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
Goodman Theatre
The Chicago Theatre
Auditorium Theatre
League of Chicago Theatres
Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts
Irish Theatre of Chicago
Stage 773
City Lit Theater Company
Black Ensemble Theater
The Edge Theater
Porchlight Music Theatre
The House Theatre of Chicago
Reviews
THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!!
10/10 Highly recommend you book an event here!!
You can tell how much work went into the space via the artists who put it together.
It's really magical.
10/10 Highly recommend you book an event here!!
You can tell how much work went into the space via the artists who put it together.
It's really magical.
This was my first experience with ensemble theater. Jackie, I loved it. We had four people who were mesmerized by heavenly vocals. We came from Florida. We loved the messages from the Essences. So imaginative and creative. I will always hear these songs differently. Blue Eyed Soul was awesome. Congratulations to all.
One of my favorite places in the city! The talent resides here! Thank you Ms. Taylor for building a wonderful legacy.
The venue, the play, my seat. Everything was perfect. I will visit again when I'm in the Chicago area.
Beautiful theatrical space in Chicago's uptown neighborhood. The neighborhood is not difficult to park in. Box office and front of house were friendly and welcoming. We saw "Blue-eyed Soul Sung by Brown-eyed People". Fun costumes and set, beautiful voices, the acting was ok. A lovely enough lifting afternoon in the theater
Always a great show! Took my mom for the show in honor of her birthday. We really enjoyed the production.
Always have a good time at this theatre
Fantastic atmosphere! Great lay out! Bar area is INcredible with space behINd to sit and play games or be social IN whatever way you're INspired. Very unique and artistic space! Great for holdIN an event or just meetIN up for drINks and fun! Shea, Dan and the whole team are awesome! Highly recommended! If you're IN Chicago make time to experience Stage 773!!
Show was fine, seats were comfortable, even sold alcohol. But I do not like the All gender bathrooms. If you're going to do that at least put in full size stall doors.
It's 1711 have fun 😊 you are welcome 😁 to your lovely 😍🌹 you 💕!
😊 🍿
For me and 🍻🎉 Korean 🇰🇷 the same time from mom. Umm... 💕
😊 🍿
For me and 🍻🎉 Korean 🇰🇷 the same time from mom. Umm... 💕
Lovely looking theater. Quite spacious. Very packed but everything overall was organized, bathrooms clean, good security. Great time.
An amazing concert venue💗 if you are coming here for a show I HIGHLY recommend getting a guided tour of the theatre before your show. The tours run Fridays and Saturdays, and the tour guides are SO knowledgeable, kind, and funny! It really made our concert experience better and was our favourite part of our Chicago trip.
Very beautiful inside some chairs looked old but were very comfortable. We sat on the 3rd floor. We had a clear view of the stage.
This Auditorium is absolutely beautiful, has 6 levels my seat picture is from the 3rd level. city parking Grant south Park garage is close walk. Saw the 2024 Miku Hatsune Expo here.
My husband and I went to see Joe Turner's come and gone. We had an amazing time!! The actors and actresses were amazing!! We will definitely be back for more shows.
The service for our family and our daughter’s wedding was unmatched. It was perfect for our combined families of 13–so intimate, so accommodating.
Very visible from any seat need an elevator for top floor and bigger sign for seating
Beautiful theater! We were seated towards the top. Was very easy to get to our seats and the rows weren't too steep so was good to bring the kids to. They also had plentiful booster seats available.
I've come to the Auditorium three times now with seats in the front row, back of the main floor, and nosebleeds on the fifth balcony. Every single time I have been greeted with the friendliest and most courteous venue staff who seem just as excited for the shows as I am, haha! Stunning and HUGE venue, maybe bigger than the Chicago Theater.
Gender neutral bathrooms are great and well kept. Thankful for the water fountains.
