Chicago is famous for its lively theatre scene and incredibly talented actors. The city boasts a huge, thriving theatrical community, with countless venues showcasing unique and captivating plays, shows, and musical and dance performances. We’re breaking down some of the best ones on chicago-trend.com.
The Chicago Theatre
The beauty of this theatre is simply breathtaking. It features an elegant lobby, a grand staircase, and a massive auditorium with gorgeous murals on the ceiling and above the stage. Its history dates back to 1921 when its opening was a lavish affair. A 50-piece orchestra played in the orchestra pit, while Jesse Crawford performed on the massive pipe organ. Guests were greeted by 125 ushers and paid 25 cents before noon or 50 cents in the afternoon. At the time, The Chicago Theatre was the most luxurious theatre in America, built at a cost of $4 million.
For its first 40 years, the theatre was a premier venue for live music. In 1933, it was renovated in preparation for the World’s Fair. However, in the 1970s, under the ownership of Plitt Theatres, it fell into decline due to a complex mix of social and economic factors. In 1986, the Chicago Theatre Restoration Associates bought and saved the theatre from demolition, then began a ten-month, multi-million dollar restoration. Since then, its stage has hosted countless superstar artists and landmark productions. Today, the theatre continues to delight both Chicagoans and visitors with its grandeur and fascinating lineup of shows.
James M. Nederlander Theatre
This theatre is always packed, and there’s a good reason why: it’s home to Broadway musicals. Built in 1926 as a movie palace, the James M. Nederlander Theatre was designed by architects George and Cornelius Rapp. From its inception, the theatre showed blockbuster films and hosted incredible live shows. The interior was originally inspired by an Eastern motif. Today, the theatre offers audiences a variety of unique plays and productions created by top-tier directors. Talented actors give masterful performances, and audiences show their appreciation with roaring applause.
The Harris Theatre for Music and Dance
The Harris Theatre proudly serves as Chicago’s home for music and dance. Every day, talented and famous dancers and musicians take the stage to share their incredible compositions and dance numbers with the public. It’s a great place to catch a show if you’re looking for a guaranteed mood-booster that will leave you full of positive energy.
Apollo Theater Chicago
Built in 1978 by theatre producers Jason Brett and Stuart Oken and renovated twice since, the Apollo Theater boasts a striking glass-and-concrete design by architect Michael Lustig. Its three-quarter thrust stage is surrounded by just 11 rows of seats, offering an incredibly intimate experience for its 440-person audience. The Apollo Theater has a rich history of great shows. For their first production, Oken and Brett chose Albert Innaurato’s play “Gemini,” which featured a Broadway director. Another sensation was David Mamet’s “Sexual Perversity in Chicago,” which starred a young Jim Belushi in his stage debut and was directed by Second City’s former artistic director, Sheldon Patinkin.
Riviera Theatre
Located in the historic Uptown Theatre District, the Riviera Theatre has been a hub for Chicago entertainment for over 100 years. In 1917, architects George and Cornelius Rapp built it as a movie palace for the Balaban & Katz chain. Almost 50 years ago, Jam Productions launched its first concert there with Supertramp. Since then, the Riviera has hosted some of the world’s greatest performers and established itself as a premier venue for special events in Chicago. The theatre’s stage is graced by famous artists, actors, and other celebrities on a daily basis. The theatre is always packed with people who come to see unique productions by well-known directors and enjoy performances by their favorite artists.
Court Theatre
Situated in the stunning Hyde Park neighborhood, the Court Theatre is known for taking classic American works and adapting them with a twist. The theatre specializes in re-imagined lost masterpieces and fresh takes on old classics, with a special emphasis on African-American works. Founded in 1955, Court Theatre is the professional theatre of the University of Chicago.
Porchlight Music Theatre
This award-winning hub for musical theatre brings the magic of musicals to the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The cast of the Porchlight Music Theatre is led by an experienced singer and dancer, backed by an ensemble of young, promising talent. The result is a performance that always captivates the audience.
Black Ensemble Theatre
It’s rare to find a Black Ensemble Theater show where the audience isn’t on its feet, giving a standing ovation. Artistic Director Jackie Taylor has written most of the theater’s biographical productions, which focus on legendary African-American composers and performers. So, if you’re planning on going to a show, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be dancing until the final curtain call.
TimeLine Theatre
The undeniable strength of the TimeLine Theatre company lies in its ensemble, which can easily transform little-known bits of history into vibrant, relevant, and unforgettable shows. TimeLine has won countless awards for bringing everything from 16th-century England to 21st-century Iraq to life on stage.
A Red Orchid Theatre
Founded by a Chicago firefighter and his friends, A Red Orchid Theatre has left a lasting impression by staging shows that are not always widely known but captivate audiences with their unique quality.
Theatre Wit
With three 98-seat theaters, Theatre Wit is a true artistic hub. Located in the lively Belmont Theatre District, Theatre Wit specializes in innovative, provocative, and witty new works and Midwest premieres.
The Gift Theatre
For over 20 years, The Gift Theatre in Jefferson Park has been telling wonderful stories with honesty and simplicity. Founded by Michael Thornton, this theatre is home to new works and classic plays that are performed with a sense of clarity, energy, and authenticity.
Theo
Theo’s signature style is the triumph of storytelling over spectacle. Artistic Director Fred Anzevino takes big Broadway musicals and strips them down to their emotional core. Get ready to be part of the scenery—literally. Actors sing and dance around cabaret tables where the audience is seated.
Goodman Theatre
If you’re looking for a night of relaxation and high-quality entertainment, you should definitely check out the Goodman Theatre. It’s considered the oldest and largest non-profit theater in Chicago and has earned international acclaim for its high-quality productions and the depth and versatility of its artistic leadership. The Goodman Theatre is committed to staging both classic and contemporary works, giving a wide range of artists and their creative visions a chance to shine.
