We saw the best production of the Merry Wives of Windsor at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater! (May 2026). We've seen two other excellent versions in other cities, and this one was spectacular. They brought the action into the 20th century.  The words stayed the same, but the jokes took on new meaning for the modern audience.  They also had the best Falstaff ever.  He was always our favorite character, but this one takes keg.  Er, I mean takes the cake :-) The acting was particularly engaging, and the audience really responded to it.  At one point, a drink tray sailed off the stage and into the audience, no harm no foul, and as if it was scripted, an audience member slid the tray back onto the stage amidst much cheering and applause.   The staging was great, with two trap doors (and sound effects of falling bodies!). The stage was complete with a very modern doorbell!  And, yes, it did "ring". As an added bonus, one of the two characters who rode bikes onto the stage was brandishing a sword. Shakespeare meets Cirque? It was a hugely fun production in a lovely comfortable multi-tiered theater. Every seat has a good view of the stage. Chicago Shakespeare Theater is out on Navy pier, past the colorful cartoon-like statue of Flyboy, "The Great Debate", by Hebru Brantley! read more

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I've been seeing plays at Shakespeare theater for decades and they're always brilliantly directed and acted. This time we saw Merry Wives of Windsor and none of us expected it to be almost rolling in the aisles funny. The audience was in stitches. The sets and costumes helped add context. But what really made it beyond 5 stars was a very helpful and gracious manager. My elderly mother was seated across the aisle from me and took out her hearing aids. She didn't realize that by holding them on one hand, their closeness would create feedback. I couldn't tell what the eerie sound was and assumed it was someone else's phone. Luckily the experienced manager figured it out and quietly asked her to put the hearing aids away without shaming her nor causing any disruption. We appreciated his grace in this embarrassing situation. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Perfect view of stage from 2nd to back row main floor - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater is the perfect setting for any of Shakespear's plays. It is remeniscent of of the Globe Theater in London. read more

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My first time coming here. I saw online the tickets $30 under 30 years deal they had for selected shows. I purchased a ticket for the show Rome Sweet Rome. A very nice theatre every seat in this place had a good view. There were no selective seating. First come First seated. I was one of the first in line and was seated near the stage area. I had a perfect view of the stage. The seats were comfortable and plush. The production and audio was was good. I really enjoyed the show, the singing and the performance. I was happy that I purchased tickets to this show. There is a bar in the back area that serves non alcoholic drinks, special cocktail drinks and snacks. If you come for a show and park your car in the garbage. They validate your parking at the Box Office. You also can get discounts at restaurants and parking with your ticket to your play. The ushers were helpful and friendly. I will be back to see another show. FYI there are quite a bit of stairs to walk. But there is an elevator on the side to ride up. . read more

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Decent place to catch a show. Tickets are reasonably priced. They have a section in the parking deck reserved for theater patrons. Don't forget to get your parking ticket validated. They don't really serve much (just candy) in terms of snacks. Water, soda, wine, and cocktails also available for purchase. read more