I will say if you get your ticket on the most upper balconies, TAKE THE ELEVATOR!! You will be exhausted by the time you reach your level. And be prepared to be squished. No leg room and squished seating (it's worse than being on a flight). Good luck if you have a coat and purse and balancing a drink. And bring binoculars, the act will look like ants!
All in all, great venue, and easy to get to from trains. I highly recommend grabbing a cafecito from Cafecito which is just steps away from the entrance - best sips of coffee to jazz you up before the show!
Gender neutral bathrooms are great and well kept. Thankful for the water fountains.
I will say if you get your ticket on the most upper balconies, TAKE THE ELEVATOR!! You will be exhausted by the time you reach your level. And be prepared to be squished. No leg room and squished seating (it's worse than being on a flight). Good luck if you have a coat and purse and balancing a drink. And bring binoculars, the act will look like ants!
All in all, great venue, and easy to get to from trains. I highly recommend grabbing a cafecito from Cafecito which is just steps away from the entrance - best sips of coffee to jazz you up before the show!
Such a beautiful place. We went for a concert, the venue emailed me about my VIP tickets which I didn't even know I had (annoying ticketmaster resale thing) so it was a nice surprise. We used spothero for parking, it was a minute walk and 18 bucks from 2pm to 2am. I read on their website about the Chase lounge, so made reservations in advance, that was awesome too. Free drinks (non-alcoholic) and some snacks. We had seats in the AAA pit section which I thought might be obstructed with the stage setup, but they were awesome seats. Overall it was such an amazing experience and I would definitely come see another show here.
This theater is a place we're all are welcome to lose themselves in the wonderful theatric settings that make you feel as if You are part of the show. In the 10 plus years, my family and I have been attending The Goodman. we have never had a bad time.
Amazing exhibit, saw Whim for the first time and was immediately transported by the immersive experience created by these incredible multi media artists. What's really cool is you can also just go hang out in the bar in the lobby. The lobby is like it's own Alice in Wonderland exhibit with beautiful art everywhere you look. Also the drinks are 😘Bravo!
The Black Ensemble Theater never disappoints to provide an entertaining and captivating experience! The performances will have you singing along and dancing in your seat. This modern facility is a true gem on the north side of the city. The combination of talented actors along with visually impressive sets, provides a great experience for all attendees.
Frequent this theater often over the years. The plays are awesome. Love the venue. It's so comfortable and visibility is great from any area. If you don't get there early enough to park in the garage, you may have a problem finding parking. The parking garage is connected to the building which is great in the winter. My favorite theater!
I love the Edge! While I've yet to see a production or perform in the space, their multipurpose room as a rehearsal space is great, and the staff is always so kind and helpful! The entire venue is also super clean and well kept!
I came here to see Ali Wong a few weeks ago on a whim. The show was sold out. It was packed but didn’t feel overwhelming. Photos were not allowed inside the show so there are no interior photos but the theater is beautiful. I sat in a booth which seated four and I shared with 3 strangers, as I was alone. It was really spacious and comfortable and it felt like one of the best seats in the house because there was no obstruction to viewing the stage. The show was great. The staff was friendly. It was an amazing experience.
Very rude usher who did not let me back in after I went to the restroom. Also not enough staff and I had to wait for 20 mins for someone to let me into the building.
This is a magnificent venue! There are a couple of theaters in this building and neither one has a bad seat. Production value is great. The actors are amazing. I can't wait to come back!
City Lit choice of plays is always interesting and relevant. Plays are well produced and cast. Good mix of old and new plays.
Easy parking which is a plus.
Easy parking which is a plus.
Lived in Chicago 10 years and for whatever reason I didn’t make it here til last week.
There’s a reason she’s an icon folks. I want to come back and do the tour of the building. The pics speak for themselves; it’s hard to take a bad photo of this place. There are also concessions downstairs so don’t wait in the lines right as you walk in cause there’s much shorter lines downstairs. Not sure if this is for all shows but Chase customers got a discount on concessions which was dope.
