Local Guides World
Top Performing arts theaters in Chicago, United States
Top Rated Performing arts theaters in Chicago
Top Reviewed Performing arts theaters in Chicago
Zhou B Art Center
Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
The Gift Theatre
James M. Nederlander Theatre
Theater Wit
Mercury Theater Chicago
The Gift Theatre
Imagination Theater Inc
Greenhouse Theater Center
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Stage Left Theatre
TimeLine Theatre Company
Reviews
While the castinf and acting was good, the play Proof was a little too simplistic. Not a lot of depth to the characters.
Also, the box office couldn't locate our tickets although I bought them the week before at the theater. That was because they put the tickets in my husband's name instead of mine as I used his credit card. The box office staff didn't bother tellus that and then blamed us for the mix-up. Very unprofessional.
Also, the box office couldn't locate our tickets although I bought them the week before at the theater. That was because they put the tickets in my husband's name instead of mine as I used his credit card. The box office staff didn't bother tellus that and then blamed us for the mix-up. Very unprofessional.
A perfectly fine small venue. We saw the play Flood. It was a very nice production. An intimate setting. Great date place.
It was my first time here.
The play was in one of the small performance rooms. The cast was good.
The play was in one of the small performance rooms. The cast was good.
I went here to see Hamilton on the 24th, and I am amazed at the architecture, and I am stunned at how beautiful everything looked! Of course, that is not my main focus. I very much enjoyed the performance, and I believe that the actors there tonight played their characters extremely well. My only warning is that you should use the bathroom before the show begins, as when intermission comes, it brings with it a long bathroom line.
I came here last week for a Hamilton show with my mom. The door opened at 6:50 pm to let the guests start coming and settling in before the show. The seats were ready a few minutes past 7 pm. Before that, my mom and I grabbed snacks and drinks at the bar to munch on while waiting. The interior design of the whole theater was beyond spectacular. Before this theater was called Nederlander Theater, it was called the Oriental Theater, and you can see the iconic decor inside that relates to it. If you are disabled or can not use the stairs for medical reasons, a small elevator will take you to your assigned level. To my surprise, the seats are small but comfy.
Please take advantage of Hamilton in downtown Chicago; it is a must-watch Broadway show. I thoroughly enjoyed the show (although I will not say the same for my mom; she's not much of a theater individual.)
Please take advantage of Hamilton in downtown Chicago; it is a must-watch Broadway show. I thoroughly enjoyed the show (although I will not say the same for my mom; she's not much of a theater individual.)
Very cool loft-style theater where every seat is good. Our family enjoyed an amazing performance of Young Frankenstein.
A nice community theater. We saw the buttcracker there. They have floor seating as well as standard seating. The staff was kind. There was an easy check in process. There was a main bar and a bar in the theater space. The show we went to was fun and interactive.
Great little theater. We came here to see Young Frankenstein and had a great time. We had excellent seats that we were able to buy the day before the show. This theater is tiny compared to most of the others I've been to in Chicago but their production value was excellent. Highly recommend
Such a delightful place. The staff is so friendly. A Who Holiday with Veronica Garza was absolutely brilliant. Great drinks and pastries. Beautiful set and nice theater. Seats were very comfortable.
We have never been disappointed. The plays are interesting and very well done. The staff are friendly and very helpful.
Went to see The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque.
I wasn't expecting a Broadway performance, but I did expect the performers to care that I paid for a show.
Flat jokes and an unpolished presentation combined to make me feel like I had wasted both my time and money.
I cannot fully describe my disappointment, but if you attend you will understand the feeling.
Manger Maryah was unpleasant and unprofessional during our phone call, unable to resolve the issue.
I wasn't expecting a Broadway performance, but I did expect the performers to care that I paid for a show.
Flat jokes and an unpolished presentation combined to make me feel like I had wasted both my time and money.
I cannot fully describe my disappointment, but if you attend you will understand the feeling.
Manger Maryah was unpleasant and unprofessional during our phone call, unable to resolve the issue.
Mercury Theater is a legendary spot in Chicago for shows in an intimate setting where each seat is almost front row visibility. Comfortable seats. Young Frankenstein is great!!! Excellent Production.
The actors and theatre itself was great reasonable prices, as expected lines are long but otherwise no big complaints. Friendly staff, fresh food and drinks, seats were comfortable, the bathroom floors weren't sticky and cleaned well. Well kept place and generally just a beautiful theatre. Great show, recommend.
My family and I went to go see the Nutcracker and it was amazing. The seats are great. You just have to be okay with the balcony seats being steep. It’s really nice place to go see a local play or ballet.
