B’way guy NJ train tragedy

‘Illinoise’ grieves loss

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

Thomas J. Gates (inset), the production stage manager of the Tony-nominated musical “Illinoise,” was fatally struck near South Orange Station 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.

“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 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.

“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.”

Wednesday night’s performance of “Illinoise” — based on the Sufjan Stevens album of the same name — was canceled.

“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.

Gates worked on 11 productions on Broadway over 22 years, starting in August 2002 as assistant stage manager for “Hairspray,” according to Playbill.