Gershwin Theatre Escalator Malfunction Injures 12

Broadway + NYC

Broadway

Off-Broadway

Off-Off Broadway

Cabaret

Dance

Opera

Classical Music

Eastern

Central

Western

West End

WEST END

UK Regional

International

Canada

Australia / New Zealand

Europe

Asia

Latin America

Africa / Middle East

Entertainment

TV/Movies

Music

The malfunction allegedly occurred after a child’s shoelace got caught in the escalator.

POPULAR

Eleven children and one adult were injured Wednesday evening following an escalator malfunction at the Gershwin Theatre, CBS News reports. The theatre, located at 222 West 51st St., has been home to the Broadway production of Wicked since 2003.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:12 p.m. as audiences were beginning to arrive for the evening performance of Wicked . According to police, the electrical escalator suddenly jolted unexpectedly, causing several passengers to be thrown forward. The malfunction allegedly occurred after a child’s shoelace got caught.

All twelve injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals with minor injuries. Despite the incident, theatre operations resumed later in the evening, with performances of Wicked continuing as scheduled at 7pm.

The New York City Department of Buildings confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Read the original story on CBS News .

Currently the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history, Wicked is in its 23rd year on Broadway. The Broadway sensation examines what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “ Wicked .”

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire , Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman . The production is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento . Wicked is produced by Marc Platt , Universal Stage Productions , The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone .

A two-part film adaptation was released in 2024 and 2025, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The second film, Wicked : For Good, marked the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical, beating a record set by the first film in 2024.

Schmigadoon!

Wicked cast member Meg Doherty is sharing the 'wild' details from her experience of going on as 'Madame Morrible' while in her third trimester of pregnancy. Watch a video of her explaining the 'tough' moment.

BroadwayWorld interviewed Wicked on Broadway's current Elphaba and Glinda, Keri René Fuller and Emma Flynn! Read the full feature with the Broadway show's newest witches here.

Moleskine and Wicked the Musical have recognized Girls Write Now as the 2026 recipient of the “EVERYONE DESERVES THE CHANCE TO FLY” grant. Learn more here!

Videos

POPULAR

Sign up for announcements, and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows!

© 2026 - Copyright Wisdom Digital Media , all rights reserved. Privacy Policy

_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Escalator-Malfunction-at-the-Gershwin-Theatre-Leaves-12-People-Injured-20260514)._