Broadway's Chicago Will Dim Its Lights in Memory of James P. Gatens

Broadway's Ambassador Theatre will dim its lights in memory of veteran Broadway box office treasurer James P. Gatens, who died on April 19 at the age of 71. The West 49th Street marquee will go dark at approximately 7:45pm on Monday, April 25, before the evening performance of Chicago.

"Jimmy Gatens was a special man, a great human being, an impeccable professional, a natural charmer and most importantly a fervent New York Giants fan," said Chicago producer Barry Weissler. "I’ve been in the theater business for 50 years but Jimmy Gatens was still able to teach me things about the craft of ticket selling. I never stopped learning from him. I will miss him terribly."

Gatens was born and raised in Hell's Kitchen, the son of a stagehand and a theater usherette. He was a 50-year member of Local 751, Treasurers and Ticket Sellers, was a long-time box office treasurer and ticketing consultant for Chicago, and enjoyed a 30-year tenure as head treasurer of Times Square’s TKTS booth.

The funeral for Gatens will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on Monday, April 25 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mr. Gatens’ honor to Encore Community Services.