The Merriam Theater, located at 250 South Broad Street (Avenue of the Arts) in Philadelphia, has played an integral and entertaining role in the city's cultural life. The theater, which has a seating capacity of 1,870 was taken over in 1972 by the Pennsylvania Musical Academy, now the University of the Arts. Since 1987, the Merriam Theater has become the number one Broadway roadhouse in Philadelphia and is also the home of the Pennsylvania Ballet, musical concerts, comedy shows, gospels and The Gilbert and Sullivan International Festival.