What a gorgeous theatre! You could spend hours admiring the architecture and general aesthetic. We went to see Hamilton and it was amazing. The show was remarkable, of course, but the acoustics in the theatre made the experience totally perfect.
Fantastic show! I'm looking forward to Notes from the field. Always inspired by their productions
Mercury Theater is a gem in the city! Always forget how intimate the space is and how easy it is to access. Saw Young Frankenstein the Musical here with the family and had a great experience. Would recommend to anyone looking to broaden their theater experience!
Who’s Holiday is a perfect one woman show. Unexpectedly musical and comedic with heartbreaking moments. I want to watch it over and over again. Cindy Lou Who has grown on me.
The performances were outstanding, with each actor and actress showcasing their incredible talents. Lin-Manuel Miranda's writing and music were truly remarkable, capturing the essence of Hamilton's life and the spirit of the American Revolution.
The choreography and stage design were breathtaking, adding another layer of depth to the overall production. The attention to detail was evident in every scene, from the intricate costumes to the stunning set pieces. The lighting and sound design further enhanced the emotions and intensity of the performances, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience.
But what truly made Hamilton stand out was the passion and dedication of the cast and crew. Their commitment to their roles and their craft was palpable, and it translated into a mesmerizing performance that kept the audience captivated from start to finish. The energy on stage was infectious, with the actors pouring their hearts and souls into each and every moment.
Not only did Hamilton entertain and amaze, but it also educated and inspired. The show shed light on the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father who played a pivotal role in shaping the United States. It emphasized the importance of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
The choreography and stage design were breathtaking, adding another layer of depth to the overall production. The attention to detail was evident in every scene, from the intricate costumes to the stunning set pieces. The lighting and sound design further enhanced the emotions and intensity of the performances, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience.
But what truly made Hamilton stand out was the passion and dedication of the cast and crew. Their commitment to their roles and their craft was palpable, and it translated into a mesmerizing performance that kept the audience captivated from start to finish. The energy on stage was infectious, with the actors pouring their hearts and souls into each and every moment.
Not only did Hamilton entertain and amaze, but it also educated and inspired. The show shed light on the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father who played a pivotal role in shaping the United States. It emphasized the importance of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
Another classic theatre for a variety of well run theatrical production.
Well kept old theater with catgolic school vibes... the staff is pleasant but need to be ready to help me with my ticket presentation without feeling condescending (asked me to lighten email without showing me what they knew. Lastly they could offer light pastries instead of just candy. Just my opinion but not bad for a basic affordable outing...
Amazing place to get married! 10 out of 10. Beautiful venue, very accommodating, and flexible!
Just saw Household Spirits at Theater Wit. Phenomenal! Great performances, story and direction--in a comfortable, well run theater. And location is convenient to Northside neighborhoods and public transit--and the shows are a reasonable price for top quality work. You've got to check them out!
We have come and seen several productions at the mercury theater that were really excellent. The theater is small and so almost every seat is a great view. There is a small stage and bar area at the front that is used for some productions. I would highly recommend any production here. Set design, costumes, sound, direction, and talent have all been top notch and we have had some great experiences!! Do not miss out on an opportunity to check out this theater.
Had a very bad experience here dealing with the team. LY was looking to host a pop up at this venue and Dee McMaher took all of the money invest and cancel my event the day before. Doing business with him if he’s still at this establishment will have you in rage.
Very nice venue but Dee preys on small business owners that he can take advantage. I’ve notice that a lot of ppl are doing business with them but be very careful who you work with booking events at this location.
Very nice venue but Dee preys on small business owners that he can take advantage. I’ve notice that a lot of ppl are doing business with them but be very careful who you work with booking events at this location.
Saw a great performance of The Unseen. Wonderful little theater.
Great location and really cool area. The inside is well done however power sources are scarce. I came from Dallas that morning for an Earn Your Leisure conference.
I wonder who takes care of the wooden floors? They are a little worn down. It needs more than a screening since some of the stain has left the floor where feet were. Great place cool for gatherings I’m sure. Top row view better than bottom. The box office chairs get in the way of the view.
I wonder who takes care of the wooden floors? They are a little worn down. It needs more than a screening since some of the stain has left the floor where feet were. Great place cool for gatherings I’m sure. Top row view better than bottom. The box office chairs get in the way of the view.
I enjoyed a matinee of Young Frankenstein at the Mercury Theater. It's a pretty intimate theater, a great venue to see a show. Nice facilities and friendly staff. The show was awesome.
A great vintage Chicago theater. Fabulous architectural details. The seats in the main stage are steep which gives everyone a great view. Seats are also bigger and more comfy than some of its counterparts. The staff was kind, friendly, and very helpful.
