Tonight at "The Elephant Man"

[jbroadway4]

Posted: 1/2/15 at 10:22pm

My friend is seeing "The Elephant Man" tonight and he just messaged me this: "Midway through act 2. Loud moaning (assumed it was the show cause he moans the whole time) but then someone screamed and the lights came on. EMS is here. Its been about 15 minutes."

I hope everything is okay!



Updated On: 1/2/15 at 10:22 PM

[ethan231h]

Posted: 1/2/15 at 10:34pm

Anything new?

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 1/2/15 at 10:35pm

Holy crap! Any more info?

[TexanAddams18]

Posted: 1/2/15 at 10:37pm

According to tweets I found it seems to have been either a heart attack or stroke....The ambulance has left the theatre.

[NYC Devil 8778]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 12:46am

After returning home from tonight's marvelous performance, I can confirm he aforementioned statement.

SPOLIERS (but not really cause it's based on a true story)
After the death scene moaning was heard (someone at the stage door mentioned they thought it was snoring at first), but I thought it was part of his breathing pattern in the show. However, someone called for help and a doctor and the house lights came on. A stagehand drew the curtains and the actors remained on stage. The EMT's came and handled the situation. I was in the last row of the mezz and I didn't want to be rude and stare (as many others had been). The whole situation lasted around 15-20 minutes. The show continued. And to be honest there was only about 3 minutes left in the show,

At the stage door it was rumored to be a stroke and the person appeared to be unconscious at the time of their removal. Someone on Twitter even mentioned the victim passed, which I can only hope is not true. If anyone can correct/add/verify info please do. I can only pray for the victim and their guests and family during this time.

I've also got to give a shout out to the Booth staff because the situation was handled very well.
The show was marvelous and I reccomend it to everyone.

[bfreak]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 1:00am

I know it's not really relevant and I pray for this person but out of blatant curiosity, was the person sitting in the orchestra or the mezzanine section?

[NYC Devil 8778]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 1:03am

Orchestra. It appeared to be closer to house right too.

[bfreak]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 1:26am

What a shame.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 4:12am

Years ago I witnessed a similar circumstance while at Cabaret (with Molly Ringwald). I was also impressed with both the cast and house staff's swift and professional manner. I was told at the time, that they actually rehearse for these emergencies. I do not know if this is true.

I was also impressed with how smoothly the show went back to business as soon as appropriate.

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 6:38am

I think something similar happened when Patti LuPone was on Broadway during her 1995 concerts. Great display of professionality from people on stage and staff. My best wishes for the victim.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 10:08am

This kind of thing is more common than you'd think, and of course staff rehearses (or at least has preparedness) for what to do. Plans are always in place. On average, some Broadway show is stopped for a medical emergency twice a month, at least. Sometimes the emergency can be managed without stopping the show.

I have witnessed several deaths during shows, I don't know how many died or went into a medical emergency during the run of Angels in America, but it had to be in the dozens.

You just don't hear about it because it generally isn't considered newsworthy and/or no one in the tiny world of message boards was there to post about it.

I do hope last night's emergency wasn't serious.

[Huss417]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 10:11am

Same thing many years ago at Chicago at City Center Encores. At the beginning of the Second Act someone yelled out "Is there a Doctor in the house?" Some people started to chuckle but then another person yelled out this is serious.

I recall possibly stage manager making an announcement for the audience to stop calling 911. If I recall second act was delayed about 45 mins and sad to say the person passed away.

[NYC Devil 8778]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 10:51am

The Stage Manager did speak to the audience last night with updates and all.
I wasn't there, but I remember hearing about something similar over at "Thw Realistic Jonses".
It's a shame there won't be an update. I hope all is well.

[BobNC]

Posted: 1/3/15 at 10:55am

Let's hope the person is recovering.