Gershwin Theater continues Broadway tradition with “Wicked” run

Although it’s only been open since 1972, the Gershwin Theater on Broadway and 51st Street in New York has become one of the most prominent venues of its time. Originally known as the Uris Theater, this 1,900-seat arena has housed many production, including “My Fair Lady” and “Annie,” but the most recent showing at the theater is “Wicked” which has been reviewed as the best new musical of its time. Telling the story of Glinda the Good Witch of the East and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and how the unlikely pair of polar opposites became friends long before Dorothy dropped into Oz, “Wicked” has been playing at the Gershwin since August and will run through its tour until Sept. 30 of this year, according to the Gershwin Theater’s official Web site.

The Gershwin Theater is the largest of its kind on Broadway and therefore is usually the center for major musical productions and has played host to some of the most high-profiled actors, actresses and musicians, including Barry Manilow, Angela Lansbury and Kevin Kline. The theater was renamed in honor of composer George Gershwin in 1983 during the theater’s annual Tony Award broadcast. Now as “Wicked” plays at the famed theater, the cast is getting just as much attention as many of the other stars who have graced the theater’s stage, and rightfully so. The young Glinda, played by Kendra Kassebaum, who has broken into her Broadway career with her role in the production, leads a strong and talented cast of Julia Murney as Elphaba, Lenny Wolpe as the Wizard and Jane Houdyshell as Madame Morrible. For “Wicked” tickets, visit www.stubhub.com.

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