We at DC Theater Arts are taking time today to remember Founder and Editor Joel Markowitz on what would have been his 61st birthday. Joel remains in our hearts every day as we strive to keep his legacy alive through our work with DC Theater Arts, the publication that he created and built singlehandedly.
A year ago, Joel and I attended the 2017 Helen Hayes Awards together. His ALS had advanced to the point that he needed a lot of help to get in and out of the car. It was the last event we would attend together.
This week, Joel was featured in the In Memoriam section of the 2018 Helen Hayes Awards. His images on the screen elicited great, sustained applause from the audience, a reminder that Joel’s work positively impacted so many in the Washington, DC area theater community.
Joel worked tirelessly to lift up theater artists in Washington, DC and beyond. We at DC Theater Arts continue to be inspired by his legacy.
Happy Birthday, Joel. We miss you.
Special thanks to Natascia Diaz for her poignant and tender rendition of “Lullaby” from the musical Light Years.
Joel’s presence continues to be felt in all of our theatres. His love for the performing arts and those who so generously gave of their heart and soul and talent to fellow artists and their audiences will never be forgotten. It is embedded in our walls and will continue to inspire all who work in theatre in every capacity because Joel understood the collaborative cooperative nature of the art form. He supported and promoted our efforts with every fiber in his body and we are eternally grateful.