We came to see 42 balloons recently and it was phenomenal! It was such an amazing story and the singing/choreography was spectacular. I love that the lighting and visuals were like an 80s music video. From the trailer and reading the Wikipedia I didn't expect the story to be so gripping (also tragic). The performers had incredible voices, my favorite was Carol's mom. I appreciate the $30 under 30 discount they offer to incentivize the youth to appreciate the arts. The fine print of the ticket says if you're late you may be redirected to another seat so you don't interrupt the experience of others. This makes sense as the seats are a bit cozy and the other patrons will need to stand to let you walk to your seat. We were running a bit late but thankfully the check-in process was really quick, and the show started maybe 5 minutes after the scheduled time. We were walking down the pier looking for the entrance, when you're on the main Pier level the door signs say it's for the Chicago Shakespeare parking. You'll need to walk up the flight of stairs up towards the Ferris wheel area to get to the main entrance of the theater. The timing of our play was perfect because we had 30 minutes until the 10pm fireworks show too! I recommend this theater to anyone that likes musicals or is curious. Parking is expensive and there will be a lot of traffic once the fireworks show is finished, so I recommend getting a Lyft/Uber or taking public transit. When you get dropped off via Lyft, you can select the center terminal of the Pier and it will be closer to the theater entrance. There's an entrance into the main Pier once you walk into the garage and usually there's a parking attendant that can help direct you to the correct door (Door 5). read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - View from upstairs during golden hour (so beautiful!) - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Every show I have seen at the Shakespeare is great! The theatre is cozy and there aren't any bad seats in the house. Recently saw paranormal activity and it was much scarier than I expected! read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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All the shows I have watched here have been spectacular. I most recently watched Hamnet, performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and was tremendously impressed. So far, I have observed greater consistency in quality at the Shakespeare Theatre than similar venues across the city - it seems like the shows are well curated. The venue has ample parking within the Navy Pier complex, and your parking fees are subsidized if you are watching a show at the Theatre. There is a cute bar inside the venue with subsidized food and drinks. The staff have always been courteous and helpful. Look out for discounts for people under the age of thirty. I have been able to snag cheap tickets because of this promotion. Overall, I highly recommend this theatre for its well curated line-up, accessible venue, and reasonable prices for young people. read more

I came here to see Pericles in December with friends. We had Dress Circle seats I believe and they were perfect! We could easily see the performers and stage with zero obstructions. Parking was pricey, but actually discounted compared to other events. Apparently, you'll always have parking available if you're coming to a show here and it's usually $21 I believe. The convenience was worth it, especially in the middle of winter! We also found out that if you visit one of the hotel restaurants, they will transfer your drink into a portable cup to take into the theater if you need to dash. The performers for this show were from the Royal Shakespeare Company I believe, so the quality was off the charts. I would definitely come back to see them in this beautiful indoor space. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Excellent seats! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing place for great theatre. We go a few times a year, and it's some of the best Shakespeare that you could ever hope to find. Nestled into Navy Pier it's also easy to come and have dinner beforehand read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We used to enjoy going to Shakespeare Theatre. Quality programming. We saw Paranormal Activity there, and it was full of vulgar, foul language that had absolutely no point. I guess these theatres call themselves being "progressive" now, but if this is the new trend, we'll never go back. read more

It was kinda hard to find however I got there and was greeted nicely. It's right on the pier which is cool. Coat check is free the theater itself is quaint and every seat is good. Will definitely check out more plays. Staff was cool! read more

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The play Brokeback Mountain was wonderful!!The actors held my interest the whole time The singers and band presentations held the flow of the whole event!!! I would definitely recommend this play to others. Great job!!!Special shoutout to the ushers and bar tenders!! Total atmosphere welcoming from the time you entered until I left. Thank You to the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame for inviting me to this event. read more

Within the past year I've seen three shows here (two in the courtyard theatre, one in the yard) and all were wonderful nights of entertainment. The Shakespeare was alive, with engaging production effects, and the premiere of a new work was hilarious, if not life-altering. In either theatre, you're not liable to find a bad seat, but if you want my advice, go for the upper levels. You're far more likely to have a picture perfect view and at a lower price. Get yourself a themed drink, validate your parking, and enjoy your show! read more

Delighted with much ado. Lovely performances and lots of space in this theatre. Ah, the way it should be. Bravo!

