Gavin Creel Memorial: A Tribute to a Broadway Icon with U.S. and U.K. Livestream Access
The Broadway community is preparing to pay tribute to the late Tony-winning actor Gavin Creel with a memorial service and a full dimming of lights across New York City theaters. The event, initially planned for an in-person audience in New York City, will now be livestreamed for fans in the United States and the United Kingdom, allowing a wider audience to celebrate Creel’s life and legacy.
A Beloved Star Remembered
Gavin Creel was a force of talent and charisma on the Broadway stage. He is best known for his captivating performances in leading roles like Millie Dillmount in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Claude Bukowski in “Hair,” and the Baker in the recent revival of “Into the Woods.” He tragically passed away in September 2024 at the age of 48 after battling a rare form of cancer.
A Memorial for Fans Across the Globe
Originally planned as a New York City-based event, Creel’s memorial service will now be livestreamed for fans in the U.S. and the U.K. This inclusive approach allows fans worldwide to join the celebration of Creel’s life and career. The service will be held on December 2nd at the St. James Theatre in New York City, starting at 4:00 p.m. ET. While the event is open to the public with a limited capacity of 1,500 attendees, the livestream ensures that Creel’s memory can be cherished far beyond those physically present.
Livestreaming Partners and Details
For fans in the U.S., the livestream will be hosted by MCC Theater on their official YouTube channel. MCC Theater played a significant role in Creel’s career, having presented his original musical “Walk On Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice” at the Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater in late 2023 and early 2024.
For viewers in the U.K., the Society of London Theatre will be hosting the livestream on their YouTube channel. This collaboration allows Creel’s international fanbase to participate in the memorial service and share their appreciation for his contributions to musical theater.
It’s important to note that the livestream will not be available to view on-demand once it has concluded. Those interested in participating should ensure they tune in at the designated time.
A Citywide Tribute: Dimming the Lights for Creel
In a further display of respect, Broadway will dim its lights on December 3rd, a day after the memorial service, at 6:45 p.m. ET. MCC Theater will also join in dimming their lights at the same time. This powerful gesture signifies a united front within the Broadway community in honoring Creel’s memory.
The full dimming of lights is particularly noteworthy in light of the initial controversy surrounding the Broadway League’s plan for a partial dimming ceremony. Following an outcry from prominent figures within the theater community like Rachel Zegler, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Audra McDonald, the League opted for a full dimming ceremony, a fitting tribute to Creel’s impact.
Remembering Creel’s Philanthropy
Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Gavin Creel was also a champion for causes close to his heart. In his memory, donations are encouraged to be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of the theater community.
Attending the Memorial Service in Person
For fans in New York City who wish to attend the in-person memorial service at the St. James Theatre, details about admittance are available. By emailing your name and contact information to [email protected], you can receive information on attending the event.
A Celebration of Life and Legacy
The memorial service and subsequent dimming of lights will serve as a poignant tribute to Gavin Creel’s extraordinary career and enduring spirit. His contributions to the world of musical theater will continue to inspire artists and audiences for generations to come.
