Worst show mishap — Page 3

When I was a senior I was playing Harold Hill in our high school production of THE MUSIC MAN. During "Trouble", there was a fountain unit in the center of the very wide stage and I had to jump up on it (just like Robert Preston in the movie, naturally).

One night I landed on the fountain and it began to move--rolling off the stage and into the wings.

I wasn't hurt; I'm proud to say I rode the racing fountain and didn't even miss a word. (The acoustic tiles in our "cafetorium" were so bad we had to perform musical numbers with hand mikes so as to be heard over the orchestra.)

The funny part was actually 30 years later at a high school reunion. Former members of the MM crew sat me down and explained that the fountain unit had been DELIBERATELY sabotaged by a crew member who didn't like the fact I was kissing his girlfriend (who played Marion) each night at the footbridge.

It was funny because I was such a dedicated little thespian at 18 ("The theater is a temple" and all that), that it never in 30 years occurred to me that anyone would play such a destructive prank on stage.

When I learned the truth, I was speechless for several minutes and much laughter ensued!

Updated On: 8/6/13 at 06:20 PM

Not big mishaps but funny stores by Seth Rudetsky
Broadway Disasters According to Seth

Not that big a deal, but during a preview for Carrie I remember they were doing a scene change. Betty Buckley was in her place for the next scene. A piece of mechanical scenery got stuck and you heard a very loud crashing kind of sound. I seem to remember it involving a basketball hoop which signified they were in the gym? Anyway, Betty Buckley was up like a shot and moved to the front of the stage. I don't blame her, considering what almost happened to Barbara Cook during rehearsals in London.

Haven't I read here or somewhere that there have been enough problems over the years with the cherry picker that flies Elphaba that they have alternate staging rehearsed for when it fails?