I've long been a fan of the Goodman, and though I used to be a semi-regular, I've only been here once since the pandemic. Until today! Somehow, I learned about a children's production presented through their educational wing. I'm not sure if their education & engagement was this strong in years past or perhaps I simply wasn't dialed into their offerings, but that's definitely changing now. We went to see Splish Splash. This was a 50 minute long story about a blue heron and friends who are seeking to repair the moon after it fell into Lake Michigan. There were songs, there was play, and it was highly interactive. The kids--fellow "sailors", along with three of the cast members--learned a song to sing along at various parts of the show. There were several times when the kids were invited onto the "stage" (it was in one of their lab/classroom spaces, so there wasn't a raised stage) to help or participate. It was so well done, and kept the kids engaged. I really loved how this experience was designed. Upon arrival we were checked in and pointed to one of the classroom spaces. I was surprised because I wasn't sure how actors could be safe there, but it was actually a room for the kids to color and read books or play with toys and stuff before we were taken into the room where the performance took place. I've only seen something that was meant to keep kids busy like that before showtime is at Filament Theatre, and we've gone to kids shows at two or three other theaters by now. It was a great touch. This production was specifically geared toward children aged 0-5, which is atypical and felt so special that it was written with the littlest theatergoers. One of the important pre-show reminders was for adults, reminding us that it's a no-shush zone! I'm so excited that one of the most important theaters in the city, and the oldest non-profit theater still in operation in Chicago, is so committed to developing young audiences in an exciting way and meeting them where they're at. We'll be regulars at their Theatre for the Very Young programs. read more

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Beautiful theatre!!! Excellent production! I loved seeing "Ashland Avenue". So humorous and poignant too. Such a historic place. This is their 100th season!!! Wow!!! Definitely one of the most famous theatres in Chicago and known for stellar productions. Multi level theatre that accommodates large audiences. It was sold out on a Wednesday night. I love to see that! Very spacious and pristine venue. Lovely gift shop too. Plenty of refreshments. Friendly and helpful staff. I'll definitely be back! read more

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The theatre is beautiful, modern yet classic. No bad seats, main floor is nicely inclined. Warning, 1st 5 rows requires a lot of stepping over others, no center aisle. Saved a ton on parking directly across street. read more

Goodman Theatre - Main fl Row L. Doesn't get any better! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What an exceptional performance! Hands down, a true display of talent from the cast. I haven't laughed this hard or loud in a while and I needed to so bad. The theater itself is a beautiful space housing many different theaters.Tonight's performance was in the Owen theater, complete with two levels and a balcony. Our main floor seats were perfect; great view of the stage. The line for the restroom was surprisingly short in comparison to the line for the bar. They did have Fat Ham themed drinks but ran out. We opted for a mock-tail instead. It was good but not great. I can see why this play was extended twice. No spoilers here. Many heartfelt surprises and very entertaining. Of all days to forget my phone, today would be that day. Lol. Thanks for the pictures bestie. read more

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Wow! What an amazing and historic venue. My best friend was in town and we were staying downtown for a concert, and ended up with a free night and no plans. We have previously loved seeing shows in New York and looked up what plays or shows we could see here. We saw that BUST was playing at the Goodman and immediately grabbed box seat tickets. We walked to the theatre from our hotel, and it was easy to get to. There is a parking garage across the street and street parking as well for anyone driving. The lobby inside is beautiful, there are bars to buy drinks and some merch available. Staff were so friendly and helpful. We arrived just about time for doors so we didn't have to wait long and found our seats. This theatre is INCREDIBLE. The audio quality was stellar, we were in box seats and everything sounded so clear and crisp, the audio effects were perfect and impactful and high quality. The stage was so impressive with sliding "rooms" on a track or something which allowed for set changes that were so smooth and so fast, dynamically changing your experience from scene to scene. It seems the costuming budget is very high and the show did a great job with it. My biggest gripe - and you'll see I didn't take any stars off because there is a lack of control in some capacity as to what individual people do - was that SEVERAL cell phones went off during the show despite clear requests to silence them from the speakers. Phones rang. Alarms went off. People were just openly texting with their brightness all the way up. If you can't sit through a 90 minute show WITH an intermission, please don't come to a play. I'm not sure what the venue can do to police whole adults that should know better and respect the art of theatre, but the cell phone usage in my show was significantly worse than any other show I've been to in any theatre, anywhere. Otherwise, this was an amazing experience, I have raved about this show since we walked out the doors after seeing it, and loved the Goodman theatre. I will definitely be back to see future shows here and am so excited to do so. read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The Goodman theatre is a great Chicago institution. It's a classic theatre with great traditions, like their annual play series and Christmas Carol every year. I have been here many times, most recently to see Ashland Avenue. The theatre is small enough that the view is great anywhere (photo included is from third to last row of the balcony and view was still great.) The only issue is sometimes, their mic and sound quality is not the best and it can be hard to hear certain actors throughout a production. read more

