‘Jagged Little Pill’ Musical In New York Halted After Pepper Spray Incident – Update

Anita Bennett
·2 min read

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UPDATED AT 6:58 p.m. PT: The New York City Fire Department confirmed the substance released at the Broadhurst Theatre was pepper spray.

A matinee performance of “Jagged Little Pill” was halted Saturday in New York, after someone sprayed a substance at the theatre where the musical was taking place.

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Crews from the New York City Fire Department responded to the Broadhurst Theatre at 4:14 p.m., an FDNY spokesman confirmed to Deadline. The first calls came in as people having “difficulty breathing,” the spokesman said.

“Two patients were evaluated on scene, but they refused further medical care,” the spokesman noted, adding that the substance in question was pepper spray.

Several attendees posted pictures and video on Twitter showing the confusion as they filed out of the theatre into the cold weather.

“Fun times at the #jaggedlittlepill matinee when the show was stopped and the whole theater was evacuated because someone sprayed pepper spray,” tweeted attendee Emily Hahn at 4:28 p.m. ET.

Another theatergoer posted a picture of first responders outside the facility and included the caption: “Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think? #jaggedlittlepill. Show cancelled.”

Someone else shared video of a line of ambulances and included the caption: “And that’s on pepper spray #jaggedlittlepill.”

Once authorities cleared the facility, ticket holders were told their money would be refunded.

“Jagged Little Pill” features music from singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette. Directed by Diane Paulus, the show opened in December 2019.

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