Despite Broadway League Decision, More Theaters to Dim the Lights for Joan Rivers

Updated at 12.45PM.

Broadway.com has confirmed that the New Amsterdam, Helen Hayes, Studio 54 and Stephen Sondheim theaters will now dim their marquee lights at 6:45PM on September 9 to honor the late Joan Rivers, along with the previously reported five Jujamcyn houses. The move comes after an online backlash on September 8 when the Broadway League announced that Main Stem theaters would not dim their lights for the comedy icon, Tony nominee and longtime Broadway cheerleader.

The New Amsterdam Theatre, where Aladdin plays, is owned by Disney, while the Helen Hayes Theatre hosts Rock of Ages. Rivers received her Tony nod for her appearance in Sally Marr...and her escorts, which played at the Helen Hayes. Roundabout owns Studio 54 and the Stephen Sondheim, where Cabaret and Beautiful are playing respectively; its American Airlines Theatre is currently dark.

“Under our criteria,” Broadway League executive director Charlotte St. Martin previously told The New York Times, “People need to have been very active recently in the theater, or else be synonymous with Broadway.” She added, “We love Joan…but she hasn’t acted on Broadway in 20 years. When you say Joan Rivers, you don’t think comedy, television and Broadway. You think comedy and television.” The statement fueled an outpouring of fan support, including an online petition and the Twitter hashtag #dim4joan.

Broadway.com has contacted the Broadway League for comment, but a spokesperson could not be reached.