No joke: Broken sprinkler pipe delays Boston comedy show, forces crowd onto frigid streets

BOSTON, — A packed crowd prepared to share some laughs with the cast of “Impractical Jokers” quickly realized Saturday night’s historically cold weather was no joke when a burst water pipe forced them onto Boston’s frigid streets.

Impractical Jokers’ 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. shows at the Wang Theatre have been rescheduled for Saturday, April 29 after the venue’s sprinkler system burst due to the cold weather.

Fans of the TruTv comedy show were already in their seats for the 5:00 p.m. show when the sprinkler system failed. People were asked to leave the venue while the fire crews assessed the situation.

Although the venue didn’t sustain major damage and the fire department responded quickly, it was determined the shows could not resume.

With temperatures hovering in the teens, hundreds huddled together on Tremont Street as they waited to hear if they would be let back into the theatre.

The Boch Center did not publicly announce that Saturday’s night shows were canceled until just before 7:00 p.m., more than an hour after the crowd had spilled onto the streets outside.

“It’s too bad, we were looking forward to seeing the guys and having a mother-son night out,” said one disappointed mother. “Braved the cold to get here.”

James “Murr” Murray mingled with the Impractical Jokers fans outside the theater, taking selfies and saying hellos, in an effort to “make it right.”

“Coldest day of the year in Boston but we’re getting through it together,” said Murr. “Love you guys!”

Murr also shared a video on Twitter shortly after 8:00 p.m., letting fans know he was excited to see them in April.

Despite the disappointing night, fans told Boston 25 News they plan to be first in line when the gang of pranksters returns this spring.

“We got them on presale! We have been waiting for this for ages!” exclaimed one fan.

“I drove five hours from Maine to come,” said her friend.

“We just love them so much and for this to happen is pretty disappointing but hopefully, we can make it back because we love them so much,” added a third fan. “They would never do this on purpose.”

Those unable to make the show’s rescheduled date will be granted a refund, according to the Wang Theatre and the Impractical Jokers tour.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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