It’s not just an act: with a range of extraordinary productions in theaters across the city, Chicago is full of drama to look forward to in 2024, including Theater Week.
CHICAGO THEATER WEEK
From February 8-18, Theater Week takes center stage. Experience over 100 shows across the city with tickets for $30 or less. Below you’ll find a handful of participating theaters; the full list is available online.
The world-renowned musical group takes the stage in Chicago with tickets for all 2024 shows on sale now. At the Briar Street Theatre, listen to the music of PVC pipe instruments and watch a show of spectacular color any day of the week.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents three shows during Theater Week. Illinoise, a musical based on the album “Illinois” with music and lyrics by Sufjan Stevens, will be performed at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. This show takes the album of a Grammy and Academy Award nominee and turns it into a full theatrical performance of the state’s people and history. Tickets start at $41 for shows from January 28 to February 18.
Edward Hall takes the well-known Shakespearean play of Richard III and adds some steampunk aesthetic, confronting topics of disability care and ageism in society. Running from February 2 until March 3, tickets begin at $38 for this take on an old favorite.
Short Shakespeare! produces Romeo and Juliet in a 75-minute adaptation of the beloved classic. Right after Theater Week, from February 22 to March 20, Short Shakespeare! will also play to thousands of middle and high school students at Team Shakespeare matinees during the week.
Two brothers murdered; questions of justice; one lady to decide how honor will be held. When both of Antigone’s brothers murder each other, Antigone takes decisive action against the wishes of her uncle, King Creon. Enjoy Antigone starting February 2 through February 25, including Theater Week.
Though not showing during Theater Week, Court Theater brings you Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead March 29 until April 21. Focusing on two minor characters of Shakespeare, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is a performance about identity and fate as the characters hurl toward their inevitable end.
In the world premiere of Judy’s Life’s Work, two siblings work to give their late mother’s medical notes the acclaim they deserve. This story of heartbreak and healing will showcase starting February 2 through February 25, starting at $25.
Drury Lane Theatre presents Fiddler on the Roof from January 24 until March 17. The famous performance touches on themes of tradition, race, and religion, following the story of a father’s attempt to protect his five daughters. See the show during Theater Week.
Mothers follows the story of three moms, a stay-at-home dad, and a nanny who meet one another at a Mommy-Baby Meetup. When catastrophe strikes, this unlikely band of caretakers must survive in their collapsing world, and with each other. Mothers will premiere from February 1 to March 3.
Highway Patrol is on stage from January 20 through February 18 with tickets as low as $25. Starring Emmy Award-winner Dana Delany, this love story thriller features online friendships, obsessive tweets, and ghosts. For $10, college students can pregame Highway Patrol on January 24 with a pre-show reception.
Goodman Theatre presents The Matchbox Magic Flute only from February 10 until March 10. This theatrical adaptation of Mozart’s opera is performed by ten cast members and an orchestra of five.
A story about family and sacrifice, the drama Selling Kabul follows the life of Taroon, an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan who now spends his days in hiding after the American withdrawal. Selling Kabul will be performed from January 25 through February 25. Preview and regular run tickets at Northlight Theatre start at $30, and student tickets can be purchased for $15 depending on availability.
The Second Stage brings Don’t Quit Your Daydream, performed by an ensemble that will take you to Black Heaven, lead you to postmenopausal Barbie, and introduce you to an imaginary friend with benefits.
On Sundays at noon, arrive at The Second City for Improv Brunch. For $35 general admission, enjoy access to a full brunch and mimosa menu and a completely improvised comedy show.
From February 9 until May 25, Black by Popular Demand premiers at The Second City with a show that engages its audience.
Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble produces A Home What Howls, a modern myth story about what a young woman will do to fight for her family’s right to stay on their land. For $20 to $30, see the show from February 7 through March 2.
Teatro ZinZanni presents Love, Chaos, and Dinner weekly Thursday through Saturday, now through March 2024. On the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel in the Chicago Loop, enjoy the extraordinary show while dining on fine cuisine. Tickets start at $99.
An Egyptian Police Band dismounts a lost bus in a small Israeli desert town. With no available hotel rooms or buses out of the city, the musicians are taken in by locals and transform the town in the way only music can. A winner of ten Tony Awards, The Band’s Visit comes to Chicago from February 8 to March 17.
NOW SHOWING
No Theater Week, no worries: Chicago theaters bring the magic all year long, so you can catch an extraordinary show any time this season. Here are a few theaters with upcoming productions that will steal the spotlight.