I've been a season ticket holder for 20 years, I love Shakespeare and plays. I just saw SUNNY AFTERNOON yesterday , which is a musical about the Kinks . It was so much fun I can't tell you how much we enjoyed it . I never got to see the Kinks live , but I think this was even better . It was about their history and incorporated almost ALL their songs . The actors/singers are the original from West End Theater in London. They passed out ear plugs for people. lol we sat close , 10 th row, any closer and we would have been blown away when they played "You Really Got Me Goin'". It was as loud as a concert, and I LOVED IT ! The end song was "Lola" L O L A LOLA ! And then a repeat medley of their songs. The whole audience ( mostly people who were in there teens when Kinks were current , now seniors) lol lol lol. Well, we were all standing and singing to Lola , and other songs. IF YOU LIKED THE KINKS GO SEE THIS PLAY AT SHAKESPEARE THEATER . YOU WILL HAVE A BLAST ! Just don't sit in the first 10 seats , without ear plugs . read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Kinks actors were fan static singers . - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My first visit to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater was during #TheaterWeek2024 to see a matinee performance of Illinoise. I was excited for the performance, after reading the glowing reviews in New City and other outlets. As other reviewers pointed out, navigating to the theater is not the most intuitive - more signage within Navy Pier is definitely called for. I prefer arriving at live performances at least 15 mintutes ahead of time. I ended up finding my seat with only a couple of minutes to spare, and noted that there were still plenty of patrons filing into the performance space. My seat, while up high, provided unobstructed stage views. The performance was sold out, so things felt a bit intimate (read: cramped) but I don't think this is the norm for most performances. I appreciated the fact that the lobby/entry area were modern and filled with windows to let in the natural light and views of the surrounding Navy Pier area. Every time I've been to Navy Pier it's been in the dead of winter, so nice to have some sun-dappled vistas before and after the performance. Everyone that I encountered was helpful in guiding me to the right spot. Walking around for a bit after the show when I was in a less hurried state was the perfect ending to the afternoon, making me feel like a tourist in my own town in the best possible way. read more

I love the Chicago Shakespeare Theater situated at the perfect location in Navy Pier. I've watched several Shakespeare plays and it's given me a whole new appreciation and understanding of Shakespeare. The theater is modern and intimate and I haven't had a bad seat yet. Although majority of the shows played here is dedicated to Shakespeare, they also recognize and premier new plays and musicals. This year, I had the opportunity to watch the musical of The Notebook which has been my favorite show I've seen here at CST. Last year, they had a Q Brothers Christmas Carol, an entertaining rap rendition of The Christmas Carol. I always enjoy my time and the chance to see a show here at the CST and then walk around Navy Pier either before or after the show. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Decent show option. The theater itself is nice, but the logistics leave a bit to be desired. Not that it's totally the theater's fault, but the parking ramp, at least near the theater entrance, is quite narrow and wonky. It can lead to a bit of a cluster when everyone's trying to leave at the same time. Tip: make sure you validate your parking ticket before you leave the theater (we forgot, but thankfully could get back in to do so). We went to see the Notebook, and got a call the day of that our tickets had been upgraded. Okay, great! We had no issue picking them up at will call; however, there was an issue when we got in the theater. Another group came in and told us we were in there seats. We were clearly sitting in the seats stated on the tickets (and the other group agreed), but their tickets 'overlapped' our seats. Thankfully the show wasn't full, so when we got an attendant to assist us she told us to just move down a couple of seats. So, not a huge deal, though it was a bit of a pain to go find her and have to deal with that, and odd that the theater would 'double book' some seats. read more

While in town for a work trip, I took myself out to see The Notebook at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. My seat was in the Lower Gallery, Row D, Seat 22 and it was great. The seats are raised, so you get a good view as long as the person in front of you isn't 6'5" or something taller. The leg room is also amazing - better than any theater I have ever been in - and I have been in a lot of them. Staff were all super nice and the theater and facilities were all super clean and open. It was very easy getting an Uber after the show, which is something that never happens when you go to shows at other theaters. read more

Have always enjoyed shakespeare theater plays for several years. For many of those years have been getting yearly subscriptions. Each production has been 4 stars or better. However, the recent production of Pericles by RSC was less than desirable. Acting was 4 stars. Zero stars was the production. I usually like to sit near the stage on either side which I find very enjoyable. For the RSC production of Pericles, there are flood lights installed about 8 feet up that shine very often on the actors. This makes for a cool picture for a poster but causes trouble for those with sensitive eyes. In a dark theater pupils dilate and the positioning of the flood lights was such that the actors heads were adjacent to those flood lights. So looking at the actors' heads resulted in gazing into flood lights with dilated pupils which was discomforting to my eyes. Because of this wouldn't go again to Pericles and probably will not get annual subscriptions unless I'm certain that the flood lights are not positioned as they were for Pericles. read more

