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Chicago Theaters-The Theater District

Author: Thomas Connors

Categories: Entertainment and Attractions

Big Broadway musicals, hard-hitting dramas, light comedies, and avant-garde experiments--Chicago theater has it all. And whether you're seeking a show in the Loop, heading off to Navy Pier, or checking out a production on Halsted Street, you're never far from a wealth of dining and shopping opportunities, making it a snap to fashion a full and satisfying itinerary for the day.

Downtown Theater

From historic playhouses to contemporary, state-of-the-art venues, the downtown theater district comprises a range of theaters hosting musicals and dramas, Broadway-bound productions, classic revivals, and new work from local, national, and international playwrights. Most of these theaters are clustered around Randolph Street, but there are also several other major venues throughout the Loop, as well as in Millennium Park and on and off North Michigan Avenue.

Downtown Venues-Randolph Street

Chicago Theaters: Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre

Opened as a movie palace in 1926, the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre boasts one of the most exotic decors in the city. A fantasy of the Far East featuring colorful mosaics, contemplative Buddhas, and elephant-shaped thrones, its design is almost as much of a show as anything on stage. After years of neglect, the theater reopened in 1998 and has been home to one hit musical after another since then.

Chicago Theaters: Cadillac Palace Theatre

Originally a vaudeville house, the Cadillac Palace Theatre was converted to a movie theater in 1931. In the '70s, its seats were ripped out and the space served as a banquet hall before becoming a rock venue in 1984. In 1999, the theater was reborn with the premiere of the Elton John/Tim Rice musical, Aida. Since then, it has hosted such monster hits as The Producers-The New Mel Brooks Musical and Mamma Mia!

Chicago Theaters:The GoodmanTheatre

Just steps off Randolph Street is the Goodman Theatre, the granddaddy of Chicago's home-grown theaters. Founded in 1925 and originally a component of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Goodman was situated behind the museum until 2000, when it debuted its new digs at 170 N. Dearborn Street. With two performances spaces and a wildly talented artistic staff, the Goodman has enjoyed fruitful relationships with stars such as Brian Dennehy and playwrights August Wilson, David Mamet, Mary Zimmerman, Sara Ruhl, and Rebecca Gilman.

Chicago Theaters: DCA Theater

Operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, DCA Theater offers audiences the chance to sample the work of the city's small, itinerant groups at two performance spaces: the Storefront at 66 E. Randolph and the Studio, across the street in the Chicago Cultural Center. Presenting a range of work--from experimental puppet theater and original works by Chicago writers, to small-scale musicals and classic dramas--DCA Theater hosts such local treasures as Theatre Oobleck, The Hyporcrites, and Caffeine Theater.

Chicago Theaters: Harris Theater for Music and Dance

Located at the north end of Millennium Park, adjacent to Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzger Pavilion band shell, the Harris Theater for Music and Dance is downtown's newest performing arts venue. Home to a number of local arts organizations--including Chicago Opera Theater, Music of the Baroque, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago--the Harris presents artists from all over, including Laurie Anderson, New York City Ballet, and Stephen Sondheim.

Downtown Venues-Monroe Street

Chicago Theaters: Bank of America Theatre

Christened the Majestic Theatre in 1906, the Bank of America Theatre has a rich history. Harry Houdini captivated audiences here with his daring magic and British actress Lillie Langtry paraded both her beauty and celebrity (she was once mistress of the Prince of Wales). After going dark during the Depression, the theater reopened in 1945, presenting Carousel, South Pacific, and Guys and Dolls. More recently, the Bank of America Theatre has wlecomed the world premiere of Billy Joel's and Twyla Tharp's Movin' Out, as well as Kathleen Turner in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Tony Award-winner Cherry Jones in Doubt.

Downtown Venues-E. Congress Parkway

Chicago Theaters: Auditorium Theatre

One of the city's best-loved architectural landmarks, the Auditorium Theatre is a garagantuan, gilded, palace of the people. Designed by architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, it opened in 1889, with diva Adelina Patti singing for a packed house that included President Benjamin Harrison. Over the years, the 4200-seat theater has showcased an awesome array of talent, from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to Aretha Franklin, from the Joffrey Ballet to the opera Margaret Garner, starring Denyce Graves.

