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Best Theatre/ Performing Arts in Chicago

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Ford Center for Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre
24 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 384-1501
Get a taste of Chicago’s rich theatre history with a visit to the Ford Center for Performing Arts Oriental Theatre. Built originally as a motion picture palace in 1926, the theatre quickly gained its fame for its ornate décor inspired by the Far East. Renovated and restored in 1998 as part of the revitalized downtown theatre district, the theatre is now a first-rate home to visiting Broadway productions. Take a look around and see three levels of plush seats, elaborately painted columns and sculptures, and a larger-than-life dome ceiling. Throughout its history, the curtain at the Oriental has raised for a variety of icons from Judy Garland to George Burns, even to the Three Stooges. The theatre is now managed by Broadway in Chicago and is home to many visiting Broadway pieces.
Steppenwolf Theater
758 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 664-1690
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, producer of Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre and Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, offers theatregoers innovative variety and award-winning performances. The theatre company was recently dubbed as a trial theatre for major Broadway shows due to its production of August: Osage County, winning five Tony Awards. Originally started by actors from Illinois State University, the company’s headlining success has attracted an ensemble including John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Joan Allen and Laurie Metcalf. Never afraid of original or untried productions, Steppenwolf’s large and elegant theatre takes chances with the newest pieces in the theatrical community. What you see at Steppenwolf Theatre today could be the Broadway show of tomorrow.
Second City
1616 N. Wells St Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 664-4032
As the father of improvisational comedy in a city known for its improv, Second City has been giving its visitors bellyaches since 1959. A nationally-known launching pad for comic greats like Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Chris Farley and John Belushi, as well as more recently-popular actors like Tim Meadows and Bonnie Hunt, Second City is still currently producing the greats of tomorrow. You can even find free improvisation sessions following the regular shows. The theatre’s two resident stages, Second City Mainstage and Second City e.t.c., serve as platforms for original, witty and smart comedic performance.
Goodman Theater
170 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 443-3811
One of the city’s most renowned theatre companies, Goodman Theatre fits into the heart of the Loop theatre district and continues to produce inventive works each year. Established in 1925, the theatre was originally a gift to the Art Institute of Chicago and was constructed near the Institute’s property. However, by the year 2000, it was moved to its current location and now houses about a dozen pieces per season, including its annual presentation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Become a part of history as a spectator of one of Chicago’s most celebrated theatres.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 East Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-5600
Located on the city’s famous Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers the plays of William Shakespeare along with other dramatic works that keep in tune with the playwright’s timeless themes. Watch as old classics come to life in the company’s grandiose Jentes Family Auditorium or the versatile Thoma Theater. The theater company dedicates its efforts to enriching the lives of all with Shakespearean insight in many ways: through family-friendly pieces, educational touring productions and modern translations of classic Shakespeare. Due to these efforts, the theater was the winner of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award. With a variety of more than 600 performances per season, it’s no wonder why the Chicago Shakespeare Theater attracts over 225,000 audience members each year.
Bank of America Theatre
18 W. Monroe St Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 986-6821
Looking to find Broadway shows in a more intimate theatre setting? The Bank of America Theatre was built with a shape and size that provides first-rate sight lines, allowing remarkable viewing from any seat. Originally opened as the Majestic Theatre in 1906, the theatre quickly became a Chicago landmark for performing arts, specifically for vaudeville acts. The theatre was closed during the Great Depression, but reopened in 1945 in beautifully restored shape. The Bank of America Theatre, formerly known as LaSalle Bank Theatre, currently attracts Chicagoans and visitors alike due to its reputation as one of the country’s major touring Broadway houses. Come enjoy the intimate view of one of the biggest shows of our time at the Bank of America Theatre.
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