The DC Theater Arts family is devastated to announce the loss of our Founder and Editor Emeritus, Joel Markowitz. Joel passed away at 2:40 pm this afternoon from the effects of ALS. A fighter until the very end, Joel died in his home, surrounded by family, loved ones and his rabbi.
Joel will be sorely missed by the entire DC Theater Arts family. An online tribute to Joel is planned for later this week.
A funeral will take place on Thursday, November 9th, 2017 at 1:30 pm at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park, 14321 Comus Road, Clarksburg, MD. Family will be observing Shiva Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evening at the home of Bruce and Petrina Markowitz with Minyan at 6:30 pm and continuing Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening with Minyan at 7:00 pm at the home of Stuart and Beverly Markowitz.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Derwood, MD or to JSSA Hospice, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD.
RIP Joel, sorry you had to leave us so early in your life, you will be missed by many in the world of live theater.
Joel Markowitz helped with MD Theatre Guide before leaving to begin his own publication, DC Theater Arts. We have many fond memories of Joel and are mourning the loss of this amazing advocate for the theatre community.
Dearest Joel. A very dear friend, an extremely optimistic and kind of soul. I will miss his graciousness, his lovely sense of humor, and his wonder at the joys of life. I am very saddened at this very, very dark news. I am so happy that he came to see MASTER CLASS at Metro Stage. We had such a very special chat, even though it was challenging for him to be there. I will always treasure our time together. His lovely sense of humor, his kindness. This world has lost a very special person. But he is at rest now, and free of physical and emotional constraints. He can now fly. Rest in peace my dear friend.
ILONA DULASKI
I had many long and memorable conversations with Joel over the years about theatre in the DC area. He was a champion for small and aspiring companies, a square dealer, a thoughtful listener and a good man. Rest In Peace, my friend. You’ve earned it.
Joel was very special, and I’m forever grateful I knew him. Usher trips to NY. Tony-watching potluck parties. Laughing our way through absurd fringe shows. His sense of humor and passion for theater carried him through many trying times. And he carried me through the delights and discovery of DC theater with his enthusiasm and dedication to the arts. I will miss him. May he rest in peace.