Location: Chicago
Top Things to do in Chicago
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Things to do in Chicago, Illinois (IL): The Best Concerts & Shows
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 625 reviews
Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers a broad spectrum of theatrical experiences year-round, engaging and entertaining audiences from all walks of life and from around the world.
Reviewed By Sachin0408 - Pune, India
I was in Chicago for 4 days and I was right there at Downtown. I visited the Navy Pier twice and I am not sure how I missed the Shakespeare Theater. I feel really sad now that I am back. Navy Pier was the highlight of my trip and I just loved that place. Lake Michigan was so alluring and enticing each time I visited. But as they say, there's always a next time. I am sure I will catch up with the Shakespeare Theater next time.
2. Lookingglass Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
The Lookingglass Theatre Company seeks to redefine the limits of theatrical experience and to make theatre exhilarating, inspirational, and accessible to all.Through theatre, which invites, even demands, interaction with its audience, the company's goal is to fire the imagination with love, to celebrate the human capacity to taste and smell, weep and laugh, create and destroy, and wake up where we first fell --- changed, charged and empowered.
Reviewed By 121doug - Valparaiso, United States
The Lookingglass Theatre's performance of the Steadfast Tin Solider is simply delightful and recommended for all. The acting troupe brings to life a wonderful story through the true art of acting and storytelling. Adults and children alike will love this performance.
3. Lyric Opera of Chicago
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 461 reviews
Grand spectacle. The finest singers of our time. And immortal music performed by Lyric's internationally celebrated orchestra and chorus.
Reviewed By shellymR6740XN
Beautiful building & decor. Madame Butterfly was spellbinding. Recommend the pre- order for intermission refreshments. We were able to enjoy a leisurely glass of wine without waiting in line with this service. Was worried about what to wear but there was a wide range of fashion so just go & enjoy.
4. Black Ensemble Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Black Ensemble Theater (BE) was Founded in 1976 by the phenomenal actress, producer, and playwright Jackie Taylor. A leader and innovator in the African-American and mainstream arts communities, Black Ensemble Theater is recognized as one of the most diverse theaters in the country, producing excellent musical theater. On November 18, 2011, BE celebrated the Grand Opening of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, the theater’s first permanent home located at 4450 N. Clark Street, in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. BE is the only theater in the nation whose mission is to eradicate racism. We utilize theater and educational outreach programs to bring races together in a community which embraces similarities and fosters dialogue, understanding and acceptance.
Reviewed By pamelab246
This theatre is so wonderfully unique. It is not only an intimate atmosphere, where you are close to the stage and can observe the joy of the audience. The hospitality at this theatre is unlike any other. The musical performers are so talented. There is always a live band and extremely talented vocal performers honoring various celebrities from the past. I have enjoyed three shows at this theatre and strongly recommend it for the highest quality entertainment. It is located on Clark street in the Lakeview neighborhood. There is parking attached to the theatre and the tickets are very reasonably priced. Don’t miss this experience!
5. Chase Auditorium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By ChristieV18 - Normal, United States
Tickets for this weekly show are best bought online to attend this fabulous evening of fun. The auditorium and its environs are very attractive and comfortable.
6. Teatro Zinzanni
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Rich933 - Chicago, United States
An outstanding show! Slightly expensive but well worth the cost! From amazing acrobatics to comedy to literal music to your hears- it’s a party for all your senses!! Highly recommended!!
7. The Chicago Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 789 reviews
Chicago's breath-taking National Landmark Theatre hosts concerts, comedians, theatrical productions and special events every year. The 3,600 seat auditorium is seven stories high, and the vertical "C-H-I-C-A-G-O," sign is one of the few such signs in existence today. A symbol of State Street and Chicago, the marquee is a landmark in itself, as is the Wurlitzer pipe organ. Patrons can also go behind-the-scenes on their educational venue tour, which runs a few times a week.
Reviewed By TravelingMom8066 - Lake of the Ozarks, United States
Our family of 5 toured the theater and all were quite impressed for different reasons! My husband marveled at the architecture, two kids have stage experience and being able to walk on stage was amazing. Another in our group was intrigued with the history. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and spoke with a stage voice that was impressive. Highly recommend the tour.
8. Theatre on the Lake
9. Auditorium Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Bentleymama - Waukegan, United States
Loved the old charm of the Auditorium Theatre. Lots of stairs to climb if you were seated anywhere in balcony. Not all floors have bathrooms, make sure if you go get back before intermission ends or you might not be allowed to get back to your seat. Theatre is small enough that all seats are good. Drinks are expensive, but that’s expected.
10. Goodman Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Established in 1922, Goodman Theatre has been a part of life in Chicago for over 90 years. Every season, the Goodman presents the work of an extraordinary group of local, national and international artists.
Reviewed By BigBooshy - Modesto, United States
Was in Chicago for a holiday vacation with my Mother to visit family. My Mothers favorite movie is “A Christmas Carol” as a surprise I bought tickets for her to see the show. She was very excited when I told her, she actually started crying. I had bought our tickets online prior, so I just had a print out, and they let us right in. Upon sitting in our seats, I was not comfortable, I just hate having to get up and down to let people in the aisle, but I prefer sitting on the edge so it’s inevitable. I got up and went to the box office, and asked if we could upgrade our seats. The lady was a doll, said it was not a problem. She upgraded our seats to a BOX SEAT free of charge. We had the whole box to ourselves, it was MUCH better. And our view was the best. Because of the fact that I have watched this movie, every version of it my whole life. To be able to see it live, it was epic for my Mom as well as myself. The male actor who played Ebenezer Scrooge, his name is Larry Yando, this man was AMAZZZZZZZZZZZZING totally convincing, had us laughing, had us a little emotional, it was just awesome. Fella is bomb. One thing I did love, and TOTALLY not expect was the fact that the actors there was a RAINBOW of ethnicity. To see that, I had so much respect for this theater. My Mother and I both looked at each other when we saw the little black kids, calling the male actors “Mom and Dad” it was completely wholesome. Goodman, put on an INCREDIBLE show. It was freezing last week when we went December 2019, but it was fine, because the show was the best play I’ve ever seen. And I’ve been to plays all over the US, I don’t know if it was because it’s my Mother’s favorite movie, or whatever it was, that made it a little more special. I just highly recommend everyone to see this play, you won’t be disappointed.