I love old places like the Athenaeum. Just went there for a taping of the Moth Radio Hour. It's been a year or so since I saw something at this cool, vintage venue. Love what they've done to fix up the lobby. It's bright with some perfect modern touches. The seats are in a mix of conditions but that only adds to the character :-). The proscenium is quite lovely. I will definitely be back for another show.
I really liked the old staff but management fired everyone and brought in new people who don't know a lot. Also, be advised that this is a rental space and the Board maintains content approval so everything is or could be censored. Once I learned about them refusing spaces to companies, I stopped seeing anything at this venue.
One of my favorite store front theaters in Chicago. Shattered Globe and Remy Bumppo work out of this space - that's top tier, award winning theater. They also have a great bar inside that serves real cocktails. Shows are usually around $35. Highly recommend.
So today, I had some guests of about 15 people from the Reebok team come to meet me at zhou b art center. They came in on the ground level and I spoke with them on the ground level before taking them upstairs to my space. This angry white woman was in another room and on the phone, walked over to us and says to me, "i'm in the middle of a viewing, you need to leave right now. I work here. You need to leave I'm in the middle of something" With the most ugliest and nastiest attitude I've ever experienced. I'm not sure if it was racial but the whole team felt her wrath, not only was there was no one else there but us, we weren't bothering her at all. The whole reebok team felt the same way I did and called her a Karen. Mind you, these are people with all different nationalities, people from london boston etc. They told me how nasty that lady was telling me sorry I had to deal with that. They literally couldn't believe their ears the way this lady approached us. I feel sorry for her and for Zhou B art center employing a woman like that! A literal cancer in your company. I wish I got her name but I know karma is something else! Thank you
A nice, intimate setting to get up close and personal with your favorite play. The seating was very comfortable, so I never got stiff or achy. And at least the night I was there, I got my money's worth with the cocktail I bought. It was mixed so strong, I could only drink a third of it, and shared it with a friend so I was still able to drive home. :-)
Beautiful theatre! One of the most aesthetically pleasing theatres I’ve visited. I’ve seen Broadway musicals in NYC, Denver, San Diego & even saw The Lion King in Mexico City.
Some have been very modern but this one has been my favorite. The pictures don’t do it justice.
We had seats in the lower level. Ladies I recommend you walk down the stairs to the restroom the line goes by way fast as opposed to waiting for the one stall restroom in the lower level.
We had an amazing experience here!
By the way we watched Hamilton.
You have to look up the history of this place. So sad what happened December 1903. A fire that killed 600.
Some have been very modern but this one has been my favorite. The pictures don’t do it justice.
We had seats in the lower level. Ladies I recommend you walk down the stairs to the restroom the line goes by way fast as opposed to waiting for the one stall restroom in the lower level.
We had an amazing experience here!
By the way we watched Hamilton.
You have to look up the history of this place. So sad what happened December 1903. A fire that killed 600.
The theater is amazing! Well done. We had seats in the last row of the balcony and still saw everything.
The steps are about challenging but there are handrails. I didn't see any elevator. So if you can't do steps you might check into that.
The steps are about challenging but there are handrails. I didn't see any elevator. So if you can't do steps you might check into that.
Wowwwwwwww! " The Way It Is Now" What a very very very nice show Dionne Lea. You are so talented and I can't wait to see you again here in Chicago at the Venus Cabaret Theater. You drew me in as soon as you started your show. I am now a huge fan and will continue to support you!
Another "not my first time here, but first Google Review" for this place! Watched many Broadway shows including and not limited to RENT, and most recently MJ The Musical (pictured here). The architecture remains exquisite and clean. Exterior and interior lighting look a bit more brighter and livelier than I remember; a good thing. Dress Circle seats are the best seats in my opinion. Highly recommend getting to the doors 20-30min earlier if possible. Check-in and security checks are thorough. Snacks and drinks for purchase on most levels. Less bathroom stalls in the upper areas so it may be a good idea to go to the basement-level during intermission. If you're catching a night show, I would recommend parking away from the Theatre District because parking lots fill up with theatre goers and elevator lines can be long. Would love to come back for another show!
great theater not a bad seat anywhere. Can't wait to come back for an other event.
We saw Midnight Catechism and it was hilarious. In a 4 day stay in Chicago filled with great site seeing this may have been the highlight considering how much we laughed at this show. Small quaint theater but all positive. We linked this to a day on the north side of Chicago where we hit the Lincoln Zoo, Chicago 360 and then dined at Shanghai Terrace.
Great place to see a show and a great production of Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon. Really enjoyed everything about it. Talented cast and script.