Every seat is a great seat at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre! Easy in, easy out with parking in the covered garage on the Navy Pier property. Great casual eateries in the food court with views of the boardwalk, downtown and lake. read more

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We've had multiple frustrating experiences with the box office and won't be back. Highly recommend others avoid this theater if they want to avoid being ripped off. For one ticket purchase, my wife explicitly requested tickets for the 7pm performance of Illinoise. The ticket agent confirmed this choice multiple times; however, upon reviewing the tickets the night before the show, we discovered an error. We were mistakenly booked for the 2pm show, which we were unable to attend due to our travel schedule until late afternoon. Attempts to rectify the situation by reaching out to the box office were unsuccessful, as their availability is limited to a few hours during the week. Additionally, our Bard card, purchased during a previous Christmas, presented another challenge. Despite initially resolving a malfunction by phone with the box office and being assured of the card's flexibility for future bookings, we were later informed that it was no longer valid when we attempted to use it for a new show. These issues have not only caused considerable inconvenience but also resulted in a financial loss of several hundred dollars. The box office is almost impossible to get ahold off (even their online messaging platform doesn't work/won't submit) and they apparently don't care about honoring commitments once they have your money. read more

The sets are fantastic. The seating is really cool, there's not a bad seat in the house. It's a bit on the smaller side when it comes to Chicago theatres. The staff has always been nothing but warm and helpful. Bit out of the way and annoying that it's on Navy Pier, but ultimately I've never had an issue with this place. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Marquee - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let me be honest. I'm not exactly a fan of Shakespeare, but I do get dragged here on occasion. While I can't deny my disinterest, I also can't deny that the productions and talent here have been pretty amazing. Even though the theatre name doesn't indicate it, there are other productions as well. I've even taken my kids here several times to more kid friendly productions over the years. It's perfect because there isn't a bad seat in the house. It's such an intimate theatre; they always feel they have a front row seat, so small people can still experience the magic of theatre. A huuuge added bonus is that there's a parking garage very conveniently attached to Navy Pier where this theatre is located. Chicago weather is sometimes fickle; although, half the year it's mostly predictable. -cold and wet. Being able to park right outside the doors without worrying about the elements is just one more reason to come here. read more

I've been coming here forever! It is truly amazing, and it's a shame it's within the often-frustrating tourist trap that is Navy Pier. At least this means that the views from its expansive, window-laden lobbies are amazing! There is not only Shakespeare here, so don't worry, though they present Shakespeare in expressive, interesting, relatable formats, perfect for a first-timer. My fifteenth birthday featured a musical parody of Romeo and Juliet, with a then-unknown Keegan-Michael Key and Nicole Parker! More recently, in addition to a black box (ish) theatre I'm not as familiar with, they built The Yard, a reconfigurable space that echoes the Globe itself, except a very modern version. I have seen two shows here, including the musical Six, and there isn't a bad seat in the house, even if you're short like me! To nitpick, I had to shift about an inch to the left to see past a pole, but it wasn't a huge inconvenience. It's not enough to remove a whole star. It's annoying to go to Navy Pier, but it's worth it to get cultured with an amazing view! If you haven't been yet, what are you waiting for? There are multiple shows on at a time, so no excuses :) read more

I highly recommend seeing a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. We saw The Kings Speech and the production was so well done! Afterward I recommend going out and walking along the pear and take in the Chicago skyline! read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The only reason for two stars is the theater and the seating are comfortable and would be remarkable if the show performed on stage was formidable and worthwhile. I walked out of the show - A Comedy of Errors within 35 minutes of the 730 pm start. As I looked around I saw numerous men falling asleep being driven into a corpse like state by the shrill yelling on stage and overly wordy dialogue performed in one note - boring and robotic. Overall, the venue is a 4 - 5 star facility but the show deserves one star at best for the actors who had to endure the duldrums of this fiasco called a Comedy of Errors aka A COMEDY OF BOREDOM. read more

