Gershwin Theatre New York
Gershwin Theatre Tickets
What’s On at Gershwin Theatre
The Gershwin Theatre has been home to several big-budget and crowd-pleasing musicals over the years, but none have been as iconic as its current show. Since 2003, the venue has been synonymous with the iconic Wicked on Broadway. The musical delves into the untold story of the witches of Oz in their younger years: Elphaba, who has green skin, and Glinda, who is blonde and beautiful. Initially at odds, they form an unlikely bond that shapes their destinies. From girlhood friendship, it is revealed how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West while Glinda transforms into the Good Witch. This captivating show continues to enchant audiences at the Gershwin Theatre, making it a must-visit venue for tourists and local theater lovers alike.
About the Gershwin Theatre
Named for the great brothers - composer George and lyricist Ira - the Gershwin Theatre New York is one of Broadway's jewels, located in midtown-Manhattan at the bottom of the Paramount Plaza building. It features one of the largest stages on Broadway and admits almost 200 more audience members than the second-biggest venue, the Broadway Theatre. It is perfectly suited to large-scale productions and since 2003 has been the home of smash-hit musical Wicked.
Set designer Ralph Alswang is responsible for the building’s modernist Art Nouveau style. From inside you’ll see the venue's sweeping rotunda which was specially designed to display Broadway's own Theater Hall of Fame: the names and photographs of the brightest and best who've trodden the boards in New York's theaterland. The stage itself is 80 feet wide with a 65-foot-wide, adjustable proscenium arch.
Originally opening as the Uris Theater on November 28, 1972, the venue spent two years as a concert hall. Legendary performers like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby graced its stage. Its 1976 hosting of Porgy and Bess ushered in a new era of hit musical productions which continues to this day. In addition, the Tony Awards have been hosted at the Gershwin on several occasions.
These days, on most evenings and less frequent matinees, the foyer spills over with theatergoers heading to see Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre. The musical set a new box office record for the venue and was then the highest one-week box office gross income earned by any show throughout Broadway history.
Know Before You Go
• Children under 5 not permitted in the theater
• In-house bars on second and fourth floors; pre-order to save time if you can
• Wicked merchandise available from upper lobby
• Coat check available in foyer during winter months
• Complimentary booster seats are available
Map and Address
222 W 51st St, New York, New York, 10019