I thought Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon included Snoopy, boy was I wrong! What a great play and performance, great current day story line, acting and I hope the cast gets together and performs as a band! Musical, not a typical musical. Best performance cast and story I have seen in years! 💃 Bar, accessory restrooms.
I'm not a fan of musicals but Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon was a different experience. The quality of the music was way beyond my expectation. Each actor and actress was also very musically gifted.
The theater itself is easy to find and get seated. The hosts are all very professional. It's also at a great location in the city.
The theater itself is easy to find and get seated. The hosts are all very professional. It's also at a great location in the city.
A lovely venue in an exciting location that produces wonderful performances. I highly recommend you see any production here, you will be blown away.
I was lucky enough to see Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon. An excellent production that was very well crafted with its music, scenic design, costumes, and heart.
I was lucky enough to see Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon. An excellent production that was very well crafted with its music, scenic design, costumes, and heart.
A venue full of creative energy and compelling art that could easily fill galleries at the #museumofcontemporaryart downtown.
Timeline Theatre is a wonderful, creative,
caring community. Repeatedly, its historical orientation to play selection leads directly to current cultural issues. That blend married with outstanding directors and actors creates a wonderful and engaging audience experience.
caring community. Repeatedly, its historical orientation to play selection leads directly to current cultural issues. That blend married with outstanding directors and actors creates a wonderful and engaging audience experience.
A great local theatre by the Hancock building. Make sure you check out the current plays. The decor is incredible inside, and the stage environment makes a great setting.
Saw a great show at Timeline Theatre. The staff was super friendly and they provided masks since there is a mandatory mask policy. The space was intimate which made the show more enjoyable. Seating was first come first served so get there when the house doors open but there are no bad seats. You may only run into trouble if you are watching the show with a group and you can't find seats together.
Very beautiful and classic theater. Old lighting, and a Victorian touches throughout. Saw the nutcracker there and it was beautiful performance from the Chicago Ballet. Sat in the balcony row B and had a beautiful view of the performance. Parking can be a tad difficult since it is on southport, but at least it wasn't downtown. Highly enjoyed it and would recommend it anyone for a nice night out!
Saw the Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque. and meet the Director. What a great show. It was fun, the different versions of music really worked, and all the different acts were amazing.
Steadfast Tin Solider, even though not my "cup of tea" was nothing shirt of a wonderful performance. Actors were hilarious, and even though no words are used they conveyed even scene amazingly. The maid was so funny in every scene, the ballerina was also such a raw talent as an actress, and the tin soldier was also a straight 5 star performance. Bought tickets after I read a review of the Performance and it was something different for the night, but provided an exceptional performance from all involved.
If you want a night filled with intrigue and laughter head over to the Mercury Theater for their production of Clue! There isn't a bad seat in the house. The staging and the actors are amazing! I plan on watching it again with friends.
Lady Day is terrific! I liked how we were the audience of the bar that she was performing at. The music, those musicians, I want to see ot again.
Lady Day is terrific! I liked how we were the audience of the bar that she was performing at. The music, those musicians, I want to see ot again.
So happy to see the gift and their talent back in action!
My daughter and I went to see a morning show of Peabody the Musical and it was so well done. Funny, fast-paced and educational, and great for my 6 year old budding scientist and I would imagine kids up to age 12 or so also (not to mention their parents)! The actors were all very talented and fun to follow through the story. Nice space, comfortable for a 70 minute show and clean facilities!
Exceptional experience! Shows come and go but the effort put in is constant. By far the best program covering the play's backstop I've ever seen, not to mention all the extra info and historical artifacts posted throughout the lobby. Phenomenal show (Campaigns, Inc.) and engaging floor presence of the actors - used space between a divided audience skillfully.
Show was OK. For the price I was expecting a show on pat with the big name theaters but it was definitely not that. There was no ac in the theater, just an FYI. They also did not allow anyone to use the restroom during the show and re-enter. There was no intermission. During the show, the exit was blocked by scenery and no other exit was identified.
Alice was absolutely stellar. Blew us away. The only version of Alice in Wonderland I've ever enjoyed. Clever and inspired characters, set designs, and theatrics kept us on the edge of our seats for the entire show.
We were there for a grad event. The Zhou B center is a building with arts on all floors. Note that there is a basement floor (which I think has the best art). There are studios on 3rd and 4th floor and artists are there to tour you a bit. But in general I cannot understand most art pieces Lol.
Well the son finally got hitched! We gained a great daughter t'day, the venue was great, very historic building so the acoustics could b a'lil better but what the hell it's a wedding supposed 2 b loud Rite!!! Very attentive staff n the food n drinks were Aw'sum'ness. Highly recommend holding any of your future events here.
