The Chicago theater scene is one of the best in the United States.
Whether you are in to big time productions, like Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia or prefer smaller, intimate shows like Aqui Estoy and The Boys from Syracuse, you will find a venue to your liking.
We highly recommend the theaters in Chicago listed below which boast some of the most popular productions in the theater industry.
Start off your party night in style by visiting one of the Best Restaurants in Chicago and then heading over to a show at any one of these incredible Chicago theater venues.
"The caliber of theater in Chicago is truly amazing. Last year, I saw
Wicked and Jersey Boys, both top notch productions."
Bank of America Theater (formerly Lasalle) The Bank of America Theater has hosted a number of well known shows including favorites like Carousel, South Pacific, and Guys and Dolls. Most recently, it has been home to pre-Broadway world premieres of Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's Movin' Out, Monty Python's Spamalot,Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and the musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys.
Briar Street Theater
There isn't a bad seat in this 600 seat house. One patron said about the long running Blue Man Group "I absolutely loved the show and encourage everyone to go see them. You will leave uplifted and light hearted."
Drury Lane, Water Tower Place
In the heart of downtown Chicago, Drury Lane has produced shows like 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Buddy Holly Story. This quaint theatre attracts locals and tourists from all over the world.
Lookinglass Theater Company
Located in the historic Water Tower Water Works building, Lookinglass Theater has a maximum capacity of 270 persons. Shows like Lookinglass Alice and Around the World in 80 Days have been seen at this landmark venue.
Ford Center for the Performing Arts
Since its complete renovation in the 1990's, the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, previously known as the Oriental Theater, has hosted hit shows like Ragtime, Fosse and Blast and the world premiere of Sing-A-Long Wizard of Oz. The most popular hit musical recently seen there is Wicked, which tells the story of the Witches of Oz "before Dorothy dropped in."
The Chicago Theater
During its first 40 years, The Chicago Theater presented the best in live and film entertainment, including Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Since that time, an array performers have graced the stage, including Harry Connick Jr, Ellen DeGeneres, David Letterman and Robin Williams.
The Second City Theater
The history of The Second City is an amazing story of a small cabaret theater that has turned into a comedy institution. The theater launched the careers of such comic greats as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner. It has two stages; The Second City Mainstage which seats 290 people and another smaller stage which seats 180 people.
Steppenwolf Theater Steppenwolf Theater was founded by three friends, including Gary Sinise. It has received recognition from media, theater critics, and audiences alike, most recently for producing August: Osage County which won several Tony Awards including Best Play 2008.
The Apollo Theater The Apollo Theater has a rich theatrical history. Its credits include shows like Steel Magnolias,The Vagina Monologues and the smash hit Menopause the Musical which became the highest grossing show in Apollo history.
The Auditorium Theater
Not many theaters have hosted presidents, remarkable musicians like Jimi Hendrix, ballet companies and phenomenal musicals like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, but The Auditorium Theater has.
Cadillac Palace Theater
The majestic, 2,500-seat Cadillac Palace Theater has seen the likes of Bob Hope and Mae West and has also been home to several pre-Broadway hits like Mamma Mia! and long-run engagements including The Lion King and The Color Purple.
The Goodman Theater
In 1922, The Goodman Theater was built with a grant in the name of Kenneth Sawyer Goodman. Before his death, Kenneth had expressed his vision of an ideal theater, one that would combine professional training with the highest possible performance standards. The theater hosts the annual holiday production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
If you are looking for other things to do in Chicago, check out our Chicago Activities page where we give brief summaries, recommendations and tips on how to get attraction discount cards.