The flames were reported around 10 a.m. Monday at the theater on West 49th Street. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.
The Eugene O'Neill is always dark on Mondays, as is customary for Broadway theaters, so no programming will be interrupted Monday night. However, out of an abundance of caution, officials announced that performances would be canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The three-alarm blaze started in the electrical room between floors four and five of the century-old building.
A smaller fire was knocked down quickly, but a second fire heading for the roof proved more difficult to contain.
"This was a deep-seeded fire involving a lot of electrical equipment, it was very difficult to get to," said FDNY Assistant Chief David Simms. "There were a lot of catwalks and rigging in the theater. One firefighter was injured."
Electrician Damian Caza-Cleypool says the timing of the fire baffles him.
"The weird thing is we do have a full shutdown on Sunday nights and so only minimal power would have been left," Caza-Cleypool said.
He has worked at the historic theater for almost two decades.
"It's heartbreaking. I consider this theater my home," Caza-Cleypool said. "You know, I met my wife here. My kids play here...you know, grew up with this show. Yeah, it's heartbreaking."
The Department of Buildings also found fire damage to multiple rooms in The Time New York hotel next door.
Caza-Cleypool said he is doing his best to make sure the show will go on.
"We will see what we need to do to get everything back up and running so we can have a show again as soon as possible," he said.
Officials with "The Book of Mormon" and ATG Entertainment released a joint statement announcing the performances would be canceled Tuesday and Wednesday.
"The show will continue to work with theatre owners, ATG Entertainment, the FDNY, and other relevant parties to assess the damage resulting from a fire at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre this morning," the statement said. "Ticket holders will be notified by point of purchase for exchanges or refunds."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More Manhattan news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube