It is with sadness that Signature Theatre announced its Founder James Houghton passed away at his home in Manhattan on Aug 2 after a two year battle with stomach cancer. He was 57 years old. Under James Houghton’s leadership as Founding Artistic Director, Signature Theatre became one of the country’s preeminent theatre companies. Signature was the first company to dedicate a full season to a living writer’s body of work, and in the past 25 years has hosted a diverse roster of some of the theatre’s most exciting and accomplished playwrights. In 2012 Signature opened The Pershing Square Signature Center, the largest new theatre center in New York City in nearly 50 years, and was recognized in 2014 with the Regional Theatre Tony Award for its unique mission and outstanding body of work. Houghton is survived by his wife Joyce O’Connor, children Henry and Lily Houghton, parents Joan and Sherrill Houghton, and siblings Scott Houghton, Susan Houghton Devine, Lynne Houghton and Trish Houghton Line. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to AfterWork Theater (www.afterworktheater.org) and Daniel’s Music (www.danielsmusic.org), two organizations that helped his son Henry’s life. Details of a public memorial will be made available in the coming weeks. Press contact: Boneau/Bryan-Brown (212/575-3030)...