Downtown Venues-Magnificent Mile

Chicago Theaters: Drury Lane Water Tower Place

Located just off North Michigan Avenue in the shadow of the Historic Water Tower, the 549-seat Drury Lane Water Tower specializes in popular musicals and comedies. Past hits include The Full Monty and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Dining packages with the nearby Mity Nice Grill, as well as discount parking, are available.

Chicago Theaters: Lookingglass Theatre

Founded in 1988 by a group of Northwestern University theater students (including David Schwimmer of Friends fame and Tony Award-winner Mary Zimmerman), Lookingglass Theatre is known for highly visual and engagingly kinetic original work. The company performs in its own space in the historic Water Tower Water Works, one of the few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Chicago Theaters: MCA Stage

Housed in the Museum of Contemporary Art, MCA Stage presents cutting-edge work from Chicago and around the world. Dance, music, drama and multi-media work are all on the bill here. From Chicago Chamber Musicians to Philip Glass, Lucinda Childs, and Mabou Mines, MCA Stage keeps audiences plugged in to established avant-gardists and exciting emerging talents.

Chicago Theaters: Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Early English theaters were often rollicking places, so it seems fitting that Chicago Shakespeare Theater makes its home on Navy Pier, where a Ferris Wheel and buzzing bars and restaurants create a lively scene. In addition to producing the work of the Bard (in traditional and contemporary renditions), the organization presents top companies from around the world, including Dublin's Abbey Theatre, the Chekhov International Theatre Festival from Moscow, and La Comedie Francaise from Paris.

Dinner and a Show: Downtown

As with almost every other neighboprhood in the city, the Loop and its environs offer ample opportunity to sample what Chicagoans are savoring these days. Whether it's a white tablecloth experience you're after, or something simpler, you won't have to go far.

Chicago's Rialto, Randoplh Street offers its share of dining options, too. Petterino's, located cheek-by-jowl with the Goodman Theatre, is a wonderfully retro steakhouse. Equally convenient for those attending the Ford Center for the Perfoming Arts/Oriental Theater or the Cadillac Palace Theatre, its menu ranges from simple soups and salads to hearty pot roast and buttery filet mignon. Around the corner and up the street you'll find 312 Chicago, offering an array of authentic Italian fare, from classic pasta and fish dishes to delectable pastries. If you're merely peckish, there's a Corner Bakery at 56 W. Randolph. And the warm and welcomimg South Water Kitchen at 225 N. Wabash offers quality comfort food with a contemporary twist.

Farther afield, but still within striking distance are the Atwood Cafe--situated in the historic Reliance Building--and Ciba Matto, a modern Italian spot in the trendy hotel, The Wit. And Catch 35 serves up an unparalleled seafood menu.

Saunter a few blocks west of Randolph Street and you'll find several eateries worth consideration. On the south side of the river, fish fans can head for McCormick & Schmick's. Oenophiles will want to cross the water at Dearborn Street to enjoy the extensive wine list and expert food pairings at Bin 36. Carnivores can get their fix at the local outpost of Smith & Wollensky. For over-the-top, masterfully creative cooking, hit Sixteen in the Trump International Hotel & Tower (the second tallest building in town, after Willis tower).

Dinner and a Show-E. Congress Parkway

For reasonably-priced burgers and sandwiches in an old school environment, you couldn't do better than Miller's Pub. But if you're a real foodie, visit Lockwood in the Palmer House Hilton, where chef Philip Foss works wonders with a wide variety of ingredients. With its soft lighting and balalaika music, Russian Tea Time is a favorite romantic spot. Rhapsody serves sophisticated contemoporary American fare, while the large and lively Mercat a la Planxa in the Blackstone Hotel takes its cue from traditional Catalan cuisine. The sleekly urbane Custom House features an ever-changing menu focused on the finest artisanal meats.

