Theatre in Chicago

[TheSassySam]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 7:22pm

Hey friends! I wish there was a Regional board to post this in. I've noticed there are quite a few Chicagoland board members. 

I live in Chicago as well and wanted to know if any of you have seen any great shows lately. 

I recently caught Linda Vista at Steppenwolf loved it! Of course, it may be because I saw Tarzan the day before and needed a palette cleanser, but thought it was great. 

 

 

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 7:34pm

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]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 7:40pm

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.

[TheSassySam]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 8:06pm

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.

 

"

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

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 8:08pm

A stripped down, non-equity production of Ragtime is being done by Griffin Theater. Writers, however, is doing a small production of Parade, directed by Gary Griffin with an ensemble populated by some of Chicago's best equity musical theater performers. 

[AC126748]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 8:28pm

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

[Leaf Coneybear]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 9:02pm

A friend of mine is in She Loves Me at the Marriott, and he may be biased but he says it's very good :)

[aaronb]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 10:30pm

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.

[adagio]

Posted: 5/20/17 at 1:07pm

Has anyone seen a show at the Marriott Theatre north of the city before? Is the production quality on par with theatres like Goodman or Steppenwolf, and if so, do you have any recommendations on where to sit? I'm thinking of making the trek up to see She Loves Me.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 5/20/17 at 1:16pm

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. 

[adagio]

Posted: 5/20/17 at 2:04pm

That's incredibly helpful, thank you!!!

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 5/20/17 at 10:47pm

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! 

[whatdoesntkillme]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 1:26am

Lookingglass is my favorite Chicago theatre company. Every production of theirs I've seen is innovative and extraordinary, especially those produced in conjunction with Actor's Gymnasium. Be sure to check them out.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 2:15am

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

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 2:34am

The paramount theatre in aurora is producing Cabaret and Once next year, and they usually do an amazing job. 

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 11:30am

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! 

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 11:44am

Any good websites that cover theatre in the whole of Chicago, both main Chicago and off Chicago please?

[adagio]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 11:51am

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.

[adagio]

Posted: 6/11/17 at 1:14pm

I highly recommend the world premiere of Pass Over, which just started playing at Steppenwolf. It's intelligent and powerful.

And it was even better once the woman that couldn't stop playing with her cell phone finally left the theatre (sitting in the second row and staring at your screen at max brightness even after multiple people ask you to stop takes balls, I'll give her that).

Updated On: 6/11/17 at 01:14 PM

[Broadwaywest]

Posted: 6/11/17 at 1:45pm

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.

[jon5202]

Posted: 6/11/17 at 5:43pm

You should also use www.theaterinchicago.com website.  Very comprehensive about current and future shows in Chicago as well as listing reviews after each show has opened.  Currently shows
72 listings for plays/musicals running in Chicago.   Also, Broadway in Chicago has $25 on the 25th a monthly discount program that offers $25 tickets to most shows running or coming in on tour to Chicago.  You can sign up via Facebook.
 

 

Updated On: 6/11/17 at 05:43 PM

[adagio]

Posted: 8/2/17 at 1:08pm

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!

[TheSassySam]

Posted: 8/2/17 at 1:09pm

adagio said: "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!

 

"

That theater has no bad seats, in my opinion. I would say go for the balcony. 

[Theatre Geek2]

Posted: 8/2/17 at 4:57pm

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!

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 8/2/17 at 5:03pm

It depends on the set design at Steppenwolf. Usually the far sides are fine if you're at least five rows back. They might be fine all the way up to the front row, depending on the show. The Balcony has great sight lines and it's very close... but somehow I always feel disconnected up there.