‘Jagged Little Pill’ Matinee Evacuated After Patron Allegedly Deploys Pepper Spray

In the middle of its second act at New York’s Broadhurst Theatre on Saturday, the stage production of Jagged Little Pill was interrupted when a patron allegedly used a can of pepper spray.

The theater was evacuated while the incident was investigated by emergency personnel, the New York Police Department confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Both the NYPD and the New York City Fire Department were called to the scene. 

Although the matinee was expected to resume, a Broadhurst Theatre spokesperson confirmed to THR that it was canceled.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident and the cause for the use of pepper spray, or a substance like it, has not been confirmed. 

On Twitter, audience members shared their experience. 

The #jaggedlittlepill matinee has been evacuated—apparently pepper spray was set off in the theater.

Have just been told the show will finish, waiting for all clear from first responders. https://t.co/blTLNXpHmn

— Lisette Voytko (@lisettevoytko) February 15, 2020

The Broadhurst Theatre has been evacuated in the middle of @jaggedmusical‘s second act because apparently a pepper spray went off. #Broadway #broadhurst #jaggedlittlepill #perrenguechique pic.twitter.com/JoszEWLoIP

— Eduardo Storm (@dudustorm) February 15, 2020

Fun times at the #jaggedlittlepill matinee when the show was stopped and the whole theater was evacuated because someone sprayed pepper spray. pic.twitter.com/bHtLvMmzKA

— Emily Hahn (@EHahnMD) February 15, 2020

The musical, written by Diablo Cody, is based on Alanis Morissette’s 1995 alternative-rock album of the same name.

Feb. 15, 3:11 p.m. Updated to reflect that the matinee was canceled.
Feb. 15, 3:27 p.m. Updated to include NYPD confirmation.