You should certainly take public transit or a Lyft/Uber to get here, but if you must drive, you should use the Spothero app and book in advance cause there’s tons of cheapish options nearby (and will def be cheaper than street parking or just finding a random garage).
There’s a reason she’s an icon folks. I want to come back and do the tour of the building. The pics speak for themselves; it’s hard to take a bad photo of this place. There are also concessions downstairs so don’t wait in the lines right as you walk in cause there’s much shorter lines downstairs. Not sure if this is for all shows but Chase customers got a discount on concessions which was dope.
You should certainly take public transit or a Lyft/Uber to get here, but if you must drive, you should use the Spothero app and book in advance cause there’s tons of cheapish options nearby (and will def be cheaper than street parking or just finding a random garage).
Wonderful venue for live theatre and performances. Very walkable from the Washington Blue Line stop. I also like that when you get a ticket for a show it’s straight from the Goodman theatre website so you aren’t bombarded with service fees and taxes. Magic Flute was an excellent show!! If you have a chance go see it
Finally foundy.way there .
Loved the vibe , the people . Tons to do around but MAKE you PAY for PARKING .
There very quick to ticket you . .
Don't think you're going to sneak out of your car for 2 minutes and go run up the street and take a picture like I did. You'll be blessed with a ticket when you get back for sure . It happened to me and I don't want it to happen to you.
I thought it would be the perfect chance to run up the street and take a few shots of the sign but being from Ontario I didn't know how strict they were with their parking. They don't care if you're running in to get some change or what your story is trust me you'll get a ticket and quick
Loved the vibe , the people . Tons to do around but MAKE you PAY for PARKING .
There very quick to ticket you . .
Don't think you're going to sneak out of your car for 2 minutes and go run up the street and take a picture like I did. You'll be blessed with a ticket when you get back for sure . It happened to me and I don't want it to happen to you.
I thought it would be the perfect chance to run up the street and take a few shots of the sign but being from Ontario I didn't know how strict they were with their parking. They don't care if you're running in to get some change or what your story is trust me you'll get a ticket and quick
PROS: Great sound quality and architectural design. A spectacular venue in the heart of Downtown Chicago. Easy access by foot, bike or public transportation. The historic component makes everything all the more special.
CONS: Parking is expensive. The parking facility across the street is out of the Spot Hero app. The immediate neighborhood lacks of dining and entertainment options at the time shows are over. You need to walk a few blocks North to find open restaurants and bars.
CONS: Parking is expensive. The parking facility across the street is out of the Spot Hero app. The immediate neighborhood lacks of dining and entertainment options at the time shows are over. You need to walk a few blocks North to find open restaurants and bars.
Anything Goes gets everything right at Porchlight Theater! Amazing production, great voices, dancing and performances. If you've never had the opportunity to see it live, you must check it out--and if you have seen the show at some point, you'll enjoy it even more if you see it this time!
The Nacirema Society was the first play I saw in Chicago. The Goodman Theater was an incredible host. We were politely greeted and directed as soon as we walked in. It was clean and although they were pricy, the drink/snack options were just right. We have a F150, so parking anywhere downtown can be a challenge for us. Anywho, I can’t wait for the next play at this theater. If this play comes to a city near you it’s a MUST SEE!
Wonderful venue and great show, "Anything Goes". The cast was awesome and the set was perfect.
I love the atmosphere here. Tons of room, great place to see music. The night I was there it was practically deserted. Their social media hasn't been updated in ages so maybe nobody knows about this very cool place? Seems like some wasted potential.
"There's No I in Team" was a hit! I highly recommend this play.
The whole scene was very inviting. The cast, the band, the music selection, the choreography, the song choice were all engaging and insightful. My 6th grader and her friends enjoyed the show also!
The whole scene was very inviting. The cast, the band, the music selection, the choreography, the song choice were all engaging and insightful. My 6th grader and her friends enjoyed the show also!
