Playhouses

Many people believe that the Chicago theatre scene rivals that of New York City. Certainly, theatre is important to the cultural arts in Chicago. While the city has much to offer in terms of traditional theatre performances, there are many alternative venues that serve up a very different vision of what theatre should and can be. Keep an open mind and sample different kinds of plays to get a fuller sense of what Chicago theatre has to offer.

You might be interested to learn that there is an excellent theatre on the South Side of Chicago. The Court Theatre has a unique approach to high-minded theatre: all of the performances incorporate music. Don’t be fooled by its location in the heart of the university campus; for it truly is a professional establishment.

Of course, most of the theatres are on the North Side. Many people have been at least exposed to Shakespeare through high school English classes, but rest assured that the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre elevates the playwright to a whole new level than that of reading Romeo and Juliet in a 10th grade English class. This world renowned theatre lends an air of gravity to the otherwise tourist-oriented environs of Navy Pier. Some plays are approached through a modern perspective, while others more closely replicate Elizabethan-era theatre. Either way, you will probably leave with a deepened appreciation for the bard.

Moving further north, the Lookingglass Theatre is conveniently located in Water Tower Works on the Magnificent Mile. Within its newly relocated home, this theatre company provides the perfect way to end a tiring day of downtown city shopping. Recently, the theatre has staged imaginative productions based on Alice in Wonderland, as well as, those which offer audience more of an interactive experience. Check local listings to learn more about current innovative productions.

In Old Town, a bit north of the Magnificent Mile, is a revered institution known as The Second City. It has spawned many a famous comedian, including Mike Myers and Bill Murray. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as this venue is extremely popular. Also, if you’re really brave, you might try taking one of their classes, which teach improvisation to aspiring comedians, as well as, any Chicagoan willing to fork out a few hundred dollars.

Moving northwest toward Lincoln Park, Steppenwolf Theatre is a rather serious theatre that within its trio or performance forums: main stage, upstairs and garage theatre, puts on multiple productions at any given time. Founded by award-winning actors, Gary Sinise, Laurie Metcalf and John Malkovich, acting is taken very seriously at this theatre, so expect to see standout performances by the ensemble cast. While this establishment has been very successful commercially, it has an abiding commitment to the theatre as a pure and honest art form.