The Gershwin Theatre opened in 1972 as the Uris, occupying the site of the former Capitol movie palace, the first large Broadway theatre to be built since the Earl Carroll in 1931.
Created in an Art Noveau style by set designer Ralph Alswang. At the time of the theatre’s opening, Alswang told Playbill, “The Uris represents what I think is the total philosophy of a modern musical comedy house — seating, sight lines, acoustics — the economy and aesthetics of this kind of theatre.”
The theatre opened on November 28, 1972 with Galt MacDermot’s extravagant rock musical Via Galactica.
Gerswhin Theatre lobby
A special feature of the theatre is the inclusion of a Theatre Hall of Fame with the names of stage greats inscribed in bas-relief on the walls of the lobby rotunda.
Theatre Hall of Fame portraits in the Gershwin Lobby
During the 37th annual Tony Awards in 1983, the theatre was officially renamed to the Gershwin in honor of composer George Gershwin and his lyricist brother, Ira.
The Dorothy Strelsin Theater Collection in the Gershwin Theatre lobby
Gershwin Theatre lobby
Throughout its history, the Gershwin stage has seen performances from many luminaries such as Bing Crosby, Angela Lansbury, and Elaine Stritch.
In addition, the theatre was the home to a range of shows including the Broadway debuts of seminal musicals like Sweeney Todd in 1979 as well as lush revivals like On The Town in 1998.
Gershwin Theatre auditorium
Gershwin Theatre auditorium
The Gershwin Theatre is presently the home to Wicked, which opened October 30, 2003, currently the sixth longest-running musical to appear on Broadway.
