Great selection of shows, and I have enjoyed every single performance here - the actors are fabulous. You cannot go wrong with any of the seats; all provide a good view of the stage. The theatre is cozy and on the smaller side, which provides an intimate experience. read more

It's an old community theater with a small foyer, old seats, and simple stage. I watched Iliad here and that production quality was superb.

I was kicking myself for saying yes last night's Falsetto theater production since Hyde Park isn't an easy trek from my house. It was the last night of Thanksgiving break, which made it tough to get away. While not easy, I'm so happy I said yes because the show was beyond amazing. Falsettos is here thru 12/15 so if you have a chance to see it I highly recommend! Beyond the actual show this is an adorable, intimate theater. We had amazing seats right up front, but I don't think there's a bad seat in the house. It was also super easy to find parking in the garage right outside, which sure beats all the downtown show locations where I find myself on the hunt for good parking. The only negative was the proximity from the North Shore, but that's my problem for living so far from this adorable theater with amazing shows like Falsettos! read more

The Court Theatre's rendition of "A Raisin in the Sun" in Chicago was fantastic. The performance was fantastic in the end, even though the first exposition seemed a little slow. The performance of J. Nicole Brooks as Mrs. Johnson, who is sometimes left out of other productions, was a standout moment. Her unique rendition and humorous timing gave the well-known tale a welcome new perspective. However, unfortunately, the woman assisting guest to their seats was extremely rude and for that reason I am giving a four star. read more

Court is one of the best theatre companies in the city. It's easily up there with the likes of Goodman and Steppenwolf. It's on the campus of the University of Chicago, and it's great that not all the good theatre options are concentrated on the north side. I have seen many shows here. I've been here as an average patron, and I've been here as a volunteer usher; I've seen preview performances and shows that were nearing the end of their run. All are incredibly acted, with high-quality performers and technical staff. You might see plays here that you may not like as much (for me that might be Porgy and Bess, where all the actors were in white and there was basically no set, or Native Son, though I don't always love adaptations from books), or that completely bowl you over (Jitney; Proof; Skylight, amongst others). Sightlines are great, and the seats are comfortable. The lobby is pretty tight, but on days where the weather is nice patrons can spill out into the courtyard. Parking is good. And free, a rarity in Chicago! There are a few spaces in the lot for the theatre, a couple of which are accessible spots. Your best bet will be to either find street parking or park in the garage just north of the theatre. The staff here are great. As I mentioned I've been a volunteer usher here a few times and the house manager, Matt, is an amazing human, both in his interactions with the ushers and when I've seen him/interacted with him as a regular patron. If you consider yourself a lover of the theatre and haven't been to Court, you've made a major misstep that should be corrected as soon as possible. read more

It really is a shame I don't get to this theater very often, especially since it's right in my back yard. The productions here are just as good as what you see in the Loop, West Loop, and North Side (way to go Aesha, I agree with you re Goodman and Steppenwolf). I love the Broadway in Chicago program but it's nice to support the more 'intimate' spaces. I am sure the Special TONY award they received has garnered more sales and attention. This is THE Place for August Wilson fans, but I really like how they cast people of color in more 'traditional' roles. How innovative! We saw 'Arsenic and Old Lace', with a mixed race cast, but if anything that ADDED to the fascination! The actors were awesome, and I admit I was not familiar with the plot at all, so I can't tell if this was a good or bad production. We did not order drinks, but I like that guests can order in advance and pick up during intermission. Masks were required inside, and I like that. I wish the lobby was a little bigger, but otherwise this is a great space and area to get your culture on! read more

I have seen many shows at the Court Theatre. The space is great and provides an intimate experience. There's really no bad seat in the house! The most recent show that I witnessed, Radio Golf, was excellent!!! The ensemble really synced and the message was soooo relevant to today. The ushers, managers, and box office provide a supportive experience. It's also nice to see ample UofC security patrolling outside. The convenience of either parking on the street or in the garage work great. Just make sure you give yourself enough time. One of the great services for intermission is the beverage pre-order. You can prepay, avoid the line, and your beverage is ready when you step out. That's a smart way to reduce the wait, particular in the small space. read more

