A three-alarm fire on the roof of the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Monday (May 4) night will force the Tony-winning Broadway hit, “The Book of Mormon,” to shut down indefinitely, beginning tonight (May 5) and tomorrow night (May 6).
Apparently, the building’s fourth floor received substantial damage including a room that is home to lighting equipment and hanging chandeliers.
The blaze, whtich began in an electrical room, caused “substantial damage” to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, according to David Simms, New York fire department assistant chief. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
There were a lot of catwalks and rigging in the theater, making access difficult, but no one was injured. The cause of the blaze still is under investigation and it’s too soon to set a reopening date.
The Eugene O’Neill Theatre seats 1,108 patrons and “’The Book of Mormon” has been a popular production since its opening in 2011. It has logged more than 5,000 performances so far.
The show had announced a “Magical Mormon Mystery Week,” marking its 15th anniversary with a myriad of returning cast members the week of June 9 to 14.
There was no immediate word if the celebration will go on as planned, if theater repairs can be done, or whether the special will be canceled.
The theater, at 230 W. 49th St. in Manhattan, opened in 1925 under a different name, and has had a storied past, with such popular shows as “Sweeney Todd,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Sound of Music,” “Grease,” and “Spring Awakening.” At one point, Neil Simon was the theater owner and staged such hits as “The Odd Couple” and “California Suite.”
Ticket holders will be notified by point of purchase, for refunds or exchanges.