IN MEMORY BROADWAY THEATRES TO DIM LIGHTS - November 7 - for DAME MAGGIE SMITH

 

BROADWAY THEATRES TO DIM LIGHTS

IN MEMORY OF BELOVED STAGE AND SCREEN LEGEND

DAME MAGGIE SMITH

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

AT 6:45 PM

Dame Maggie Smith—just saying her name brings a rush of theater magic and unforgettable screen moments. With a career spanning over seven decades, Maggie’s work touched every corner of the performing arts, from her early days on stage to the beloved roles that made her a household name. She passed away on September 27, 2024, at age 89, and the theater world isn’t letting her go quietly. On Thursday, November 7, at 6:45 PM, Broadway theatres will dim their lights in a time-honored tribute to one of the greatest actors of our time.

What is it about dimming the lights? It's more than just a gesture; it’s Broadway’s way of saying, “We remember you. We celebrate you.” And for Dame Maggie, it feels especially fitting. This moment will be for fans who cheered her every performance and for actors who drew inspiration from her work. As Robert E. Wankel, CEO of the Shubert Organization, put it, “Her artistry graced stages and screens alike with unmatched depth and wit.” Dimming the lights on Broadway is a tradition that goes back to the early 20th century, honoring the life and legacy of artists who leave their mark on the stage.

Let’s take a moment to remember some of the roles that made her unforgettable. Maggie began in the theatre, of course, with performances in Private Lives and Hedda Gabler in London and on Broadway in New Faces of 1956 and Lettice and Lovage, where she won a Tony Award. In film, she was a powerhouse, winning Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite. And who could forget her turn as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter or as the razor-sharp Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey?

This moment on November 7 isn’t just for her fans—it’s a ritual that reminds us of the power of theater to connect, inspire, and shape lives. It’s a pause to recognize the influence of someone like Dame Maggie, who brought depth and dimension to every role she played. For one minute, Broadway’s lights will dim, giving her a final standing ovation.

When you see those lights go dark, take a breath and remember her—because, in the world of theater, legends like Dame Maggie Smith are forever.