Last night was my first visit here to the Apollo Theatre to see Baby Wants Candy. The show was excellent but I really liked the theatre itself too. First off they have a bar and they let you bring your drinks in the theatre to enjoy during the show. the bar ahas a good selection for being rather small and our bartender was quick and efficient. The theatre was a good size and the aisles and the seats were big enough for a tall guy like me to sit comfortably. This was a huge bonus for me. The acoustics and the sight lines were all very good also as I noticed no obstructions throughout. I was about 1/2 way up from the stage and i heard everything very clearly. read more

My husband and I went to see "Million Dollar Quartet" at Apollo tonight on an invitation from Broadway in Chicago (read: FREE). The show was awesome! Lots of toe-tapping, foot swinging, clapping, and smiles. For those of you unfamiliar (as was I), it is the story of one night - December 4, 1956, I believe - when Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins randomly ended up at Sun Records and had a pretty awesome jam session. More importantly (for this review, anyway) the venue was great. Very intimate space. The seating makes a "U" shape around the stage, giving a unique perspective of the action on stage. I was front row, stage left, and could have reached out and touched the actors.... hmmm.... now that I think about it, I should have done that. It would have made the review more interesting (although probably about Cook County Jail rather than Apollo...). If you are a people-watcher, like myself, then the setting can be a bit of a distraction because you have a great view of 2/3 of the audience from pretty much any seat in the house. In a show like "Million Dollar Quartet" that made it better because I could see how excited and engaged the audience was. Anyway, here's what you need to know: Fun show + unique and intimate venue = highly recommended! read more

I've been a big fan of the Apollo for quite some time. They have been home to many a great show, everything from Menopause: The Musical to Talk Radio to Pump Boys and Dinettes (forever it seemed) and Baby Wants Candy Improv! The stages are intimate and there is not a bad seat in the house. I love the proximity to my home, the really fair prices for the great productions and the varied formats they offer! I've taken many a child to see their Wizard of Oz/Emerald City production. The lighting and the sound is fantastic, the bar, full service (and you can take it in to most shows-yay for boozing at the Apollo) and the staffers are always very pleasant and courteous. Keep up the good work! read more

I've been fortunate enough to attend a few performances at the Apollo and each time I've been impressed. This is one of those places where there's no bad seat in the house. There are quite a few seats up in here, but from the different angles I've parked myself, you always have a clear shot of the stage. (And when the play you're seeing involves darling music men playing instruments, this is crucial. Yes, I'm talking to you, Million Dollar Quartet!!!) A bar in the front, they let you bring your drinks INTO the theater. Not that drinks are required to enjoy the shows. I saw Baby Wants Candy sans liquor and was still laughing wildly. Ticket prices are usually reasonable, and you can do valet parking in the lot for $10 (or score a meter like we did, which seem to be readily available on this stretch of Lincoln). Do yourself a favor and check out a show at this theater. Whether it's improv, a play, or a fantastic musical, you won't be disappointed. You might even develop a crush on some mightily talented young men playing their instruments there. I'm just sayin'... read more

Father's Day is coming up and if you need a gift idea I have a great one for you! Million Dollar Quartet. I took my parents here as a combined gift- Mother's Day/Father's Day and we all had a blast! The venue is small and intimate and there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. The audience was of all ages but mostly an older crowd; sixties and seventies. I did see a few others in my age range and a couple with two little girls that didn't stop dancing through the production. The little girls, I mean, not the couple. Bottom line: a really great time for all ages. read more

Wow! Can there be any more talent per ounce than Baby Wants Candy? They take a suggestion from the audience and proceed to create an entire musical out of it................. seriously, I'm not kidding, an entire musical ................. melodies, harmonies, lyrics......... And a way way way funny musical. Hysterically funny. The only thing more amazing than their creativity is the price...................... $15!!! My friend and I go every Friday we can............. 10:30pm. Yikes! I'm so glad I live in Chicago!! Jim read more

