An electrical fire broke out on Monday at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on Broadway, the long-time home of the hit musical The Book of Mormon, forcing the show to close at least temporarily as repairs are made to the historic venue.
Fire Details and Response
The blaze started in an electrical room and caused “substantial damage” to the theater, according to New York Fire Department Assistant Chief David Simms. Firefighters initially faced challenges due to catwalks and rigging inside the theater but eventually brought the fire under control. One firefighter sustained minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Impact on Performances
ATG Entertainment, the theater’s owner, confirmed that everyone was safely evacuated. “We will keep all parties abreast of this developing situation,” the company said in a statement. It is not yet clear how long the 1,108-seat theater will remain closed. A spokesperson for The Book of Mormon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The show’s next scheduled performance was set for Tuesday.
Damage Assessment
Simms reported that the damage was largely confined to the fourth floor and a backroom containing lighting equipment and chandeliers. There was also some water damage from firefighting efforts.
Historical Significance
The Eugene O'Neill Theatre, which opened in 1925, has a rich history of hosting notable productions, including Sweeney Todd, a revival of Tennessee Williams’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and the rock musical Spring Awakening. The Book of Mormon, which has been running at the theater since 2011, is one of Broadway’s longest-running shows, with over 5,000 performances.
