Production Stage Manager of Illinoise on Broadway, Thomas J. Gates, has died at the age of 51. 

Illinoise's official Instagram posted an announcement regarding the tradgedy stating, "With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our Production Stage Manager, Thomas J. Gates. Thom was the center of Illinoise on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator. We are devasted for his husband Rick, another member of the Illinoise community. 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."

Gates' death comes as an extreme shock to the community and leading to the cancellation of Illinoise's May 8 performance.

Well-known and loved in the theatre industry, Gates began on Broadway as an assistant stage manager on the 2001 revival of Noises Off. He also worked on Waitress, Hairspray, Newsies, Brooklyn, High Fidelity, Finian’s Rainbow, Pippin, and The Visit. Gates worked off-Broadway as well on the Lincoln Center Theater production of The Gardens of Anuncia in 2023, as well as the drama The Fears.

Gates is survived by husband Rick Steiger, who is also a stage manager. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Broadway stage manager Lisa Iacucci, with raised funds to go to Steiger.