Gershwin Theatre

Gershwin Theatre

222 West 51st Street

New York, NY  10019

212-586-6510

http://gershwintheatre.com/

Wicked performance on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 8:00 pm.

I had never been to the theatre before so please don't expect a review of Wicked other than to say it was magnificent.  I thought I was going to be bored and wishing for an iPad or my Kindle to pass the time but I couldn't have been more wrong.  It was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to continuing my theatre experiences.

I must take a moment to review the Theatre though since that was my greatest fear of attempting a night out on Broadway.

Getting there…We took PATH from Jersey City and then the subways up to Columbus Circle which sports elevators for us to get up to the surface.  The trek from the station to the Theatre was good.  The sideways are reasonable and there are little difficulties encountered as you make your way there.  

Once in the theatre they have a special elevator you take the the Mezzanine  level where they open doors at the very back and remove the necessary chairs to accommodate your wheelchair and as well as a chair for your companion.  Gershwin wouldn't have been nicer at helping us to get settled and making sure the help I needed was near by at all times.  One nice aspect is they offer discount seats for the handicapped so both Josh and I had reduced tickets.  We were then able to put our friend, also in a wheelchair, beside us and the rest of our family on the same row so we were all together.  

They have special bathrooms for their handicapped patrons so you don't have to wait in the never line at intermission.  It is very nice, someone puts you on an elevator, takes you to the special hidden bathrooms and then takes you back to your seat.  I think I was the only one able to use the bathroom before the second half started.  That is unusual since I usually end-up trying to hold it until we get home because one of the greatest challenges for anyone handicapped is finding a nice, clean and accessible bathroom while out.

Overall, it was a great experience and everyone was very helpful and kind.  The discount for both the wheelchair seats and your companion was a big help as well.   I can't wait to return to Broadway and try another theatre…we are thinking of the Phantom next time...