So my brother is good for something after all! He won tickets to "The Million Dollar Quartet" by answering the Saturday Morning Flashback question on XRT! Way to go big bro! I really enjoyed this performance and the theater itself. It has a nice intimate space, comfy seats, and a nice small bar that allowed you to take your drinks into the theater for the performance. I thought the best thing about this theater was how close you are to the stage. We had great seats right in the center but one could tell that there isn't a bad seat in the house. Now I know this review is for the theater itself, but "The Million Dollar Quartet" was FANTASTIC. If you love rock music, like I do, and know a bit about Sun Records and it's importance to rock & roll, you will love this performance! read more

This is a nice, intimate venue. We went to see Million Dollar Quartet last night and it was a perfect evening. The whole process was so easy, especially considering I had my mother with me. My husband dropped us off, we went in and picked up our tickets at the box office with no problems. When we entered the theater we were greeted by a very pleasant usher. As we made our way in, the next usher took our tickets and when she realized our tickets were for the nose bleed seats, she was concerned about mom negotiating the stairway as there was no railing for her to hold onto. She asked if it would be better for us to be seated elsewhere. I said yes please and she accommodated us with different seats .... front row center!!!! It turned out to be a perfect night for us. Mom has poor vision, and the seats we got really made it possible for her to fully enjoy the show. She and I will always remember the night we sat front row center. The best part was that Million Dollar Quartet was a five star show in a five star venue. Thanks to Yelp, the Apollo Theater and Million Dollar Quartet. This was truly a night to remember!!!! read more

Went to see The Million Dollar Quartet with some friends, and was blown away at the "high energy" musical show. Was familiar with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, but did not know much about Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. The show was fast paced and quite entertaining ... and educational about these 4 great musicians as well. I like the set up of the Apollo Theater in that it was small enough so that every seat was comfortable and within range of the stage. We sat in the middle of the theater 5 rows back and was able to see everything clearly. To be honest, there was not a bad seat in the entire theater due to the size of the theater. I would definitely recommend this musical and theater to my friends! read more

Quaint, non-intimidating, intimate, simple, and fun...these are words I would use to describe this theater. No matter how far back your seat is, you're definitely able to enjoy the show and see every little detail. The only seats I would stay away from are on the sides; no matter what you'll most likely be seeing someone's back or profile the whole time. For those like me who like to enjoy a drink while attending a show, no worries; there's a bar that will satisfy that need (and satisfy it did). The seats are easily marked and the ushers do a great job at showing you where to sit. There are also many exits throughout if you feel the need to use the restroom before intermission or the end of the show. I really did enjoy the intimacy and history of this theater and will definitely go back for the next show playing there! read more

This is a tiny theater. We came to see Million Dollar Quartet, which I guess has been playing in Chicago for a few years now. I would like to say there's not a bad seat in the house but I guess it really depends on the show. Since the place is small, you do feel pretty close to the show and all the actors. For MDQ, I think we got not so great seats. We were on the theater's right (as if you were standing on the stage facing the crowd). And so the piano player in the show basically had his back to us the whole night. I have to give the actors some credit and say they did look our way occasionally. But it was still an odd seating for us. Comfy seats and clean bathrooms too. We did also get the tickets at one of those half-price ticket places (Hot Tix I think). read more

I came here recently to see Djembe! and was really impressed by the space. The theater itself is kind of like a bowl so they're really didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. The show was good but I prefer more traditional musicals. I'd definitely come back depending on the productions they put on. read more

LOVE these smaller theaters. You get up close and personal with the set and actors. No seat is terrible and the sound is great. Loved watching Million Dollar Quartet. Not usually into the Rock n Roll style of music, but this was a great storyline, a touch of history and TONS of great music. They had me dancing in my seat or dancing while standing most of the show! read more

No monocles or top hats required here ... two reasons why I *heart* this theater. Every seat is close to the stage, so you can actually see what's going on; such a novel idea! Also, there is no pretentiousness; come here comfortable and ready to enjoy the show! If you prefer the energy and intimacy of small live music venues as opposed to stadiums, you'll love seeing theater here. I saw Million Dollar Quartet, the most enjoyable show I've seen in sooo long. The acoustics here were amazing, big ups to the sound techs and the set was solidly designed. But the performers were the highlight: absolutely professional, right on cue, awesome voices, wonderfully entertaining. This place will be on my radar every time I visit Chicago. read more

