Excess Fog Triggers Smoke Alarms During Show

Thick fog, which billowed through Ford's Theatre last night to create the proper atmosphere for a climactic scene, created more drama than anyone had bargained for.

As the mist grew denser, strobe lights began to flash, the fire alarm sounded, actors stopped singing and a recorded voice ordered the 600 members of the audience at "Meet John Doe" to leave by the nearest exit.

Shortly before 10 p.m., "at the absolute height of drama, at the worst point possible," the swirling soupiness, produced by a fog machine, set off the theater's smoke detectors, said Eddie Sugarman, one of the writers of the show.

As the alarm went on, an audience member stood to demand: "Is it real or is it a fake?" witnesses said.

The audience left. The fire department came. Most of the patrons remained near the theater in the cold night. Finally, said audience member Mary Edington, a theater staff member came out and said, "We are going to finish."

In accord with ancient tradition, and after a recognition of the problems of modern technology, the show, a musical version of the Frank Capra movie, which had been minutes from its final curtain, did go on.

It was something of a learning experience, said co-writer Andrew Gerle.

"Now," he said on the second night of previews, "we know how much fog is too much fog."