Has anyone ever been on the historical tour at the Ford Center in Chicago? Since Wicked is currently there, I was wondering if they give you a behind the scenes look of the stage?
There are liability issues with doing tours back stage. I thought it was odd, since at the time the theatre and the show were owned by the same company. They don't go backstage when there isn't a show, either. Though people are missing a treat. You can get lost in the four levels under the Oriental, which also has three rehearsal spaces the size of the stage.
I went on this tour. It was a great tour, but it doesn't take you backstage. The tour guide said that if there wasn't a show running you can actually go onto the stage, but since Wicked is there - no luck. You also get to go to the Cadillac Palace which is also nice, but the Ford is the highlight of tour. I've been inside this theater a bunch of times, but taking the tour makes you see it in a new light. It is truly an amazing place and it almost seems that it was actually built for Wicked! I hope you enjoy it!