I visited this theater today on a rainy Sunday Today production was For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange also the cinema debut was directed by Tyler Perry a few years ago My daughter also recited a passage during a Black History program so I'm very familiar with this body of work My friend and arrived very early because email notifications suggested early arrival Tickets purchased online have to picked up 30 mins prior to showtime Free parking is available a few doors down in enclosed parking garage which is awesome The play is poetry, thought provoking and soul stirring literature In your face self evaluation about how woman of color would take abuse and disrespect just to loved That's all I will say not to spoil it but this ensemble of black and brown women only reference in the program by the color dress they were wearing I love the harmonies the sister love in which I connect with I'm in my own journey to find honest non fake and non superficial jealous hearted female friends its rough But the play made my faith be a little restored that sisterhood of friends existed The cast got so wrap up they all cried real tears I got chills Amazingly read more

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I live in St. Louis and have been to the Court Theatre twice. The first time was to see "Porgy and Bess" in 2011, and the most recent time was last week to see August Wilson's "Radio Golf". I will say that the interpretation of Porgy and Bess was interesting as all of the characters were dressed in white and there was no backdrop/set. It was very open, and had a minimalist approach. Still, the acting and singing was good. Radio Golf was excellent! The staging, acting, costuming, and set design was really well done. The price of the tickets also wasn't bad (I paid about $38 for a front row seat at the preview performance). I really enjoyed it and it was well worth the time, cost, and effort of making the trip! I really like the Court Theatre in that it's intimate and it seems like its directors have freedom to create pieces of theater in various formats. I also commend Court for including cultural diverse theater productions. I'd definitely return! read more

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The venue is small but not stark, with great views of the stage. Seating is comfortable and nicely sloped so that your view is uninterrupted by those sitting in front of you. Lighting and sound were excellent when I was there. Saw the play "Stokely The Unfinished Revolution" and it was great. The place is intimate enough that during the post-play discussion I could hear all the audience questions directed towards the stage, and the answers given, without anyone using microphones (and my hearing isn't the best). Would recommend. read more

It was a very nice theater ,the staff was friendly and I love the music that was playing before the play started. read more

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I saw Tartuffe over the summer and loved the experience. First of all the theatre is super easy to get to from the southside and the parking is great, which are two big bonuses for me. I love the outside of the theatre since it has some seating if you're early and would like to sit outside, and the grounds are beautiful if you'd like to walk around. The actually theatre is cozy without feeling like you're on top of the person next to you and I like that it is kept fairly cool in there. Another big bonus is the pricing of the tickets especially for college students. It's very affordable. For me, there are only two negative to this theatre. In the lobby there is a strong mold/mildew smell, which bothers me since I have allergies, although once inside the theatre that smell goes away. Also it's difficult to use the bathrooms during intermission or immediately after the play because the men and women's bathroom is down a small hallway. It gets really congested. Tip: if you're a student you can get tickets as low as $10 if you go to the box office when it opens (an hour before the performance starts) for day of show tickets. read more

Court Theatre - Stage set up for Tartuffe. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here for "Caroline or Change". Outstanding cast, especially for a blackbox theater of this size. Reasonable ticket prices, free parking. I checked out the season's offerings, and I am coming back in the spring! read more

