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What to do and see in Theater District, 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. 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.
2. Hamilton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By craigc409 - Bend, United States
Caught Hamilton at the CIBC Theater in the city. Great cast and musical score. Found out it was playing there and couldn't pass it up. Concierge at the hotel located our tickets on the main floor orchestra section for $105 each. Well worth it.
3. Drunk Shakespeare
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
"The best thing to ever happen to the theater" Slate Magazine "A live action Drunk History" TimeOut Magazine "Zany, rowdy and debaucherous" New York Times. One actor has 5 shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform in a Shakespeare play. There is a hidden library at 182 N Wabash Ave with over 10,000 books. Running Time: 90 minutes. Food & drink available. 21+ only. Photo ID required.
Reviewed By 366kg - Chicago, United States
Shakespeare and Chicago Improv, I’m in heaven. Shout out to a hard working and talented cast. They have No fear. Small and intimate space. No bad seats. Easy to get to Loop location. Drinking highly encouraged.
4. 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!!
5. 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.
6. James M. Nederlander Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
Reviewed By tcjo4 - Wauconda, United States
The James Nederlander is a beautiful theatre with comfortable seating and good acoustics! Always fun to see a great production!
7. 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.
8. Chicago Opera Theater
9. The Book of Mormon
10. CIBC Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 709 reviews
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
Reviewed By dennisr576 - Newnan, United States
My wife & I traveled from the Atlanta area to see Hamilton. While Hamilton would be opening in Atlanta soon, the ticket prices in Chicago were a fraction of ticket prices in Atlanta. (Additionally, Southwest was offering phenomenal round trip airfares - one direction was $45 each!) The other draw to Chicago was the fact my wife had never really seen the city before and we planned to stay four days. The CIBC Theatre is a terrific venue. We purchased great seats in the mezzanine left center, row B and bought the Suite Service package for wine & snacks at intermission & prior to the show. As for Hamilton itself - UNBELIEVABLE! I’d heard some of the music, but wasn’t sure I’d like the rap-style music. Was I ever wrong! The cast’s voices were outstanding and the music riveting!!! There was often constant motion on stage with unbelievable choreography. I couldn’t get over the non-stop placement of props and actors. That all coupled with orchestra music, incredible sound and lighting, made for an unforgettable experience. We left the theatre in amazement! Don’t miss this Tony Award winning musical if you’re in Chicago!!!
