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masterofmystery · 06-23-2011, 04:13 AM

On the evening of the 100th performance of Daniel Radcliffe's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, tragedy struck, where a stagehand died due to complications from cardiac arrest before the 8:00pm curtain call. Numerous theatre-goes commented that a grief-shaken Dan and costar John Larroquette came to the stage, after an hour of announced delays, at 9:05pm to announce to the audience that the show was canceled due to, as Dan put it, "a tragedy within the company."

The official statement from the musical's reps has now been released and can be read below.

"This evening's performance of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING was canceled as a stagehand on the production unexpectedly passed away backstage just prior to the 8pm curtain. The name of the deceased and any further details are being withheld by the authorities pending notification of the family. The incident was not caused by an accident related to the production. The cast, crew and theatre staff mourn the loss of this member of their theatrical family. No further information is available at this time.

Patrons of tonight's audience who purchased with a credit card will receive an automatic refund. All others should go to their point of purchase to obtain an exchange/refund."

The Associated Press released a bit more information on the man who died this evening.

Quote:

NEW YORK — New York City Police are investigating the death of a stage carpenter on the Broadway show "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying."

Police say they responded to a report of a 29-year-old male in cardiac arrest just before 8 p.m. Wednesday. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. His name was not immediately released.

A fan's first-hand account of the events can be read here.

Quote:

I was there, and I just got home. This is what happened, as best I can tell from the audience. Just before curtain time, an ambulance arrived and EMTs went in the stage door. The performance never started. At around 8:15, an announcement was make that there was a delay, and they'd keep us posted.

Around 20 minutes later, a similar announcement was made. We were in the 3rd row, and an orchestra member told us that a stagehand had had a heart attack. At 8:45, the ambulance was still outside the theater. At 9 o'clock, Radcliffe and Larroquette walked out and explained that due to "a tragedy within the company", the performance would not go on. A few minutes later, management made an announcement regarding refunds.

Dan, John, and costar Rose Hemingway were scheduled to attend a window unveiling of Lord & Taylor's department store in Manhattan on Thursday afternoon. At the present the event is still set to take place, which SnitchSeeker will attend, though we will update in case there is a cancellation of postponement due to the terrible affair that took place on Wednesday.

Quote:

Fifth Avenue: Thursday, June 23rd at Noon, Daniel Radcliffe, Tony® Award Winner John Larroquette, and Rose Hemingway, the stars of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” are stopping by to unveil our Fifth Avenue windows, inspired by their hit Broadway show. The first 75 people to purchase $300 or more of cosmetics or fragrances at our Fifth Avenue store will receive two free tickets to the Broadway show “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.” Plus, the first 100 people to make a cosmetics or fragrance purchase of $75 or more will receive The 50th Anniversary Revival Cast Recording CD.

Our hearts and condolences go out to the friends and family of the fallen company member.

Presley Black · 06-23-2011, 12:58 PM

Oh goodness...I just read that and I was thinking about my theatre family, and even the people who work backstage and aren't really in the production, they're a big part of it. I couldn't imagine if one of them died. I would not be able to walk onstage and calmly announce that the show had been canceled. I would be backstage bawling my eyes out, and i'm not a huge crier. RIP, and I'm sorry for the loss.

HarryPotterGirl · 06-23-2011, 01:00 PM

That is so sad

R-Luchy~W*7*PG~ · 06-23-2011, 01:40 PM

Rest In Peace.

ronhermioneroc12 · 06-23-2011, 01:40 PM

wow...very sad!!! 29? My God that is so young!!! Condolences and prayers to his family.

purebloodprincess87 · 06-23-2011, 04:35 PM

29...Oh wow

possummink · 06-23-2011, 05:55 PM

My sympathies to all of the production members, cast and all concerned. God bless them all.

bookwormfairy · 06-23-2011, 06:23 PM

oh dear so very sad for me I can't believe he's 29 years old that is so young, my heart and prayers goes out to the family

Expecto-Penguin · 06-23-2011, 07:01 PM

awww :[[[[, i feel soo badd for the production and whole crew :[ R.I.P <3

LunaLovegood14 · 06-23-2011, 08:04 PM

how dreadful!!! he was only 29??? My how did he have a heart attack?? Nvm that, I'm praying for his family and for the cast and crew. How awful that must've been... :'(