The Broadway community and the Committee of Theatre Owners will honor the memory of three-time Tony-winning actor Hinton Battle鈥攚ho passed away January 29 at the age of 67鈥攂y dimming the lights of all Broadway theatres on a date to be determined. The Broadway League made the announcement in a February 22, sharing that the date is being chosen in consultation with Battle's family.
News of the decision follows public calls from fans and Broadway notables for Battle to receive the honor, a decision that has arrived notably later than that for fellow three-time Tony winner Chita Rivera. Battle died one day before Rivera, for whom marquee lights were dimmed February 17.
At the age of 18, Mr. Battle made his Broadway debut as the original Scarecrow in The Wiz, receiving momentous acclaim for his energetically-athletic dance style. He would later go on to work with some of the most influential choreographers in the industry, including Bob Fosse in the original production of Dancin' and Michael Bennett in the original production of Dreamgirls.
Mr. Battle received an impressive three Tony Awards for originating three vastly varied yet equally bombastic roles: in Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid, and Miss Saigon. He won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for all three roles, making him the most-awarded actor in the category's history.
Read Battle's full 半岛体育 obituary here.
The Broadway League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry representing more than 700 members from nearly 200 national and international markets, including theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers as well as suppliers of goods and services to the commercial theatre industry.
