Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)- Page 2
Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Joined: 12/31/69
#25re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 10:50am
Ah you can hate Wicked, but the show is PERFECT for that theatre, Donno. The dragon fits right in with the all the rococo animals and the gilded ceiling.
Chicago is undergoing a theater rennaisance because of Wicked. This theatre was empty more than it was full for most of it's post-revival years. All the loop theatres are booming because of Wicked.
#26re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 10:57am
The theatre is gorgeous. Breathaking. Thank you for sharing these pictures. A special, glorious theater for a special, glorious musical 
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
#27re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 1:02pmI havent been, found the pic on the net somewhere.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27199361@N08/ Phantom at the Royal Empire Theatre
#28re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 1:14pmThe first show I saw there was Contact and it is by far my favorite theatre in Chicago. The interior is just stunning. My least favorite is the Palace (Cadillac). Terrible restoration job inside that consists mainly of rudimentary sponge-painting faux finishes EVERYWHERE in God-awful colors. It is hideous.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#29re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 1:18pmI know that there used to be a website that had theaters pictures. Both old, new and remodeled? Anyone know where it is?
"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
nannerz60
Understudy Joined: 5/20/06
#30re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 4:47pm
Wow! This theater looks absolutely amazing!
Kind of off-topic, but I'm going to Chicago to see Wicked next month. Does anyone know of any cheap but not nasty hotels in the area? Doesn't have to be right near the Ford, but does anyone have any suggestions? Feel free to PM me.
brdlwyr
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/14/05
#31re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 5:02pm
It is a gorgeous theatre. I had a case involving the reheb of the Oriental about 10 years ago.
The rehabbed LaSalle Bank is nice also.
#32re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 5:18pm
"The rehabbed LaSalle Bank is nice also."
Nice is an understatement, the theatre is now GORGEOUS compared to what it used to look like. I used to hate going to shows that played there, but now I can't wait to see Doubt at the LaSalle.
"Chicago is it's own incredible theater town right there smack down in the middle of the heartland. What a great city! I can see why Oprah likes to live there!" - Dee Hoty :-D
Sant
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
#33re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 5:30pm
Oh my gosh, that theatre looks absolutely amazing!!!
I guess John Napier saw those lobby photos when he was designing the Norma's mansion set for SUNSET BOULEVARD...
#34re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 5:50pmThis theatre is absolutely amazing. I've been in it multiple times and have not had a bad seat or view. Truly a Chicago wonder.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone
amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
--Dave Berry
Jonwo
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/16/06
#35re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 6:27pm
As an admirer of theatre architecture, I think that the Oriental Theatre is gorgeous and it really suit Wicked.
Slightly off--topic but in the three (soon to be four) theatres that Wicked is in around the world, which one suits the show the most. I would say it a toss up between the Apollo Victoria in London and The Oriental in Chicago.
Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#36re: Ford Center of the Performing Arts, Chicago (WICKED)
Posted: 1/9/07 at 6:47pm
Look on Off Topic Board for my thread on Chicago theaters, past & present, by the same architects who designed the Oriental
In answer to Jonwos query, I have to say the Oriental. You actually have to see it in person to notice all the details. Go back 10 times & each time you will see something you did not see before
When it opened, it had hanging plants in the lobby
Poster Emeritus
Updated On: 1/9/07 at 06:47 PM
Videos