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The Tony Award-winning musical, 'The Book of Mormon,' returns to the stage at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City tonight, after a temporary closure due to a fire earlier this month. The fire, which occurred on May 4, caused significant damage to the theater's electrical room, resulting in the cancellation of performances through Tuesday. Fortunately, the public areas of the theater remained unaffected.
The fire was classified as a three-alarm blaze by the New York City Fire Department. It primarily affected the "follow spot" booth, a crucial area for stage lighting. Assistant Chief David Simms described the fire as "deep-seated" and challenging to access due to the theater's complex infrastructure. One firefighter sustained a minor injury during the incident, but all theater personnel were unharmed.
The Eugene O'Neill Theatre, owned by ATG Entertainment, has undergone extensive repairs to ensure the safety and comfort of the cast, crew, and audience. The venue's owners and the show's producers expressed gratitude to the FDNY and the Department of Buildings for their swift response and cooperation during the repair efforts.
Originally scheduled to resume on May 21, the reopening was delayed due to the longer-than-expected repair timeline. Now, with the theater ready, 'The Book of Mormon' will once again entertain audiences, with performances scheduled for tonight, and a matinee and evening show on Saturday.
The Eugene O'Neill Theatre, built in 1925 and renamed in 1959 for playwright Eugene O'Neill, has been home to 'The Book of Mormon' since its debut in 2011. As the musical celebrates its 15th anniversary, a special event next month will feature original cast members like Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad returning for guest appearances.
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