Broadway Stagehand falls to death to clean props from ‘Beetlejuice’ – Deadline

A 54-year-old stagehand died this morning of scaffolding inside the Winter Garden Theater on Broadway as workers restored the place after the departure of the Beetlejuice musical and in preparation for the arrival of next year The man of music.

A representative of the Shubert organization, which owns and operates the site, confirmed the incident.

“At 8:45 am on Thursday morning November 12, a stagehand fell from the floor of the fly above the stage of the Winter Garden Theater and died of injuries sustained,” the organization said in a statement. “NYPD and OSHA arrived at the scene to investigate the circumstances of the accident. We mourn the loss of our dear colleague. Our deepest condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.

According to the NYPD, the victim fell from a ladder “during a routine interview.” No crime is suspected. An investigation is underway.

Sources say earlier reports the machinist was pulling back Beetlejuice the sets and accessories were incorrect, and that the place had already been cleared of this production. The work done at the site has been described as a ‘restoration’ needed before the arrival next year of The man of music. (A spokesperson for The man of music referred questions to the Shubert organization.)

Until Broadway went dark last March, the Winter Garden was home to Beetlejuice, with The man of music, produced by Scott Rudin and starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, is scheduled to begin performances on December 20, 2021.

The news was first reported by The New York Post, which quoted a theater porter named Mike as saying, “I was cleaning under the stage when I heard a loud noise. It was right above me. It looked like a bomb. It scared me. I climbed the steps until it was. I said, “Oh my God!” My heart started to beat. He was on his back. He had a shoe. He was not wearing a helmet. I don’t know if that happened when he fell. Technicians always wear helmets. “

The deceased technician, who has not been identified pending notification from his family, was taken to Manhattan’s Mount Sinai Hospital but could not be resuscitated.