What a nice little theater that I always see from the El and think about how I need to check it out. Well I finally did to go see the holiday showing of Baby Wants Candy last night. The people at Will Call very nice. Handing out programs, still nice. As we're leaving, lots of smiles and thank yous. So very, very kind! The bar inside it quite diverse for a theater bar - and yet another one that lets you bring your drink inside. This being in prime location for bars etc and steps from several buses and the Fullerton El, I'm sure during the weekends they do a great business. In a time when those of us like the theater but can't afford to do so, it's places like this that I love. Putting on quality shows for about $15 a seat? Now that's a bargain and worth every hard earned cent. Will definitely be back! read more

I have a feeling that Karen T. and I were at the same performance and I couldn't with her more! An avid fan of the older (far superior) music, I'd been dying to go to see Million Dollar Quartet ever since I first saw it advertised. Unfortunately, hubby and I have been a tad cash poor these days and there was always something more pressing to spend money on it seems. So when I saw a chance for free tickets on yelp, I jumped at it! The performance was amazing, beginning to end. I sat in utter awe of the music and the talent and, of course, the story. The venue, I must say, was absolutely perfect for the production...giving the audience that feeling of almost being apart of the production. Literally, there is no such thing as a bad seat in the house. The only complaint I could possibly have is that it didn't last longer! read more

I came here to see Million Dollar Quartet and it is the perfect venue for it. I love how it isn't too big and the seats were very comfortable. The bar is cash only so bring some greens. This theater is located in Lincoln Park and is not flashy at all. It really blends in with the neighborhood and I would have never guessed it was there. read more

Went to the Apollo on a Friday night to watch Baby Wants Candy. There is a small cash only bar in the lobby area with a limited selection of wines and beers. Prices were very reasonable. Area is tight but no issues since the show was not packed. Theater is very intimate and you should have no issues with the view no matter where you are seated. A-OK. read more

I saw Djembe last night and I highly recommend it for a fun, participatory, upbeat performance. Everybody in the audience gets their own Djembe (East African drum), so the entire auduence can make some beautiful music together. There is also some interesting historical stories woven through. Go see it!!! Drum on. read more

I really wanted to give this theater another star, but I was disappointed that they didn't start on time and that intermission was longer than it was supposed to be. I came here to see "Ragtime", and it was very good as far as Chicago small theater performances go. My friend says that it's her favorite show so far that she's seen. The seating arrangement is pretty good. It's a cute theater. The music was too loud and it was hard to hear some of the speaking parts from the actors. I don't think that there's really any bad seats. If you run out to the bathroom you could end up getting in the way of the actors since they also use them as exits and entrances. You can buy various beverages here including wine and liquor, but no caffeinated coffee... read more

Intimate and filled with great shows! This was my first time attending the Apollo and it has always been in my mind that this is the place that famous celebrities have performed. I understand why now. This intimate stage in the theater is angled so that all sides of the theater are able to see the stage from all sides and feel closer to the performer. I went to watch the Game of Thrones Parody and it was an absolute joy! Hilarious and really refreshing to recap all the great segments of the original TV show. Bottom line- All I can say is "You know nothing John Snow" until you've been at the Apollo. read more

I've seen two shows here and both times have been enjoyable. One show was in the studio and another in the main theater. Both are very intimate and I think it would be hard to have a bad seat. Although, I think I will always have a preference for the center section. In the main theater they use the patron entrances as entrances for the actors so it might be a bit difficult to leave without possibly running out during a scene. I would definitely return for another show. For those who drive, they have a $10 lot behind the theater. read more

I just saw Million Dollar Quartet (awesome show, btw!!!) at the Apollo Theatre and I have to say, I'm a big fan of this theatre. It feels really intimate and I don't think there's a bad seat in the house. The seats themselves look a little rundown, but they're surprisingly comfortable. I felt like I was at a concert in the 50s. The acoustics rocked and I loved that I had a perfect view even though someone tall sat in front of me. It's nice that they have a reasonably priced bar and allow you to bring your drinks to your seat, too. Definitely check out a show here if you can! read more

