave time, talent and money to Broadway, including Broadway CARES. She tirelessly promoted the arts with a passion beyond any other. She was in the process of writing a musical when she passed away.

Joan's humor wasn't to everyone's taste-but the people she roasted knew they'd 'made it' just by being recognized by her.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:40pm

I think it's disgusting and I have lost any and all respect for the "Broadway League".

Ms. St. Martin can kiss my ass and go to hell.

[dreaming]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:42pm

Totally with you there, Jordan. Robin Williams was no more of a theater contributor than Joan-and no one will ever convince me otherwise.

[Producer2]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:52pm

DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE WAS A BROADWAY ACTRESS, TONY NOMINEE AND PLAYWRIGHT!!!!!!!!

[Everlast85]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:52pm

"Everlast-she also gave time, talent and money to Broadway, including Broadway CARES. She tirelessly promoted the arts with a passion beyond any other. She was in the process of writing a musical when she passed away."

I deeply respect her contributions to Broadway. However, my opinion still stands.

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 9/8/14 at 3:54pm

Who the hell is Ms. St. Martin?