I was really blah on my visit, but I admit I had too-high of expectations after hearing about the show and seeing the reviews of Yelpers. This is a cool theater space that's professional and offers good views no matter your seats. The lobby and bathroom areas are super drab, reminding me of my childhood community center. My issue here is with the clientele. I think we were the only folks under 60 at this performance. The people behind us were talking to each other throughout the show (hilariously they were wondering to each other if these online support group chatrooms as featured in the show actually happened in real life. LOL). Another woman was resting her feet on top of the seat in front of her (this is during a slushy, snowy winter where crap from your shoes gets tracked everywhere). I found it in poor taste. It's also just a weird group of people--like the older woman un-ironically sporting a beret. The regular-priced tickets seem ridiculously priced for the performance I saw. Thankfully I only paid $25 because it was a preview. But really, for $45 per person, there's other, better performances to be seen. read more

Came here just the other night with a friend to see The Piano Lesson. It was a great, great show, and the theater itself was intimate and pleasant. We had seats right in Row C, but the theater setup and size makes any seat a good one. Maybe this was heavily affected by the production itself, but I am a big fan of the audience having been quite diverse. It's a bit of a long and complex trip down from Evanston on the Purple, Red, and Green lines and then the 55 bus, but I certainly wouldn't mind seeing a show here again. read more

One of the few "no miss" theaters in the city, everything done with high production values, top notch technique, and great works, with an emphasis on more modern and adventuresome programming. Only minus is the difficulty getting there, but there are a couple bus lines from downtown that accommodate on the weekends. Been to several shows here and just got season tickets this year (in anticipation of Angels!). Small intimate space, no bad seat really. read more

Was invited by a friend who has Season tickets to watch Agamemnon. Througly enjoyed the excellent performance although the subject wasnt like my typical theatre choices. The lead characters were astounding, special mention for Sandra Marquez for her role as Clytemnestra, very powerful portrayal. Its a decent size theatre with regulars in the neighbourhood, not to forget the free parking as an added bonus. read more

Three Tall Women was the 4th play i have seen at Court Theatre... i just love the quality of production they consistently put out Great artistic direction, easy access from downtown, plenty of free parking for the show I've got to come here even more often!!! What a gem!! read more

I saw Wait Until Dark at the Court Theatre earlier this year. Phenomenal. I can't imagine this play on a larger stage. It worked so well in that intimate setting-- the lighting, the focus, the view. This is a great place to become immersed in a performance. Every seat is a good seat, and the crowd seems to be people truly interested in plays-- not the obnoxious field trip kids or Wicked fans (ok I enjoyed it too). My only issue is with the location. It's south of the city in an area that can feel a little creepy at night. Ideally, you want a theatre with a few nice dinner options in walking distance. With the Court, you kind of just want to see your show and leave. Fast. read more

GREAT PLACE! Intimate ambiance, medium/smallish and every seat was good. Plays are always of high quality. Discount for UC students is a huge plus too! read more

I came here for a play last week. The theater is small and cozy, with about 200 seats, give or take. There seem to be no bad seats in the house, either. The cast for the play we saw (Caroline, or Change) was excellent and I have heard from other people that Court Theatre tends to get quality, talented actors for their plays. Pretty easy to get to and also has free parking. Tickets are pretty inexpensive too. I'll definitely be back. read more

I have only been here once - but the show was one of the best i have ever seen. Technically, the Court Theater is a College Theater, but like most other things at UC, it takes it to the next step. The theater itself is small (maybe 150 seats) and it is located in the middle of Hyde Park, Chicago. The production quality is way beyond what you would find at a normal college and the prices are very affordable. When i was there i saw Guy's n Dolls (which i have seen many times before - but it was second only to Sanatra and Brando). read more

Interesting theather company does five plays per season. The focus is on classics, either antique or modern, combined with chamber versions of musicals and a few miscellaneous shows. Production quality is very high and they have some first rate actors. I have been subscribing for about seven years though I stopped next season to take a break. As other reviewer mentioned, the intimate theater-in-the-semi-round offers excellent visibility and sound from all seats. Free parking at structure next door at times when U. of C. does not have classes. read more

Spunk was awesome.Very moving, real. Fantastic cast with beautiful voices. There is no bad seat in the house.I look forward to seeing Invisible Man on this stage.I went home smiling! read more