Have seen great shows here at the intimate studio space. Saw Long Pork there last week and it was great! Never been to a show on their main stage...but I've heard good things. The nice thing about the studio space is there is a bar in it, which is rare for a place this size. Go see some shows there. read more

I have seen many shows here. The staff is always kind, courteous and efficient. This theater is amazingly intimate and perfect for any show. The last show I saw was Million Dollar Quartet with my father. Good news, the show is not just for your parents! You'll love it as well. I have also gone to the Apollo Studio to see some great sketch comedy. read more

Went here last night with Nathan A. to see Sirens perform Chicken Scratch. Sirens is the oldest all female improv group in the country. Pretty amazing, huh? The downstairs theater was really cute. It was super small and only held about 50 people. But it was really intimate and nice. Eventhough there were only 5 audience members :-( I didn't feel like the improv girls were like staring at me or anything. ** The ticket taker was SO nice and told us where we could go find ice cream before the show. He even called to see if they were open! read more

I don't think there's a bad seat in the house (unless there's a really tall person in front of you). If there's a negative that I can say, it's that not having enough toilet stalls for women. But then again, it's the same story wherever you go. It was easy to get to --we travelled from downtown Chicago. The walk from Fullerton (train stop) to the theater was not bad at all. There's a couple of bars nearby which you may want to try out. We saw the parody of (Game of) Thrones (8/26/16) and it was hilarious! This is a must see if you are a fan of the show. It was one of the funniest I've seen in awhile. The actors were great and the songs were just equally great. If you're debating which one to see... Go and see this show! It's worth every dollar and time. read more

I came here to see the Million Dollar Quartet. Great show by the way, but about the Apollo. Parking: Valet, or self parking $12, then there is metered street parking. Box office: You can totally see it when you come in. The attendant there was super nice and friendly. Concessions: small concession right by the entrance of the Main Stage. I didn't see the Studio. It seemed to offer a full bar, water and soda bottles, and light snacks like a bag of pretzels, Doritos, Snickers bar or etc. Yes, you can take these into the auditorium, even the snacks. The show is pretty loud so you can't hear the rustling of the wrappers anyway. El line next door: you can barely hear it. When the MDQ was playing you can barely hear yourself think. A train did go by while the characters were talking to one another and I could kind of hear it. Bathroom: Pretty dated, but clean. You can tell that it is an older bathroom. They also have the Emerald City Theatre (which shows plays for children), looks like they will be showing Pinkalicious soon!! read more

Great fun kids show, amazing talented cast. One bad thing for a musical canned music. A live band is what this show really needed. The cast tried to include the audience and succeeded. Wonderful has great energy and nice full voices. Quality venue. A great place to bring kids all their shows are top notch. read more

I just saw Hipmas Carol there last weekend. I went because the stupid Chicago Reader said it was a good show and I needed something Christmassy to take my parents to. It was awful. Somebody needs to tell these guys that you can't charge people $25, make them come out in the freezing cold, and give them nothing in return. The whole thing was less than an hour. The show was supposed to be "a unique and wholly original reinterpretation of the Dickens classic." But it was just a basic retelling of the same old story. Sure they used ryming couplets...And yes, they had a guitarist. I guess that's kinda original, but it's still not enough to call itself a "show". If you're going to go to all the trouble of renting a space and printing postcards, why not actually write a show. They developed characters...but did nothing with them. It was a lame excuse for a Christmas production and I wish I had my $25 and my 45 minutes back. I though Chicago theater was supposed to be good? read more

When was the last time I laughed this hard and often, getting red faced, almost sliding out of my seat, again and again? I don't remember. Tonight's Baby Wants Candy show did that to me. Plus it was amazing, so clever, such great physical bits, choreography, momentum, crazy plot that came together, rousing and soulful songs, outrageous and familiar characters, great satire, .... I want to see it again! I can't, I know -- "the opening and, sadly, closing night" of that improvised musical. Well, I feel privileged and energized, way happier, having experienced what I did. By the way, shhhhhhhh, don't let it get out that Baby Wants Candy is great and a great bargain. I don't want to have to deal with a sold-out show, not get in, etc. Just keep it between us, OK? read more

