When hit musicals and plays leave Broadway -- and sometimes before they even get there -- many of them head straight for the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Located on Geary Boulevard on the edge of the Tenderloin district, the Curran Theater has featured the biggest names of stage and screen on its schedule over the years. It has always been a significant stop for touring Broadway productions, sometimes before it even leaves New York City. The Curran Theater's opulent and nostalgic design enhances the performances of the celebrity actors and actresses that grace the stage, and has become a favorite theater house in San Francisco.

The Curran Theater was built in 1922 by Homer Curran, who played a large role in San Francisco's fine arts scene during that time. In addition to stage productions, the theater also hosted the Civic Light Opera early on, and the venue gained a reputation for showcasing both opera and theater stars. Throughout the years, the Curran Theater has scheduled a number of acclaimed plays and showcased stars like Jack Lemmon, Mickey Rooney, Ian McKellen, Katharine Hephburn, James Earl Jones, and many, many more. The Curran also hosted the debut run of Wicked, with its original cast, before heading to Broadway.

Even now, the Curran Theater is presenting acclaimed Broadway productions with an all-star cast, and has more scheduled for the next year. Save yourself a plane ticket to New York and attend a hit show at the Curran Theater today.