Here is the main reason for my visit to Navy Pier, and that was to see today's performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast in their Courtyard Theater. In total they have 3 theaters that they can use, which includes the newer The Yard Theater that is just about the same space that Skyline Stage was, even through a little part of the building is left, the other theaters are Jenes Family Courtyard Theater, and the Carl and Marilyn Thoma Theater Upstairs. The cast is wonderful including Audrey Hare as Belle, Jason Michael Evans as Beast, and David Sajewich as Gaston. They have 2 girls that alternate the role of Chip, that at best, you can only see their face for the majority of the show. The show runs through August 20th, with performances on Wednesdays at 11 am, and Thursdays Thur Saturdays at 11 am and 2 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, this upcoming Sunday performance at 2 pm (August 6th) is sold out as I see on the website. And this is the theater with a thrust stage, that extends to the audience, and cast members are surrounded by the audienc. read more

The perfect venue for first-rate, Broadway-quality performances in the Midwest, consistently. I've been coming to shows here for almost two decades, and have never been disappointed no matter what's on -- in fact, I can't remember the last time I wasn't blown away. Two great things set this place apart: original shows and premieres are featured (not just Shakespeare!), and there isn't a bad seat in the house (great view from anywhere and excellent acoustics. Don't miss out if you haven't made this a priority when visiting Chicago. read more

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I don't have a photo from inside the theater but here is the view of the Chicago skyline from the lobby. Gorgeous mid-size on the smallish side theater so every seat as far as I could tell had a great view. Beautiful set and sound quality. Seats were small but comfortable. I felt like I was right there in the action in this theater-in-the- round setting. Seats were about $85 each and parking close to $30 which sadly limits my ability to return too often but highly recommend this theater for a show if you are in town and have the funds. Dinner at Tiny Tavern on the pier was fun before the show. It's close to theater and you can reserve online. Walk along the pier afterwards and catch fireworks in the summer if you are lucky. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The facility is located on Navy Pier there is tons of opportunity for all ages entertainment, dining and of course excellent views. The area is very touristy but access to downtown provides some relief from crowded food courts. There is a pub located within the theatre lobby great for pre/post show drinks. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We attended "Six" on a Tuesday evening in June and were so pleased by the whole experience. Location, location, location! Being on Navy Pier means that you get to enjoy the lake and skyline views before and after the play. It was sunny when it went in, dark when we came out so we got the best of both views. The theater itself is intimate and I don't believe there is a bad seat in the house. The staff were friendly and helpful and the seats were comfortable. Finally, the production definitely exceeded my expectations. It was short - 80 minutes - but so much fun. The performers and musicians were stellar and the production was clever and entertaining. Ticket prices were very reasonable and easy to get. I am so glad a friend recommended we attend Six at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. I'll definitely check to see what's playing next time I'm in Chicago. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It has obviously been a few years since my last update. During that span, back in May of 2011, I chose CST as the venue to propose to my wife. Afterwards, as luck would have it, we enjoyed one of the best productions in recent memory, The Madness of George III. Fast-forward to October 2013: the new "best production in recent memory" is now Cyrano de Bergerac. Not coincidentally, both plays combine the talents of lead actor Harry Groener and director Penny Metropulos. If you can, please go see Cyrano while it is still playing. It is eloquent, passionate, beautiful, and heartbreaking. Also, the elaborate set is one of the best at CST since Love's Labor's Lost. Other memorable highlights from the last several seasons include The School For Lies, Elizabeth Rex, and The Feast: An Intimate Tempest. One further note: I have come to find the draft beers in the pub more than adequate. I typically enjoy a Guinness before the show or at intermission, but they also offer more interesting selections which vary seasonally. And now they allow you to bring any libation into the theater as long as the cup has a lid. Thus, my wife and I can scratch our respective tea and beer itches at intermission without frantically chugging our drinks. Chicago Shakespeare Theater--still one of my very favorite spots in the city for culture, but now also my favorite place to get engaged. read more