An outstanding pillar of the Chicago theatre community. Incredible relevant productions of plays new and old (their mission is specific to their classics which are superb). read more

Good. I saw all the productions they put on for the 2006-2007 season. The Rasin musical was especially good. They get great actors that both are just starting out and ones who have been in the buisness for a while. The lobby is small though like alot of neighborhood chicago theaters so it's not really a good mingling spot pre-mid and post shows. read more

I recently saw A Comedy of Errors at the Court Theater and was completely blown away by the experience. I had been expecting a mundane subpar production and was thrilled by an incredibly adapted, well acted, and wonderfully staged production! The house seating is equitable in all corners of the theater; the director was very sensitive in his staging to ensure that each seat was a great seat. The actors were all great comedic talents. As for the stage, props, and costuming, I was really surprised by the high quality. This particular production had 6 actors playing 24 characters; there were no flubbed lines, no costume change mistakes, and no wrong entrances. Overall, it was a very professional and enjoyable production. I can't wait to go back! read more

Court Theatre is my favorite theatre to see canonical plays in the city. An Equity house, production value is at the top of range. Free parking in the lot and the garage. With the strong partnership with the adjacent university, high-brow theatre with an intellectualism and attention to detail is prevalent. A must-go-to theatre. read more

I've been going to the Court for years. My parents had a subscription when I was in high school and I don't think I really appreciated the quality of their productions until I started seeing plays elsewhere. Now that I'm at U of C for grad school, I try to see all of their plays. U of C students take note -- student pricing is JUST $10. And you can get free tickets for Wed / Thur performances (limited availability, though I've never had trouble scooping these up). Really, if you're a U of C student, there is no reason you shouldn't be taking advantage of this amazing resource. read more

Really great theatre, but every show has cell phones going off at least twice. Really ruins a good play. Every other theatre has managed to control this problem by making an announcement. Not sure why they won't. read more

fun theatre company with great performances from the community and college students. There are readings here as well. The subscription price is affordable and there isn't a bad seat in the house. It is a small and cozy theatre group! read more

I thought Court Theater did a great job with "The Hard Problem". It was very entertaining and informative. The actors did a good job and the staging was very inventive. I would highly recommend it. read more

I loved my experience with this theater. Parking is free thanks to the parking structure that's right next to the playhouse. The theater is located in the University of Chicago campus so the streets are clean and the architecture is fun to walk about. And the building itself is big enough to be able to put on a musical, we saw Porgy and Bess, but small enough that it's still an intimate viewing experience. I saw that one of the reviews said that the location is kind of creepy and there's no where to eat in walking distance but I actually have to disagree. My wife and I walked about ten minutes from the theater through the U of C campus to the restaurant Medici on 57th and the walk was well lit, populated by plenty of students, and I actually saw two cop cars doing some patrols. It's close to food and I had no feelings whatsoever that bad guys were gonna get me. The quality of the production was excellent. I was a bit skeptical because it was located on the southside but I was a fool. The show and all its elements were superb and I will for certain be paying attention to what is next in their upcoming season. The cherry on top was the great staff that managed the house. Very professional and passionate about their theater. They really cared and wanted to make sure that their patrons had a great experience. Mission accomplished. read more

WOW! No matter what I see at this theatre I am blown away! The quality of art is amazing. This is smart theatre. It is dynamic and exciting. For anyone looking for a great theatrical experience for yourself or your family, this is the best value in town! You will always remember your time at Court. read more

Wonderful theater! I've seen Angels in America (Part 1 & 2), Jitney, and Tartuffe all in this space. The theater space is very intimate, they have a diverse crowd, they have an amazing season each year. If you drive, you can use the free parking next to the theater, there is a Seven Ten sports bar at 55th, if you want something to eat. I think that the area is safe due to it being on the University of Chicago campus. I really love their work! read more