Came to this place via Instagram. Took my husband and his two best friends who are visiting from Texas, and we loved this place. I will definitely be coming back to support the artists, venue, and staff. The staff was so friendly and the art was cool throughout the entire experience. We tried the immersive experience, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to see something fun and different. Posting one picture outside of the immersive experience to not to take away from the artists
I've been to this venue about 3xs in 7 months- this past time, I had Sec MNFL2L, Row LL, Seat 215, good seat, but I wouldn't get them again. The venue is outstanding, the venue workers are always nice, helpful, and very friendly. Bathrooms are clean, if you can withstand heels for a longer amount of time, you may want to opt for sneakers or boots. Security is quick, they have a coat check, but it's not always avail for every show so call ahead if you need that. If you don't go to dinner beforehand, they have sections in the theater for alcohol, water, popcorn and candy but it's cashless. You can tap your phone or traditional card (it's a bit pricy, but drinks are good). Enjoy your show!
Overall great experience and visit. Normally when we go we have to lock up our phones for the show. This one was great and got to get some photos. The staff is super friendly. The experience is always smooth. There are additional bars in the building so don't feel like you need to always jump in like at the first one you see.
Absolutely beautiful and historic theater of Chicago. If you can't watch a show here, there is a tour that takes you to see all the places of this theater. I won't spoil the surprise here by telling you all the stories. But you should go and listen to the guide and find out for yourself.
Excellent place to watch theater and we really enjoyed "A Christmas Carol". I took one star away because we had to wear or coats and I had to wear my hat because it was so chilly in there.
This historic theater made me ooh and ahhh from the moment we walked in. Not only is the theater itself an architectural treat, but the organization of the staff for the concert we saw was so efficient and helpful. We got tickets to the show late so we were in the upper gallery on the 6th floor, but it was still an impressionable experience. We went to see Damien Rice, and even from high up the show was indescribable and the acoustics were beyond. 10/10 would recommend!
We went here for their Halloween Haunted Art event. It was fun. Great drinks..both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Good music and board games. Just a fun evening.
The Auditorium theater is beautiful. We went to see Beetlejuice here, it was the first time we had attended a show at the Auditorium. When we showed up, there was a long line to get in that wrapped around the building. Getting into the theater was stressful and they could have done a better job at handling the crowds. Staff seemed overwhelmed and the show started late because of the confusion.
We sat all the way up in the second balcony. This theater is massive. I want to say that it is bigger than the Chicago Theater. The interior is beautiful and the space is impressive.
Get ready to hike up a lot of stairs to get to your seat. Then be prepared to sit in one of the most uncomfortable seats you have ever sat in. Restroom are limited, lines get very long, the staircases and lobby get very crowded during intermission when it is a full house and are difficult to navigate. The theater could use some maintenance and repairs and again, the seats were extremely uncomfortable. Enough so that I would not want to go back and watch a show there again.
The show we saw was awesome. We had a great time. But we both could not consider coming back here for a musical. The venue is more appropriate for a concert. It would be fun to see a standing GA concert here if they removed all the seats.
We sat all the way up in the second balcony. This theater is massive. I want to say that it is bigger than the Chicago Theater. The interior is beautiful and the space is impressive.
Get ready to hike up a lot of stairs to get to your seat. Then be prepared to sit in one of the most uncomfortable seats you have ever sat in. Restroom are limited, lines get very long, the staircases and lobby get very crowded during intermission when it is a full house and are difficult to navigate. The theater could use some maintenance and repairs and again, the seats were extremely uncomfortable. Enough so that I would not want to go back and watch a show there again.
The show we saw was awesome. We had a great time. But we both could not consider coming back here for a musical. The venue is more appropriate for a concert. It would be fun to see a standing GA concert here if they removed all the seats.
What an amazing play!!! Got to see The Nacirema Society and it was hilarious 😂 😃 😄. The performances from everyone were great. It was well-written and an overall good story.
