Fire at Eugene O'Neill Cancels Book of Mormon Through May 17

A fire that broke out early Monday morning at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City has forced the cancellation of performances of the long-running musical The Book of Mormon through May 17.

The blaze occurred around 10 a.m. on May 4 at the theater, located at 230 West 49th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. According to a joint statement from ATG Entertainment, the venue's owner, and the production, the fire was limited to the followspot booth, a space housing powerful stage lights. New York Fire Department Assistant Chief David Simms described the incident as starting in an electrical room on the fourth floor, with damage confined largely to that area and a backroom containing lighting equipment. Some water damage also resulted from firefighting efforts. The cause remains under investigation.

Firefighters responded within minutes after the alarm and quickly extinguished the flames. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital, but no other injuries were reported. The building was safely evacuated.

ATG Entertainment and the producers expressed gratitude in their statement. "We extend our deepest thanks to the firefighters and emergency...