BWW News: A Reflection on the Passing of Fellow DC Area Theater Writer/Editor Joel Markowitz

As with the entire DC theater community, I am saddened by Joel Markowitz's passing yesterday afternoon from the effects of ALS. Like many who regularly cover theater in this town, I knew Joel as an ardent and passionate supporter of all of the many stages in the DC Metro area, from the big ones we all tend to cover, to the smallest. His devotion to the arts was evident in the many conversations I had with him, and the articles he wrote for DC Theatre Scene, Maryland Theatre Guide, and then the mammoth website he founded, DC Metro Theater Arts (DCMTA). His enthusiasm eventually led to me and my husband, Elliot Lanes, becoming contributors to MD Theatre Guide and then, at one point, DCMTA. When I decided to test the waters of writing for BWW, he encouraged it (Joel was also a BWW contributor at one point). Even after I left DCMTA, Joel was always available to provide advice to me. That advice - which often led to what I might call "spirited dialogue" - was always filled with his very special brand of humor and it will certainly be missed. There's no one quite like him.

For those who wish to pay their respects, 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. 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.

Rest in Peace Joel Markowitz.

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