Excelente gala el 19 septiembre 2023. Reconocimiento 30 años de vida artística de Rosario Vargas Lombana.
Saw "The Consul" there. It's a great space to see an intimate show. Also really liked the concession options--pocky during an opera may be unconventional but it was a great snack for a fantastic show.
Super fun little local theater company in an unusual setting (historic church). Excellent actors and warm and friendly vibe all-around.
A very fun date night idea! The staff was super nice, there was a great performer, and the art installation was cool!
We had a really amazing experience here. So interactive and surprisingly deeply moving. I’m so glad we came to watch my friend’s play “You Can’t Cover The Sky With Your Hand” and got to experience the rest of the creative artist and their show that day.
Went to see Cabaret and what a great show!! Their staging was great and the talent on stage was incredible! I've been here before and that show was great too (Spring Awakening)!
Every seat has a great view. Seats are very comfortable. House staff was very friendly.
Every seat has a great view. Seats are very comfortable. House staff was very friendly.
This place is honestly a joke. They let anyone come in mid show without tickets. They don't enforce their mask rule. And no one is monitoring the theater. People are on their phones the entire time disturbing other guests and the people who are supposed to usher there are sitting outside at the desk. I would not recommend coming here for a show.
I saw the musical “Rent” tonight and it was phenomenal. I mean, hands down one of the best musicals I’ve seen. Some of the scenes brought me to tears💕🥺. Well done to the whole cast!!
Immersive Cocktail Experience Event Space/ Full Bar is like no other venue/ event space in the City of Chicago !!
It's an artistic/creative person sanctuary, where they could get lost in all the artistic aspects and designs and pieces/ exhibits as I would describe it.
The cocktails mirror the eclectic spaces in this building. With only 15% completed as of now, this is a non-profit theatrical/bar/event space so the more you come by and support us, the more it will become complete.
Now there is a full bar, the centerpiece of the space, and the whimsical magical forest is where all the bands/comedy/open mic occurs within every 30 mins it goes from day light to 🌙. Even has the witches 🧙♀️ corner with all here swells, potions
The other 85% of the space; has 20 + different rooms u will be able to walk through each one having a different theme; from Whoville, upside-down house, morgue, and the bubble room to only name a few will be complete by the 2023 new yr.
There will be an entry fee to walk through the Immersive 🍸 Experience, no time restrictions, so explore each room at your leisure.
There will be tour guides answering all inquiries, from all the wondering minds.
The exhibit was created by all local artists 🎨 !!
The cocktail menu will collaborate with the themed rooms to a certain degree! So hope to see you'll there before the completion and afterwards !!
Hope to 👀 you soon, my beautiful humans!!
Xoxo
~~The Creative Cocktail Bar Mixologist~~
It's an artistic/creative person sanctuary, where they could get lost in all the artistic aspects and designs and pieces/ exhibits as I would describe it.
The cocktails mirror the eclectic spaces in this building. With only 15% completed as of now, this is a non-profit theatrical/bar/event space so the more you come by and support us, the more it will become complete.
Now there is a full bar, the centerpiece of the space, and the whimsical magical forest is where all the bands/comedy/open mic occurs within every 30 mins it goes from day light to 🌙. Even has the witches 🧙♀️ corner with all here swells, potions
The other 85% of the space; has 20 + different rooms u will be able to walk through each one having a different theme; from Whoville, upside-down house, morgue, and the bubble room to only name a few will be complete by the 2023 new yr.
There will be an entry fee to walk through the Immersive 🍸 Experience, no time restrictions, so explore each room at your leisure.
There will be tour guides answering all inquiries, from all the wondering minds.
The exhibit was created by all local artists 🎨 !!
The cocktail menu will collaborate with the themed rooms to a certain degree! So hope to see you'll there before the completion and afterwards !!
Hope to 👀 you soon, my beautiful humans!!