Cool place. Went to see the show Evil Dead. We had a blast
I think it’s very charming theater. Small cosy and intimate. I hope it will get more visitors and will continue to do a cool plays. Since we were visiting Chicago, I spent a good amount of time on searching what to do in Chicago. And I am so glad I found this Midsummer play, it was funny, touching and surprising. I loved the experience when only two actors can entertain you during all ninety minutes of performance. Good job and please keep up with your good work! Also the bartender was so friendly and cheerful.
It's been a while since I've been to live theater but I can tell you, without a doubt, that I've never experienced such a profoundly moving experience as was presented by the cast and stage crew with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Not only were the performances delivered with intricate excellence but the staging of the performance continuously surprised me surpassed my expectations.
The theater is housed in one of the only two buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, which makes it even more special.
Congratulations to all involved!!
The theater is housed in one of the only two buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, which makes it even more special.
Congratulations to all involved!!
Wolfplay was absolutely wonderful. Loved every second. Wonderful theatre done in such a great, intimate space.
Exceptional and wonderful night of entertainment. I really laughed and was delighted by the show. A small intimate room
This is such a cool art center! The space is pretty much a very open room with various rooms and sculptures lying around the room. The artwork is rotated regularly. The space itself has a warehouse feel. I really like the furniture inside and the overall industrial feel. I’m sure people use this venue for their wedding ceremonies.
It was an amazing experience to attend the third Friday open house at Zhou B Art Center this past week. The five floors of the building are a magnet for artists, collectors and art appreciators. There was so much going on it was hard to take it all in and I can't wait to attend the third Friday in October. I was amazed at the quality and variety of the artwork and it was fun to meet the artists and speak to them about their art.
We love this theater! The Gift is known for their fearless performances, phenomenal acting and thoughtful plays. Highly recommend!
The ultimate Chicago storefront theatre experience. Up close and intimate. Mostly new plays. The Spirit of Chicago theater is alive and well here
The Gift is the smallest Equity theatre in Chicago but they put on some of the biggest stories. Every time we see a show I am so impressed with how the scenic designers transform the space. We saw Good for Auto and Grapes of Wrath here and both were such beautiful, intimate, and heartbreaking performances. The small space definitely helps create this atmosphere.
They produce high quality provocative shows. They have grown to express more diverse viewpoints every season since I initially heard of them. The staff is amazing to work with and you can tell they really care about their patrons. I enjoy working for this company anytime they need a scenic artist to paint their scenery.
Update Dec 2021: I'm glad the theatre was able to survive. I just watched Who's Holiday. A superb performance.
The theatre is comfortable, wonderfully set, and all seats have great views.
Are you visiting #chicago? Love #theater? A vega recommendation for a local Theatre bonanza. Witty. Hilarious. Dr. Suess grinch dark humor.
More reviews in my blog are coming soon. Support local theatre. ~ Tridence.
Original review:
A tremendous local theatre as we saw Bonnie and Clyde. Great musical. Must see.
The theatre is comfortable, wonderfully set, and all seats have great views.
Are you visiting #chicago? Love #theater? A vega recommendation for a local Theatre bonanza. Witty. Hilarious. Dr. Suess grinch dark humor.
More reviews in my blog are coming soon. Support local theatre. ~ Tridence.
Original review:
A tremendous local theatre as we saw Bonnie and Clyde. Great musical. Must see.
This theater is just a short walk away from the Jefferson Park blue line stop and also close to the Gale Street Inn. This makes for a convenient "theater package" by public transportation. The theater itself is what you might expect of a "storefront theater". It's tiny, cramped, grungy. You'd have to practically cross the front of the stage if you needed to use the restroom during a show. Maybe the actors would not mind. The seats are just a few feet off the stage..... and there are fifty seats or less..... maybe only thirty. I don't recall. At the show I attended, the patrons in the front row of chairs were kindly asked to move back a few inches to allow a bit more room for one of the acts.
I say all this not so much in a negative fashion, but to accurately describe the ambiance of this theater which is a really cool experience. I saw the show Royal Society of Antartica here and was quite impressed with how much you can do with so little. I'd certainly come back here .... and maybe even bring friends for a grass-roots theater experience which is completely different from what you might find at a more sophisticated venue. Give it a try and check your expectations at the door.
I say all this not so much in a negative fashion, but to accurately describe the ambiance of this theater which is a really cool experience. I saw the show Royal Society of Antartica here and was quite impressed with how much you can do with so little. I'd certainly come back here .... and maybe even bring friends for a grass-roots theater experience which is completely different from what you might find at a more sophisticated venue. Give it a try and check your expectations at the door.