Broadway stage mishaps/accidents — Page 2

Many years ago, during the original production of Les Mis I attended during the party scene where the Thendairs (sp?) steal the glasses, trays, etc. and hide them on their person, a tray fell out of Thendair's coat and into the orchestra, stopping the music while the condutor handed it back to him and he replied, in character with a "Thank You" and the orchestra continued.

All that except for the tray falling into the pit was scripted.

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"During a preview for the Roundabout's "The Man Who Came to Dinner", Jean Smart tripped on the steps during her entrance and fell flat on her ass. Nathan Lane stood up from his wheelchair and director Jerry Zaks who was sitting in the first row was running up to the stage as Ms. Smart, a consumate actress, jumped up and did a "ta da" (like do I know how to make an entrance) and the show continued without a hitch."

She must be clumsy. Saw a similar incident in previews where Ms. Smart got herself so wrapped up in the phone cord that she fell flat on her face. Lane started to rise out of his wheelchair and in the audience Jerry Zaks started to get out of his seat as well. She stood up, brushed herself off and went on with the show.

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@Someone in a Tree -- During "Tevye's Dream," Fruma Sarah's ghost came out of the grave from below.

Starlight Express was notorious for actors getting hurt. Interesting side note: Andrea McCardle has never been in a show when it was taped for Lincoln Center. In Annie she was out sick when they shot it, she was out of Starlight with an injury (knee?) when they shot it, and she sprained her ankle walking off stage after a big dance number in State Fair and Susan Egan is in the LC video.