Dinner and a Show-Millennium Park

The Gage is an upscale Irish eatery, convivial and contemporary. Tavern at the Park offers both a pub menu and a full dinner menu, making it easy to grab a bite before the show. Located right in Millennium Park, the Park Grill is hard to miss: just look for the big, shiny "Bean" (formally known as Cloud Gate).

Dinner and a Show-Magnificent Mile

Where to begin? One of the swankiest areas of the city, here's where you'll find some of the most chic dining rooms in town, from Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel and NoMI in the Park Hyatt, to Spiaggia, Tru, and Les Nomades. But you don't have to spend a fortune to eat well in this neck if the woods. Warm and inviting, Coco Pazzo Cafe features a casual Tuscan menu. And if you've never tried classic Chicago-style pizza, head over to the laidback Gino's East.

Halsted Street Theater District

This major north-south artery is not only packed with specialty shops and restaurants, but is home to its own little cluster of theaters.

Chicago Theaters: Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Founded in a suburban church basement in 1972, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has come to epitomize a specifically Chicago theater style: honest, direct, no-holds-barred. Its members include such recognizable performers as Gary Sinese, John Malkovich, Joan Allen, Laurie Metcalf, and John Mahoney. August: Osage County,written by ensemble member Tracy Letts, is the most recent Steppenwolf production to win a Tony Award for Best Play.

Chicago Theaters: Briar Street Theatre

Once a stable and now an intimate, 300-seat house, the Briar Street Theatre has been home to such crowd-pleasing productions as Driving Miss Daisy, Jackie Mason: Politically Incorrect, and Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile. The local franchise of the unstoppable Blue Man Group has been drawing audiences here for over a decade.

Chicago Theaters: Royal George Theatre

Comedy is key at the Royal George Theatre, where Late Nite Catechism has been running for 15 years. But you never know what you'll find here: the venue has also been home to Keith Huff's hard-hitting drama, A Steady Rain.

Dinner and a Show: Halsted Street

Enjoying a pre-curtain meal isn't a problem in this area; it's just a question of where to go. And there's something for almost every taste. A theater-goers' favorite, Vinci has all the warmth of a neighborhood trattoria. With a seasonally-driven menu and sleek, design-savvy style, Boka really buzzes. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers Spanish specialties--think tapas and paella--in a relaxed setting. And if you're in a pubby mood, try The Black Duck.

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nearby places of interest

Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661

One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Chicago, Blackbird has been named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country by Gourmet magazine. Contemporary American dining reaches its zenith here.

Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60605

Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.

Elephant & Castle
185 North Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60601

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Everest
440 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60605

Exquisite wine and cuisine accompany the breathtaking view of the city at Everest. (Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc. Restaurant)

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.

Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Park Grill is versatile venue with an equally broad menu specializing in classic American cuisine with a hint of sophistication. It's a white tablecloth place where you won't feel out of place in shorts.

Rosebud Theater District
70 W. Madison St. , Chicago , IL 60602

Rosebud Theater District serves all of your Rosebud favorites, making it the perfect choice for a pre-theater dinner or a quick-but-delicious lunch.

Shikago
190 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603

The cuisines of Asia come together at this very good call of a restaurant in the Loop.

Sixteen
401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the16th floor of Chicago's new Trump International Hotel & Tower, Sixteen offers gorgeous city views and the modern American Cuisine of Chef Frank Brunacci.

The Berghoff Restaurant and Bar
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

Walnut Room
111 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60602

The historic Walnut Room, located on Macy's seventh floor, has been a premier Chicago dining destination since 1907.

ZED451
739 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

ZED451 offers a guest-focused, intimate dining experience. Chefs not only prepare the meal, but present it as well.

Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

A Chicago landmark department store since 1852, Macy's Chicago provides locals and visitors alike with top quality service and merchandise.

Macy's Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Part of Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, this is a second Chicago location for the famed department store.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Potter's
17 E Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.

