Theater News

Broadway Will Dim Its Lights in Memory of The Wiz Director Geoffrey Holder

Holder died on Sunday at the age of 84.

Geoffrey Holder, best known for his Tony-winning direction of The Wiz, died at 84 on Sunday, October 5.
Geoffrey Holder, best known for his Tony-winning direction of The Wiz, died at 84 on Sunday, October 5.
(© Everett Collection)

Broadway marquees will dim their lights on Friday, October 10, at 7:45pm in honor of the late Tony-winning director, designer, and choreographer Geoffrey Holder, who died on Sunday at the age of 84.

Holder is best known for directing and designing the original 1975 production of The Wiz, for which he earned two Tony Awards, one for Best Direction of a Musical and the other for Best Costume Design. He earned another Tony nomination in 1978 for his costume designs for the Broadway musical Timbuktu!, which he also directed and choreographed.

"No one who saw The Wiz will ever forget the memorable experience, in large part thanks to the direction and design brought to the Broadway stage by Geoffrey Holder," said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the Broadway League. "An incredibly talented artist seen in many mediums, his visual creativity and influence was unforgettable."