Fire at North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, Massachusetts

July 15, 2005
The North Shore Music Theater canceled this weekend's performances while officials assessed the damage from a three-alarm fire that broke out after a show on Thursday night.

BEVERLY, Mass. (AP) -- The North Shore Music Theater canceled this weekend's performances while officials assessed the damage from a three-alarm fire that broke out after a show on Thursday night.

The theater was believed to be empty when the fire started in a storeroom under the stage around 10:30 p.m., after a performance of the musical ''Cinderella.'' No injuries were reported, said Beverly firefighter Paul B. Rideout.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. It took firefighters a while to locate the source because of the heavy smoke and lack of ventilation inside the round structure, Rideout said.

Fire departments from 10 surrounding communities helped fight the blaze, which was under control by 1 a.m.

Theater spokeswoman Julie Arbedon said tickets for this weekend's performances would be refunded or exchanged. She said theater officials will try to determine on Monday when the 1,800-seat facility can be reopened.

The theater is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

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