Longtime Broadway stage manager Thomas J. Gates fatally hit by NJ Transit train: ‘We are devastated’

A beloved Broadway stage manager who worked on “Hairspray” and “Waitress” died when he was hit by a New Jersey Transit train bound for New York City during a rush-hour commute Wednesday morning.

Thomas J. Gates, the production stage manager of the Tony-nominated musical “Illinoise,” was fatally struck near the South Orange Station in New Jersey at 9:12 a.m., according to Northjersey.com.

He was 51 years old.

Gates’ death comes two weeks after “Illinoise” made its Broadway debut at the St. James Theatre in Midtown.

“Thom was the center of Illinoise on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator. We are devasted [sic] for his husband Rick, another member of the Illinoise community,” the production wrote in a statement on X.

“These two amazing human beings led our company on our journey since the beginning. We dedicate the run of Illinoise to Thom and his loving memory.”

Grammy-winning musician and actress Sara Bareilles, who worked with Gates on “Waitress” in 2021, described him as a “Reliable. Generous. Loving. Compassionate” person in a touching Instagram tribute following the news of his death.

“He was the first one In and the last one out. He has been a stage manager for many shows over the years, and taken care of countless others … but he’s the only one I made my first show with who took care of me. Today is unspeakably tragic for many reasons- I can’t even put words to it. Thom Gates will be missed and loved. I hope he knew that.”

Wednesday night’s show at the St. James Theatre was canceled due to the “tragedy within the ‘Illinoise’ community.”

“We apologize for the inconvenience. All tickets for the canceled performance will be refunded at the original point of purchase,” the musical said in a statement.

Just last week, “Illinoise” was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design and Best Orchestrations.

“Illinoise” is based on Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 album of the same name and features director and choreographer Justin Peck and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury.

The dance musical gained major success as an off-Broadway play at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Armory before transferring to the St. James Theatre on April 24, according to Playbill.

The show is set to run until August 10.

Gates worked on 11 productions on Broadway over 22 years.

Gates started on Broadway in August 2002, when he was named assistant stage manager for “Hairspray,” according to Playbill.

His first role on Broadway as lead stage manager came in 2006 for the play “High Fidelity.”

The train that fatally struck Gates was set to arrive at Penn Station in New York at 9:42 a.m.

There were no reported injuries to the 60 customers or crew on board the train, Northjersey.com reported.