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Venues

Gershwin Theatre

4.8 · 11,853 reviews
Energetic and bustling
Gershwin Theatre, 222 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Interesting facts
1

It is built on the site of the former Capitol Theatre, a renowned movie palace that operated from 1919 to 1968.

2

The theater's seating capacity is significantly larger than any other Broadway house.

3

The American Theatre Hall of Fame features wall-mounted plaques dedicated to inductees, located in the outer lobby area.

4

Despite being a Broadway house, it was originally designed to accommodate a wide variety of events including concerts and film screenings.

5

The interior architectural style features a unique, modern aesthetic compared to the older, more ornate theaters in the historic Broadway district.

Overview

The Gershwin Theatre is the largest auditorium on Broadway, with a seating capacity of 1,933. It serves as the long-term home of the musical Wicked, which has played there since 2003. The venue is located within the Paramount Plaza building complex. The interior houses the American Theatre Hall of Fame, which honors significant contributors to the American stage. Designed by Ralph Alswang, the theater opened in 1972 under the name the Uris Theatre. It was renamed in honor of George and Ira Gershwin in 1983. The stage is noted for its massive width, accommodating elaborate large-scale scenic designs.

Photo spot

The neon-lit marquee exterior along West 51st Street.

Insider tips

Arrive at least 45 minutes before showtime to navigate the lobby and view the Hall of Fame plaques comfortably.

The theater is climate-controlled; wear layers as the air conditioning is often set to a very cool temperature.

Use the restroom on the lower level if lines on the main orchestra level are excessive.

What to avoid

Do not wait until the final five minutes before curtain to enter, as the security screening and lobby layout can cause significant congestion.

Good to know

Dark on Mondays; often hosts two-show days on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Etiquette

No specific dress code, though smart casual is standard; remain seated during the performance and refrain from recording.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday matinee performances are typically less crowded than weekend evening shows.
Address
Gershwin Theatre, 222 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States
40.763, -73.985
Get directions
Details
Capacity1,933 seats
Key ExhibitAmerican Theatre Hall of Fame

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday matinee performances are typically less crowded than weekend evening shows..

The neon-lit marquee exterior along West 51st Street.

Close by you'll find Rockefeller Center, Top of The Rock, Empire State Building.