Broadway theater owners, who initially faced criticism for their decision to dim the lights outside less than one-third of the 41 theaters in honor of the late musical theater star Gavin Creel, have now reversed course under public pressure. They announced that all theaters will participate in the tribute.

In addition to honoring Creel, who passed away at 48 on September 30, the theater owners also decided to dim the lights for two other notable figures: British stage and screen icon Maggie Smith, and actor Adrian Bailey, both of whom also recently passed away. Bailey’s tribute will take place on October 17, while the dimming for Creel and Smith will be scheduled after consulting their families.

The Broadway League, the trade association that represents the theater owners, communicated this change in an email on Wednesday, detailing the decision.

For decades, the lights-dimming tradition has been a symbolic but sometimes controversial practice for the nine organizations that control Broadway theaters. This small group not only determines which theater personalities deserve the honor upon their passing but also decides the number of venues involved, depending on how significant the landlords deem their contributions.

For example, theater legends like Stephen Sondheim, James Earl Jones, and Chita Rivera have been honored by dimming lights at all theaters. However, tributes for lesser-known but accomplished artists often result in partial dimming, which has sparked debate and criticism. Past cases include Joan Rivers (initially no lights were dimmed, then the decision was reversed), Jan Maxwell (from one theater to two), Marin Mazzie (six theaters at first, then all), and Hinton Battle (starting with nine and then expanding to all theaters).

On Friday, when the Broadway League announced plans for a partial tribute to Creel—initially only 11 theaters, later increasing to 12 after including the Eugene O’Neill Theater where Creel starred in “The Book of Mormon”—the decision drew backlash on social media.

In response, some productions acted independently. The company behind “Moulin Rouge!” pledged to dim the lights at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, where Creel performed in the 2009 revival of “Hair.” Playwright Paula Vogel urged Tony voters to resign in protest, while theater critic Adam Feldman launched an online petition. Actors’ Equity, the performers’ and stage managers’ union, also objected to partial tributes, insisting on full recognition for all honorees.

Dominated by the Shubert and Nederlander organizations, which control nearly two-thirds of Broadway theaters, the theater owners now say they will review their dimming policies. Proposed reforms include creating an independent committee to decide on such honors or holding regular light-dimming ceremonies for all Broadway contributors.

The light-dimming ceremony itself usually lasts just a minute, occurring 15 minutes before showtime when theater lights are briefly turned off. In some cases, digital marquees display images of the deceased, and family and colleagues gather outside the theater. Although brief and often unnoticed by casual passersby due to Times Square’s bright surroundings, the gesture holds deep meaning for those involved and is a cherished Broadway tradition.

The tradition reportedly began in 1952 to honor Gertrude Lawrence, who passed away while starring in “The King and I.” Though it used to be rare, the practice has become more frequent in recent years, with social media amplifying calls for tributes to theater artists.