Xoxo
~~The Creative Cocktail Bar Mixologist~~
Interesting venue inside an old church. Everything was very low-budget and low-key. The play is performed in a small room, making for a very intimate and engaging experience. Check out “The Mark of Kane”, the dramatic true story of the creation of Batman, from Oct 21 to Dec 4, 2022!
The show was great definitely would recommend going
Intimate setting and they adhered to proof of vaccination protocols so I felt safe.
Snow Queen is a magical, envigorating theater experience.
We have had the pleasure of working with The Edge Theater on a few of our past performances. Not only is the space wonderful to work in, clean, modern and accommodating for a larger performance group... but the team at The Edge is what truly makes renting this theater such a great experience. Amelia is so quick to respond to any request and is just an all around nice (and organized) person. We are happy to see this venue expanding with their new Black Box Venue, as it is a wonderful creative space in the world of theater in Chicago!
I brought my mother here for an opera. She said "Wow, this is beautiful. Huge upgrade from the original facility. I've seen some great shows here and this is such an improvement."
It's a beautiful venue. There are comfortable seats on a nice incline that gives everyone a great sightline.
I don't know what's in the booth, but the tech worked without distraction. When you don't notice, that's when you know they did a good job.
I like this place, & I look forward to seeing more shows here in the future.
It's a beautiful venue. There are comfortable seats on a nice incline that gives everyone a great sightline.
I don't know what's in the booth, but the tech worked without distraction. When you don't notice, that's when you know they did a good job.
I like this place, & I look forward to seeing more shows here in the future.
The House Theatre has ruined theater for me, because shows at other theaters just aren't the same. Every show they do is clever and incentive in its presentation and becomes more of an experience than just a simple play. Go with an open mind and an active imagination and they'll never disappoint.
A very intimate theater setting inside of the Edgewater Presbyterian Church building. Being small and intimate means there are not a lot of frills here but it also means there isn't a bad seat in the house. The City Lit Theatre Company, based on information they shared verbally and in their program, has a four production season. We saw The Hound of the Baskervilles and found the actors to be quite good. The performance was well done and enjoyable. Parking is sparse in the area. I understand valet parking is available at a restaurant across the street but we found free street parking a couple of blocks away and were able to see just a bit of the neighborhood on our short walk.
I'm a member, give me free stuff, lol. Great fun theater in the round. Nutcracker has become a family tradition
Clean and spacious. Feels like a corporate theater for big meetings but had great sound and lighting
You will have an excellent time here. Despite it's small to mid size, they go all out on the stage. It's a complete, concert hall size stage, with an excellent production crew, and the seating is intimate as you can be. They could have opted for a smaller stage and more seats to sell, but they went the other way around, with limited seating but a grandiose, high quality experience. Excellent.
Strong advocate for local theater!
The theatre itself is very nice. A small and intimate thrust stage with comfortable seating. The down side is that the walls are very thin and you can hear the streets outside and the bathrooms are sort of run down. Great show though, I enjoyed the performance greatly.
First time I've been here. Came to see Merrily We Roll Along. Super friendly staff. We sat in the handicapped spot. It doesn't look like there's a bad seat in the house. The staff was all friendly and helpful. The cast was excellent. Definitely worth a visit.
It's a quaint little performance space but well positioned so that wherever you're sitting you have a great view of the stage and performers. The historic Edgwater Presbyterian Church that the theater is housed in is just a sight. It has all of it's original fixtures which kind of takes you back in time when you visit. I just love it.
A great organization!
This is a nice and cute theatre! We went to see Billy Elliott and sat in the balcony stage left. The seats were so comfy and spacious! I might go to more plays here just because it wasn't cramped. It's a smaller venue so any seat in the house is a good one. There is a bar on balcony that may get in the way of your view occasionally so seats on the main floor might be nicer.
Dynamic casting and unique experience. Performances are always great
Awesome theater. Very well done, staff was great, cozy seating and the performance and music was first rate. We will be back for others