Wicked is one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time. Since first premiering on Broadway in 2003 at the Gershwin Theatre, Wicked has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide and has won numerous awards, including three Tony Awards. For those looking to see Wicked in New York City, the show is currently running at the Gershwin Theatre, where it has been performed since its debut. This article will provide key information for people interested in seeing Wicked in New York, including a background on the show, details about the theater it is performed in, ticket information, and nearby dining recommendations. Whether you are a longtime fan of the show or looking to see it for the first time, this guide will help you plan your Wicked experience in New York City.
Background on Wicked
Wicked is a Broadway musical that tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz. It focuses on their lives before Dorothy arrives in Oz, detailing how the two went from being friends to becoming bitter enemies. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, and the book is by Winnie Holzman. The musical is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked made its world premiere at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco on June 10, 2003. After a successful run there, it opened on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003. Since then, it has become one of the most in-demand shows on Broadway. The original Broadway production won three Tony Awards in 2004, including Best Actress for Idina Menzel as Elphaba. A number of touring productions and international productions have been staged over the years, bringing the musical to audiences globally. In addition, the show was adapted into a hit musical film released in 2021.
The Gershwin Theatre
Wicked has been performed at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway ever since its 2003 debut. The Gershwin Theatre is located at 222 West 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue in midtown Manhattan. It was originally named the Uris Theatre when it opened in 1972. In 1983, it was renamed after famous composer George Gershwin.
The Gershwin Theatre seats 1,933 audience members over two levels and features a large stage area for elaborate musical productions like Wicked. Some key facts about the Gershwin Theatre include:
– Opened in 1972 as the Uris Theatre
– Renamed the Gershwin Theatre in 1983
– Operated by the Nederlander Organization
– Has hosted numerous high-profile musicals including Wicked, Porgy and Bess, Sweeney Todd, and My Fair Lady
– Underwent renovations in the early 2000s to improve acoustics and widen the stage
– Located on West 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
In addition to hosting Wicked since 2003, the Gershwin Theatre is also known as the venue where Porgy and Bess made its Broadway debut. It is one of the larger Broadway theaters in New York City, making it perfect for major musical productions with big casts, sets, and spectacle. The theater’s excellent acoustics also enhance the Wicked audience experience.
Buying Tickets to Wicked
As one of the most popular shows on Broadway, Wicked often sells out in advance. However, there are still various ways to purchase tickets. Here are some of the best options for securing tickets to see Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre:
– Directly through the Wicked website – This allows you to purchase official tickets directly from the show’s producers. You can browse dates and select your own seats via an interactive seating chart.
– Broadway box offices – You can visit the box office at the Gershwin Theatre or any Broadway box office in person to check for ticket availability and pricing. Box office hours are typically 10am to 8pm on weekdays and 12pm to 8pm on weekends.
– Your hotel concierge – If you are visiting New York City from out of town, your hotel concierge may have access to hard-to-find tickets or ticket discounts. Always ask what they can offer for Broadway shows.
– Discount ticket booths like TKTS – TKTS sells same-day discounted Broadway tickets in Times Square and Downtown Brooklyn. You can get 20%-50% off regular prices.
– Online ticket resellers – Websites like StubHub allow people to resell tickets, sometimes at discounted prices. Be sure to shop around and check prices across multiple platforms.
Standard ticket prices for Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre range from $99 – $179 for regular seats. Premium seats can cost over $200 per ticket. There are also lottery, rush, and standing room only policies in place for sold out performances.
Nearby Dining Options
When you are seeing an evening performance of Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre, you will want to find a place for dinner beforehand nearby. Here are some excellent dining options within walking distance of the theater:
Virgil’s Real BBQ – This popular barbecue restaurant is right next door to the Gershwin Theatre. They offer hearty comfort food and BBQ classics like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and more.
Broadway Cafe – For classic American diner fare, Broadway Cafe is located across the street from the theater. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
John’s Pizzeria – For a quick and casual NYC slice, John’s Pizzeria is just around the corner on 55th Street. They serve coal oven New York-style pizza by the slice or pie.
Planet Hollywood – This movie memorabilia-filled chain restaurant is a 5-minute walk from the Gershwin. They have burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees.
Carmine’s – A 5 to 10-minute walk from the theater, Carmine’s serves massive portions of classic Italian-American cuisine in a lively, family-style setting. Reservations strongly recommended.
Catch Steak – This upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant on 55th Street is ideal for a pre-theater upscale dinner. Reservations recommended for evening shows.
Sushi of Gari – Just off 8th Avenue, this popular sushi restaurant is a great option for pre-theater Japanese fare and sushi.
Arriving at the Theater
To allow enough time to get to your seats and settled before Wicked starts, you should plan to arrive at the Gershwin Theatre at least 30 minutes prior to the showtime printed on your ticket. Evening performances of Wicked typically begin at either 7pm or 8pm. Matinee shows will begin at 2pm on weekends.
When you enter the theater, you will need to present your physical ticket to the usher and proceed to the specified section, row, and seat number. An usher can assist you in finding your seats. It is customary to leave coats and bags at your seat to save it while you use the restroom or purchase snacks before the show.
Be sure to visit the restroom before the show begins, as you will not be allowed backstage during the performance except in emergencies. Silence all cell phones and electronic devices. Photography and video recording is prohibited during the performance.
Conclusion
Attending a performance of Wicked at its long-running home at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway is a must for fans of musical theater and The Wizard of Oz story. Advance planning using the tips provided in this article can help ensure you get great seats and make the most of your Wicked experience in New York City. From the history of the show to the theater information to dining recommendations, you now have key insights to help plan the perfect visit to see one of the most beloved Broadway musicals of the 21st century. Let the powerful music and spellbinding story cast a magical theatrical spell during your time at the Gershwin Theatre watching Wicked.