Broadway’s ‘Book of Mormon’ Theatre Hit by 3-Alarm Fire, Shuts Down Indefinitely

A three-alarm fire erupted at New York City’s historic Eugene O’Neill Theatre Monday morning, damaging the Broadway venue hosting the 15-year-running hit ‘The Book of Mormon’ and forcing its indefinite closure.

At 10:03 a.m., the New York Fire Department (NYFD) received a call reporting a fire at the theatre located at 230 W 49th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The production team confirmed that all personnel were safely evacuated before firefighters and EMS workers arrived on the scene.

The fire, described as a ‘three-alarm’ incident by fire officials, ignited in the electrical room between the theatre’s fourth and fifth floors. Firefighters first subdued the blaze before addressing a second electrical fire between the fifth floor and the roof. As of Monday afternoon, no new smoke or flames were visible from the street.

The NYFD is at the site of the fire now and are handling matters at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. Everyone has been safely removed from the theater. We will keep all parties abreast of this developing situation.

One firefighter was reportedly injured while responding to the scene.

‘The building is going to be out of service, pending repairs,’ said David Simms, an assistant chief at the New York Fire Department, according to the New York Times. ‘There’s been substantial damage on the fourth floor, in the electrical room, which contains lighting equipment and hanging chandeliers.’

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre will remain closed for the foreseeable future as the NYFD assesses the full extent of the damage. While the fire has been contained, the number of ‘Book of Mormon’ performances affected remains unclear.

The production team for ‘The Book of Mormon,’ in consultation with theatre owner ATG Entertainment, will take time to assess the extent of the damage. Any news of disruption to performances will be announced as soon as possible.

History of the Eugene O’Neill Theatre

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre opened in 1925 at 230 W 49th Street as the Forrest Theatre. It was renamed the Coronet Theatre in September 1945 after its lease was purchased by City Playhouse Theatres’ Louis Lotito. Investor Lester Osterman acquired the venue in May 1959 and renamed it The Eugene O’Neill Theatre later that year, honoring his favorite playwright.