NEW YORK — Manhattan’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre was forced to shut down Monday after an electrical fire erupted backstage, temporarily halting performances of the hit Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon.”
The flames originated in an electrical utility room and resulted in “substantial damage” throughout the historic venue, New York Fire Department Assistant Chief David Simms reported. Fire investigators are still working to determine what sparked the blaze.
“Everyone has been safely removed from the theater,” ATG Entertainment, which owns the facility, announced in an official statement. “We will keep all parties abreast of this developing situation.”
Theater officials have not yet announced when the 1,108-seat venue might reopen. Representatives for “The Book of Mormon” production have not responded to requests for comment, though the musical was scheduled to perform again Tuesday evening.
According to Simms, the fire primarily affected the theater’s fourth floor and a backstage area housing lighting systems and hanging chandeliers. Firefighting efforts also resulted in water damage throughout parts of the building.
Crews faced initial challenges containing the flames due to the theater’s complex network of catwalks and stage rigging, Simms explained, though they ultimately gained control of the situation. One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the response.
“The Book of Mormon” ranks among Broadway’s most enduring productions, having staged over 5,000 performances since its Eugene O’Neill Theatre debut in 2011.
The venue itself dates back to 1925 and has welcomed numerous acclaimed productions over the decades, including “Sweeney Todd,” a revival of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” and the rock musical “Spring Awakening.”
