Theatre in Chicago

There is a regional board... but nobody posts there really.

There's a lot that's good in Chicago right now... at least according to me! I really enjoyed the edgy humor of 3C at A Red Orchid, the humor, ideas, and superb acting in The Mystery of Love and Sex at Writers Theater, and the stark realism of Beyond Caring at Lookingglass (though I think that might have just closed). For musicals, The Most Happy Fella is a pretty great old timey musical in a remarkably sung production at Theo Ubique, She Loves Me is surprisingly emotional (and off course funny and well sung) at Marriott Lincolnshire, and the tour of Aladdin was MUCH better than I was expecting.

AC126748 said: "Anything that's good that's coming or will still be running the first weekend of June? I'm coming for ASCO and I want to fit in a couple shows.



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Totally check out the stripped down production of Ragtime at Writer's Theatre! It also looks like a new musical production of Little Miss Sunshine will be closing that weekend at Chicago Theatre Workshop

I love Parade. That's definitely on my list.

I saw 3C when it was in New York and thought it was terrific. It had some legal problems with the owners of Three's Company and I didn't think it would get any regional revivals. I'd recommend seeing it if you can.

Marriott does shows of varying quality... sometimes top notch exceptional, sometimes pretty awful. The low ceiling and it being in the round tends to limit the physical productions, but the acting and singing can be really exceptional. You gain in intimacy what you lose in grandeur. This production of She Loves Me is one of their recent best.

As far as seating goes... section through is often slightly better than the other sections, though not always. Try to sit closer to the center if possible, about 3-5 rows back if you want a full view of the stage.

Happy to see this thread!

I'm moving to South Bend, IN in August to begin a PhD program at Notre Dame, and I'm very excited to be so close to what is perhaps the best theatre town in the US outside of New York!

I have several shows on my list already for the next academic year, beginning with the Van Hove production of View from the Bridge at the Goodman and going through Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Macbeth in the spring. Also want to see the pre-Broadway production of The Minutes at Steppenwolf, as well as Escape to Margaritaville. I'd welcome any other suggestions for consistently good companies to keep my eyes out for as I explore Chicago theatre!

The Drury Lane production of Chicago is not to be missed.

Thanks, everyone. I just checked out Lookingglass and saw that their Moby Dick adaptation is returning in June for a run through September. I'll definitely hope to see that show-it looks fantastic! It seems that Chicago theatre is also very student-price friendly (student discounts being one of the few perks of staying in grad school).

Thanks again for the recommendations!

As far as cheap/discount tickets:

Steppenwolf has the RED card program for anyone under 30. Pay $100 and get a card that can be redeemed for six tickets (<$17 a ticket) - you can use all six at once if you want, see a show solo six times, bring a friend three times, etc. Companions do not have to be under 30 as long as the RED card holder is with them. Card can be recharged $100 at a time but expires on your 30th birthday.

Chicago Shakespeare sets some seats aside for anyone under 35 - they're usually in the second or third row along the side of the thrust stage. Very intimate view, great value for only $20. I kicked myself for not trying it earlier.

Goodman sometimes sells the last few rows of the mezz for 50% off plus a drink discount if you're under 35(?). They also sell mezz 50% off for same-day performances, IIRC.

Broadway in Chicago used to limit same day rush to student/military (which kept me from seeing a lot of shows unfortunately), but the recent Rent and Aladdin tours opened rush to everyone. As someone that's still saving up to afford the grad school application process, I really hope they keep it that way for future shows!

I think Joffrey Ballet also does a student rush or discount, but I don't know specifics. Lyric Opera does a 50% off rush for anyone starting a couple hours before a show, but that price is still too rich for my blood so I've never tried it.

Hottix.org sells 50% tickets thanks to the League of Chicago Theatres. You usually don't get to pick your seat (depends on the show). Today Tix and Goldstar also operate in Chicago.

I'm not familiar enough with the smaller theater companies to know if anyone else offers discount programs.

I also highly recommend the Paramount Theater in Aurora (very easy to get there by train). I've been a subscriber for the past two seasons and every production has been amazing. Their most recent production of the Jesus Christ Superstar, a show I'm not a huge fan of, was spectacular. Plus, they are very affordable.

Hi all, any seating advice for the Steppenwolf Main Stage? The RED card presale just opened up, and this will be my first time seeing a show that isn't in their smaller upstairs theatre.


My choices are between the far sides and balcony seats. My instinct is to go for the balcony, unless anyone can speak to the side views?

Thanks!

The hottest play in Chicago right now is Michael Perlman's At the Table. It's playing at the Den Theatre through 8/26/17. It originally ran off-off-Broadway in 2015. I've seen it twice. Highly recommended. Don't miss it if you can snag a ticket!