The Berghoff Restaurant and Bar
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

The ComedySportz Theatre
929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

The ComedySportz show offers a unique blend of fast, funny and smart improvisational comedy that is appropriate for all ages. The Red and Blue teams battle it out in front of a referee in games that the audience selects, and points are awarded based on how hard they make you laugh! The eternal battle of Red vs. Blue is improvised 5 times weekly, and the show is never the same twice!

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

The Neo-Futurarium
5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

A group of writers/directors/performers who create 30 plays in 60 minutes - bringing audiences something truly unique for over 20 years.

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60605

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University has evolved over the years from rock and roll concerts to musicals to ballets.

Broadway in Chicago
17 North State Street, Suite 810, Chicago, IL 60602

Ready to hit the Chicago theater district? Broadway in Chicago is your source for seats to all the hottest shows, right in the heart of all the Chicago entertainment and dining you could ever need.

Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606

With an interior that was inspired by real palaces, the Cadillac Palace Theatre opened in 1926 with white marble, lush fabrics, and 2,500 seats.

Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
777 N. Green Street, Chicago, IL 60622

The center performs numerous theatrical productions throughout the year.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier has stunning auditoriums and a wide variety of performances.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place
175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

The newly-remodeled, state-of-the-art theater has intimate seating to some of Chicago’s best plays.

Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre
24 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, located in the downtown theatre district, is a restored 1920's movie palace.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Hot Tix
72 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607

Discounted week-of-performance tickets for local theaters are offered by this unique ticket service.

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

A Chicago landmark department store since 1852, Macy's Chicago provides locals and visitors alike with top quality service and merchandise.

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610

Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attractions. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per year. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.

Oriental Theater- Ford Center for Performing Arts
24 W. Randolph St. , Chicago, IL 60601

Oriental Theatre- Ford Center for Performing Arts, home of the current Broadway smash "Wicked", offers a variety of seats so you can get the best seat for your budget.

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

Saint Sebastian Players
1625 W Diversey Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60614

The Saint Sebastian Players is a Chicago theatre company affiliated with St. Bonaventure parish on the city's near West side.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

A Lincoln Park landmark, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a dynamic ensemble of actors, directors, and writers whose work has earned the company admiration of in Chicago, New York, and abroad.

The ComedySportz Theatre
929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

The LaSalle Bank Theatre
22 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Neo-Futurarium
5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

A group of writers/directors/performers who create 30 plays in 60 minutes - bringing audiences something truly unique for over 20 years.

The Theatre School of DePaul
60 E Balbo Dr., Chicago, IL 60605

The Theatre School at DePaul presents groundbreaking, affordable productions by one of the nation's most respected conservatories.

Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

The creative theater masterpieces performed at the Theater on the Lake each summer for the last 56 years attract a diverse crowd of art appreciators. Eight plays are performed over a period of eight weeks every Wednesday through Sunday from early June until early August. Take in the striking sight of Lake Michigan at night while enjoying contemporary plays put on by esteemed theater troupes.

Tommy Gun's Garage
2114 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60616

The whole family will enjoy this 1920s inspired interactive dinner theater complete with gangsters and flappers. Hidden away in this furtive speakeasy is a musical-comedy troupe that performs the hippest tunes, dances and jokes of the time when Al Capone ruled the streets of Chicagoland.

Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Victory Gardens Theater has been around since 1974 and stays true to its mission to develop and produce new plays. Most of its featured plays are written by Chicago-area writers, staying true to its heart of Chicago roots.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.

Hotel Blake
500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60605

This unique hotel is a restoration of the 19th-century Morton Salt Building packed with modern rooms. Located in the Printer's Row neighborhood of Chicago, in the burgeoning South Loop, there's plenty to do nearby and the full-scale glory of the heart of Chicago's Loop neighborhood is just to the north.

The Wit Hotel
201 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60601

This all-new hotel built on the historic corner of State and Lake blends all of the charms of a boutique hotel and all of the amenities of a large resort.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

For just $29 hop-on, hop-off all day and explore Chicago at your own pace. Expert and entertaining guides share little known facts about Chicago.