Gavin Creel, a celebrated Broadway performer known for his Tony Award-winning role in 'Hello, Dolly!' alongside Bette Midler, passed away on September 30 at the age of 48 due to a rare cancer.

In response to his death, all 41 Broadway theaters will dim their lights on separate nights to honor Creel, a decision that reflects the public's demand for a full tribute.

An online petition advocating for a complete dimming in Creel's honor quickly gained traction, amassing over 22,000 signatures within a week.

Actors' Equity emphasized that all individuals deserving of tributes should receive equal recognition, supporting the push for a full dimming for Creel.

The Committee of Theatre Owners is currently reviewing its dimming policies in light of the public outcry surrounding Creel's tribute.

Historically, the Broadway League has faced criticism for its dimming decisions, often opting for partial tributes for lesser-known figures, which has sparked controversy.

The backlash against partial tributes was evident when the committee initially planned only a partial dimming for Hinton Battle, leading to a change that included all theaters.

Playwright Paula Vogel criticized the idea of partial dimming for Creel, calling it a 'travesty' and highlighting his significant contributions to the theater.

Past instances of partial dimming have occurred for notable figures like Joan Rivers and Marin Mazzie, but public pressure often resulted in full tributes.

The dimming ceremony for Adrian Bailey is scheduled for October 17, while the dates for Creel and Dame Maggie Smith's tributes are still being coordinated with their families.

Creel's legacy in Broadway spans over two decades, with notable performances and nominations that have left a lasting impact on the theater community.

Prominent figures in the theater community, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rachel Zegler, have publicly advocated for a full dimming in honor of Creel.