I actually went to the lower level of the Apollo and saw the show "Thirsty" on Friday night. It was so much fun and because it's an improv show they never do the same one twice; I'll definitely be going back. It's quaint, nothing too flashy, but I like that because everyone feels like they were truly a part of the show. Everyone laughed the whole time, they gave out free shots to volunteers, it was inexpensive ($10 for students) and they do everything from scenes to songs/rap battles. Very talented group to say the least. The ONLY reason I gave a 4 and not a 5 isn't the show itself but the venue; every time the train goes by it's loud and you feel like the place is shaking. I guess it's not that bad - gives it Chicago charm! read more

I was there the other day for the yelp thingy baby wants candy. All in all I say a nice small theater where all of the seats are a good seat. Its small enough that the actors don't have to use microphones which is a nice change of pace. read more

We saw the Million Dollar Quartet here and were shocked to find out this place can hold 350 people! Such an intimate setting, you really feel like you are right there in the action, and with the stadium seating there wasn't a bad seat in the house-and the seats were really comfy as well! Definitely excited to see more shows here! read more

I loved this theatre! Parking is easy in the neighborhood. The box office moved quickly and everything seemed really efficient. The bar was priced high but that's typical. At least you can eat and drink during the show. I'm excited to see another show here! read more

It's a no frills theater, but it's quaint and compact vibe puts it on the same plane as the big boys in town. There are no bad seats here, only modestly better ones. The one issue I noticed is that you basically have to walk on the stage if you need to excuse yourself from the room, so be sure to hit the restroom before the show. There is a small cash bar in the lobby but I didn't have a chance to sample it. The restrooms are very small so taking care of business after the show will be a challenge unless you're the first one there. It's a short walk from the Fullerton stop so getting there is fairly convenient. There is a lot of charm here and I enjoyed my visit. Hope to return some day. read more

I was surprised at how small it was even though I had read the reviews and was expecting this. I have to disagree with those who said there isn't a bad seat in the place... Well they weren't terrible but we went for the Million Dollar Quartet and Jerry Lee Lewis had his back to us for most of the show and we were presented with mostly side views of the other characters. The train didn't bug me since the music covered it up. I would go back but I would try to get tickets in the middle section next time. Since the entrance is very small it causes a giant bottle-neck with will-call, the concessions and the entrance all crammed right there. Pay the extra to print your tickets or come a half hour early to get your tickets or you'll stand in a massive disorganized line for 20 minutes. It's $2.50 people to print at home people!! read more

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET: The Testosterone Musical The most high energy musical ever must be Million Dollar Quartet, the musical by Colin Escott, Floyd Mutrux, inspired by the fact that on December 4, 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, for the first and only time, gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The clinical description of the effects of testosterone on both males and females (the show includes Dyanne, the current singer-girlfriend of Elvis Presley) could not be illustrated better than by this 90 minute no-holds-barred, non-stop rockin' and rollin' account of that night. For almost ten years the musical has played around the world. The Chicago cast couldn't be more polished or talented - Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley), Adam Lee (Johnny Cash), Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), Shaun Whitley (Carl Perkins), Andy Ahrens (Sam Phillips), Marc Edelstein (Carl's brother, Jay), Vance Okraszewski (Fluke), and, of course, Kelly Lamont (Dyanne) prove that a long-running hit can improve, like fine wine, with age. Many grandparents were seen bringing their reluctant grandchildren in an attempt to prove that they, too, did, in fact, have great music in their time. But by the show's end, the youngsters were on their feet clapping and bopping along with grandpa and grandma. They had new respect for the oldsters' taste in music. Original Rock and Roll, performed by masters, is irresistible. And these actor/singer/musicians are masters. Do your family a favor - get them to Million Dollar Quartet at Chicago's Apollo Theater. Or at a performance near you. read more

Granted, I was in the basement studio and until I go to a show upstairs I won't know how it sounds up there but the basement studio needs to be soundproofed badly. The actors were pretending the sound didn't exist but it was drowning out what they were saying for a minute every ten minutes. It's a good thing I was watching an improv show, drama could never survive with that racket. The Steppenwolf understands that and did something about it. Get with it Apollo. read more

Cute theatre in Lincoln Park. Saw a great show, Million Dollar Quartet; everyone was very talented. Highly recommend.