I saw Macbeth here and this is one of the few accessible theaters in the city the performance was broadway quality with a very intimate and affordable vibe. The actors, especially the one playing macduff* sp?, made me feel like no other live actor has. I would give this playhouse 10,000 stars if I could. There were a lot of children in the audience and they opened up the stage to questions after the show. That's what theatre is all about, engaging the next generation of thespians, the perspectives and explanations of the cast was so brilliant I could visit here everyday and see something new and inspiring each time. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This review is only for The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater (200-seat black box) and not the Jentes Family Auditorium (500 seats). The facility is quite large and is approximately six flights of stairs tall. Thats how many flights of stairs you'd need to take to get to the Carl and Mrilynn Thoma Theater which is located upstairs. I'd recommend taking the elevator. The theater looked very intimate and I was impressed it could fit 200 people. The seats are raised up on each step so every person should have an unobstructed view of the stage. The bathrooms next to this theater were beautiful. It had floor to ceiling views of the lake! It reminded me of the bathrooms at the Hancock building. The theater seemed really new and clean. We were impressed! read more

Play on players! We have had tickets to the CST for the last few years. We've seen a lot of shows in that time, some that I've loved, others not so much. They put on great productions here at the CST at Navy Pier. The theatre has excellent acoustics so you don't miss a thing. Of course, with Shakespeare, you just might not get what they are talking about. Seats are comfy and sight lines are great. The design and costumes are top notch as well. We were just here over the weekend to see "The Taming of the Shrew" which was one of the more entertaining shows we have seen. It was a modern interpretation of the Bard's racy play and we had a blast. Special shout out for the John Holmes inspired codpieces the gents were sporting. That's why you are players. read more

A small theatre with tight seating but the ambience is electric and cosy. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the musical SIX. Please don't forget to validate parking since you save $5 at the Navy Pier garage. read more

This theatre keeps getting better and better. The newest addition, The Yard, is spectacular. read more

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Macbeth at The Yard, 2018. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been attending Chicago Shakespeare since they performed at the Red Lion on Lincoln, then Ruth Page, and now at Navy Pier. What Barbara Gaines and her Executive Director Criss Henderson have done with this company make them each Chicago crown jewels of our cultural life. What they have accomplished with this company is nothing short of impossible, and I am so glad I have been along for the ride all these years. And Shakespeare 400 Chicago looks like it is going to be simply amazing. Never been? You must see a Shakespeare play on the the Navy Pier thrust stage. Not a bad seat in the house. No joke. I prefer to sit in the 5th or 6th row of the main floor right in front of the stage, or in the first balcony just stage left or just stage right. The amenities here at Navy Pier are amazing, and the place has held up simply brilliantly since they opened there in 1999 with Anthony and Cleopatra. With this year being the 400th year since The Bard left this world, Chicago Shakespeare is pulling out all the stops with its Shakespeare 400 Chicago, featuring Shakespeare themed events around Chicago. The highlights of the year will be the 4 international performances, Measure for Measure, King Lear (it was brilliant), Sancho and Twelfth Night; The Complete Deaths in December, and the MUCH ANTICIPATED Tug of War plays, Part 1 Foreign Fire May to June, 2016, followed by Part 2 Civil Strife September and October, 2016. And these are just the highlights. I, Malvolio, The Winter's Tale and Free Shakespeare Twelfth Night in Chicago parks this summer will no doubt all be brilliant. So what are you waiting for? And if you are under 35, you can get tickets cheap. If you are over 35, pony up for a fine night of theater and come see what the excellence is all about. This place isn't considered America's finest Shakespeare house for no reason. Brilliance happens on this stage. Be part of it. read more

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