Erich Bergen Injured On Stage!
August 18th, 2007Eric Gutman has reported some unfortunate news on his Tour This blog: During the second act last night, there was a glitch with the automation right before the “Winter” section of the show. The microphone lift opened downstage and Erich Bergen was standing right on it and fell in. Sad to report that he injured his back and ankle. Although Erich attempted to go on, Christopher Kale Jones had to stop the show because Erich couldn’t continue.
Our thoughts are with Erich and we wish him a speedy recovery!
We were at the show last night and it looked like a bad fall. He had no way of anticipating the fall, as the floor opened up right under him as he was singing. After a 10-15 interruption, the show went on. Moments after the show re-started, the four leads walked across the floor where the opening is, and on to the front of the stage. The floor opened again right behind them, as it is supposed to do. However, there was audible gasps from the audience as the audience was clearly frightened that the four stars would fall into the pit. Thankfully, that did not happen, and the show finished without further incident. Nonetheless, there was still some concern on the part of the audience and it never really had a chance to completely lift before the end of the show. Too bad. It marred what was otherwise another wonderful performance.
Comment by scott — August 18, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
We’re all pulling for you, Erich. Erich and Dad Gary, please keep us up-to-date on how Erich is doing. And Chris Jones, thanks for doing the right thing in stopping the show. Get well soon, Erich.
Comment by Howard Tucker — August 18, 2007 @ 11:29 pm
Hopefully, Erich will recover quickly. So sorry to read about this. IE
Comment by irene eizen — August 19, 2007 @ 12:01 am
OMG I can’t believe that happened! We are all wishing you a get well soon Erich!
-Mike
Comment by Mike — August 19, 2007 @ 1:12 am
What happned to Erich is horrible. Hopefully he came out of it just shaken up and without any injuries. If he suffered I hope they were very minor and he has a quick and full recovery. And let’s hope something like that never happens again.
Comment by Mike — August 19, 2007 @ 1:28 am
I too extend wishes to Erich on a full and speedy recovery from this most unfortunate incident. The trap doors open and close several times throughout the show. They once had a problem with this in NYC during a performance that I attended. They had to extend the intermission for about 15 minutes longer than normal, but it was corrected. However, fortunately no one was injured because of it.
Comment by Beverley Micciche — August 19, 2007 @ 10:26 am
Just a quick not to say thank you to all of you. Erich is feeling much better and with the support of Jackie, Chris and the rest of the cast he will be “back on boards” soon. And congratulations to the cast for rallying around each to make the show go on. You are an amazing group of performers and people. The tall guy will be back soon and, again, thanks for the thoughts.
Erich’s Dad
Comment by Gary Rosenberg — August 19, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
I hope Erich is doing much better! With a lift in the stage there’s always concern about possible injury but like Mike, let’s hope it never happens again! I just had a dream last week that one of the cast members got hurt during the show. But it was an accident with the catwalk not the lift. Be careful, Jersey Boys cast!
Comment by Lauren — August 19, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Thanks so much for the update, Gary. If Erich hasn’t seen for himself, please let him know how concerned everyone is for him and how your news has lifted our spirits a bit.
Comment by Howard Tucker — August 19, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
I know alot of the fans, were concerned about his well being. Went to see the show today and the members of the SF/Chicago cast I was able to talk to heard about what happned and were concerned too. It’s glad to hear that Erich is doing ok. Thanks for the update.
Comment by Mike — August 19, 2007 @ 9:05 pm
Thanks for the note, Mr. Rosenberg!
Comment by Leanna — August 19, 2007 @ 9:45 pm
We were at the performance, and at first thought it might be part of the show. He seems to try to scramble back from the opening, them jumped up and ran off stage. We then decided it wasn’t part of the show, and were hoping he would come back on. When they brought out the understudy, we were all confused. It just changed the whole tenor of the show.
Comment by Gwen — August 19, 2007 @ 9:58 pm
Wishing Erich a speedy recovery & our best wishes to be back on stage soon.
Stacey S. (A Jersey Boys fan from Staten Island NY)
Comment by Stacey S. — August 19, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
Thank you Erich’s dad for letting us know he is okay…I have seen the show several times now in LA, and his performance is always amazing…like his voice…I am going once more before they go to Sacramento and I hope Erich is able to perform, but if not, his impression has already left its mark on LA.
Comment by Isabelle — August 20, 2007 @ 12:46 am
I am so sorry to hear about Erich’s fall! He captivated us the minute he stepped on stage as did the rest of the cast…all were phenominal here in Los Angeles! I will be disappointed if I don’t get to see him at this weeks performance…but will be wishing him a speedy and fast recovery and have no doubt that we will be seeing alot more of this adorable, comedic and talented performer.
Comment by Bella — August 20, 2007 @ 3:40 am
Hello Mr. Rosenberg,
Thank so much for updating us on Erich’s condition. I just heard it yesterday on our way to the evening performance and was horrified for the accident that befell him on Friday. Anyway, at the stage door after the show, we learned from Rick Faugno that Erich will be back on Tuesday. Hooray ! ! !
We’ll be seeing him again. He is the family’s favorite for Bob Gaudio’s role.
Comment by Mila — August 20, 2007 @ 10:23 am
I heard about this unfortunate accident through my son this weekend. I hope that everything is fine with Erich and that Jackie is taking care of him so that he’ll be 100% when he comes back on Tuesday.
It’s just similar to when Rick Faugno was on for Chris Jones at the Curran Theatre earlier this year. Luckily for him, Michael Ingersoll made the save by directing him away, and he avoided injury due to the malfunctioning lift door.
I’m just glad that Sacramento does not have the lift system, so that those types of incidents will be avoided there and the 1st Nat’l Tour Cast will be safe when performing.
Best wishes to Erich and hope to see him back in NorCal next month!
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — August 20, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
We saw the show in LA last night and it was fab! Tommy Devito’s part was played bt the stand-in who did a good job. The audience couldn’t get enough. We went after and met the cast and it was such a thrill. I’m now figuring out how to get tickets and go to Sacremento because I’m not done seeing this fantastic play!
Comment by Barbara Lewkow — August 31, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
That’d be Erik Bates, the understudy. He’s fun!
Comment by Leanna — August 31, 2007 @ 7:51 pm