From March 14 to April 13, About Face Theatre showcases The Brightest Thing in the World, a romantic comedy of a barista attempting to win over her new quiet and reserved regular customer. As the two women get to know each other, they dive deeper into their pasts and work to build a relationship on trust and honesty. Performed at The Den Theatre, tickets for shows by About Face Theatre are Pay What You Can, ranging from $5 to $35.
The Reclamation of Madison Hemings is set in 1866 following the end of the Civil War. Madison Hemmings, a son of Thomas Jefferson, joins formerly-enslaved footman Israel Jefferson to search for Israel’s long-lost brother. On their quest, Madison decides to claim his birthright as the son of a former president. This play calls into question Jefferson and his claim, “All men are created equal.” The show runs from February 16 to March 24. Tickets start at $25.
Black Ensemble Theatre introduces two shows in the first half of 2024, The Time Machine: A Tribute to the ‘80s and The Salon. The former runs from February 24 to April 14, and the latter opens May 25 until July 2. Previews at the Black Ensemble Theatre are $50, and regular runs are $55.
Get a taste of magic every day of the week at the Lounge. On Mondays, come at 7:00 p.m. for Music & Magic for $30. The Showcase performs on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. starting at $35 for standard seats. On Wednesdays starting January 10 until March 27, Peter Samelson performs “Magic, Love, and Mystery,” with tickets starting at $42.50. Thursdays through Sundays at 7:00 p.m., with additional shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 p.m., come for The Signature Show for tickets as low as $52.50. For the Sundays of January 7 and 21, The Family Show starts at 3:00 p.m. for $40 standard tickets and $50 front row seats.
The Choir of Man takes your favorite pub and turns it into a riot of music, dance, and excitement. With a real working bar on stage, drink and enjoy the lively performances from March 27 to May 26. Tickets start as low as $35.
THE MAGIC PARLOUR WITH DENNIS WATKINS
Dennis Watkins, award-winning magician, takes the stage at The Magic Parlour. Tickets for the 90-minute magic show can be purchased for shows now through March 2024. The Magic Parlour show can also be booked for group, corporate, or private events.
From March 15 through May 19, see the production of Jersey Boys. This story of friendship in the streets of New Jersey has won Best Musical of the Tony Awards and Olivier Awards. Tickets for this award-winning show start at $60.
WIPEOUT follows the story of three women in their late sixties and a young yoga instructor on the tides of the Pacific Ocean. As they learn to surf the waves, they find they must also ride the waves of their friendships and futures. Premiering February 17 until March 30, this show is not one to miss at Rivendell Theatre.
THEATER WEEK DINING
Combining his love for travel and cooking, Chef Andrew Zimmerman at Proxi serves a menu inspired by Asia, India, Mexico, and more. Down the street from some of Chicago’s best theaters, consider planning a meal at Proxi before or after the show. During Theater Week, enjoy half off appetizers with $9 wine. With proof of a theater ticket, Proxi will offer a complimentary glass of wine or mini Vietnamese Espresso Martini.
The beloved Italian restaurant is a perfect stop for Theater Week guests, just a few feet away from Millenium Park. During Theater Week, enjoy happy hour while you enjoy traditional Italian dishes like Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, and Rigatoni alla Vodka. With the purchase of an entree, receive a free appetizer.
The urban American tavern owned by sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless is a mix of Midwest and globally-influenced dishes. While enjoying Theater Week, make a reservation to stop by the Dearborn for dinner. With proof of a theater ticket, the Dearborn will take 15% off your total bill.
With a live fire show kitchen, wood-fired plates, and delicious cocktails, Kindling is the ideal location for a Theater Week meal or quick happy hour stop. During happy hour this Theater Week, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., enjoy half off Chef Sawyer’s most popular menu items, including the Confit Chicken Wings and the Twice Cooked Sweet Potato.
A staple restaurant for The Goodman Theater guests, Petterino’s has been serving theater lovers for more than 20 years. Happy hour specials Monday to Thursday include $7 house wines, bartender’s choice cocktails, and $6 draft beers. While enjoying your night out, try a cocktail like the Petterino’s 75, Espresso Martini or Italian Old Fashioned. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.
This Chicago Theater Week, Bar Mar has introduced a new Pre Theater menu for $75 a person. This menu includes a selection of signature snacks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts like the Hamachi Cone and Croquetas de Pollo. Reserve your meal now through their website.
With dazzling views and impressive cocktails, Raised sits in the heart of Chicago’s Theater District with lively music and Instagram-worthy drinks. Raised offers signature cocktails, international wines, and a vast beer selection from nearby breweries. During Theater Week, show your theater ticket to receive 10% off your meal and cocktails.
