The Forrest Theatre is located in 1114 Walnut Street Center City area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, its seating capacity is 1,851 and it is managed by The Shubert Organization. The theatre was built in 1927 and was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp. It was named after the 19th century actor Edwin Forrest, who was born in Philadelphia. The Forrest has held hundreds of shows over the years, including Broadway musicals, comedies, dramas, Yiddish theatre, dance programs, Gilbert & Sullivan productions, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Theatre was built by the Shubert Organization in 1918, formerly known as the Sam S. Shubert Theatre, and continuously hosts touring Broadway shows. It is located within the Avenue of the Arts cultural district of Center City, Philadelphia. It was re-named the Merriam Theater, and in 1972 the theater came under the ownership of the Academy of Music, and is currently owned by the University of the Arts. It is also associated with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.