Goodman Theatre - Row HH, aisle 7 - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow loved this theatre so much. Needed some holiday cheer so we got tickets to see A Christmas Carol in the Albert Theatre. Such a great decision. Most of the shows had single seats if anything, so we didn't sit together but we sat within two rows. Really, there aren't any bad seats. We were in the back of the mezzanine and felt like it was a solid experience. Sets were so fun and cool. They roll on and off stage so seamlessly. Acting was outstanding. Loved the color-blind approach to casting. Served us a culturally interesting cast experience that allows the best of the best to perform without rigid expectations about race or skin color relative to roles. Seats were comfy and the temp in the theatre was just right. At intermission you could get some drinks or gifts in the lobby. The show ran about 2.25 hours and was so well done. Cant say enough good about it all. read more

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We bought a membership or subscription and we've gone to about three plays there recently and the acting is very good. The theater is beautiful and they have coffee at the break which I love. read more

The Goodman Theatre itself is still fine (clean, decently managed, etc.), but the quality of their plays has vastly declined. Saw "Ma Rainey" recently at this theatre, and it was a terrible play. We were very disappointed about all the unnecessary vulgar language and blasphemies. The acting and music was mediocre at best. And the plot was tedious and boring. Half the play barely had the main character in it, and not sure why someone thought it would be comedic to make fun of a young man with a speech impediment. If this is the type of programming GT is putting on now, we will never go back. read more

The staff were helpful and it was very organized. Someone mentioned it's chilly inside the theater....we received an email prior letting us know they keep it cool for the actors and to bring a sweater. Personally I didn't find it too cold. We saw Ashland Avenue and the play was great as well as the actors in the show! read more

Box seats for the win. We've really enjoyed the shows at the Goodman. Yesterday's matinee was Inherit The Wind. It was excellent. The production, scenery, costumes, sound and acting were all well done. The season package of plays to the theatre was a good discount. The plays have been a lot of fun. Matinees work perfectly for these old timers and we're off to the early bird dinner date night and hopefully, a good night for a good man. Hey now! read more

Goodman Theatre - Boxy boys - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was my first time at the Goodman theater. I went to go see a Christmas Carol. The theater looks really nice and modern. I went to go check in my coats and to my surprise coat check-in was complementary. And right in front of the coach check in they have the concession stand or you can buy a drink drinks, candy, and popcorn. They also had a little gift shop where you can buy T-shirts, mugs, and Christmas ornaments. read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We attended a performance of "A Christmas Carol" this December in the Goodman Theatre on State Street. Our seats were on the main level, and our party took up an entire row. The line of sight was great, the sound system was nice (some thundering crashes caused us jump scares), and the moveable sets were impressive. All-in-all, quite a nice show, although I was not a fan of some of the revised costumes from the tried and true. The cast was very talented and Christopher Donahue as Scrooge was delightful, quite a crusty old humbug and then quite silly and youthful after he takes the yuletide message to heart. Very nice women's bathroom with ample facilities. read more

Just the right size of theater to enjoy an intimate play. My second show at this not-for-profit theater. Parking across the street couldn't be easier ( but don't forget to get your parking ticket validated). read more

Goodman Theatre - The Goodman - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to see the play Holiday. it was so woke. We ended up walking out. Everything was f this and f that. what a shame. A great story and a great movie and they completely desecrated and ruined it. Don't waste your money. Beyond everything else, the acting was subpar for the Goodman. read more

The Goodman Theatre is such a beautiful theatre in downtown Chicago. It is a little bit smaller than the other theatres, but I loved how cozy, yet ornate it felt. I saw Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil here and really enjoyed my experience from start to finish. The ushers were very helpful and the bar staff were friendly. The bathrooms were well stocked and very clean. The seating was also very comfortable. Overall, I had a great experience here and wouldn't hesitate to come back for another show. read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a well performed A Christmas Carol this production was!!! The sets designs were wonderful, and production values were top notch. The actors were exceptional, and I have to say that this was the best version of this play that I have ever seen. The theater itself has an intimate feel, and it was easy to imagine oneself in Dickensian England. read more

We came here to see The WHO's Tommy and it was my first visit to this theatre. It's a smaller theatre, with its main Albert Theatre having a capacity of 850. Goodman also has a smaller Owen Theatre with a seating capacity of 400. The Albert Theatre has excellent sight lines but we were on the main floor and that certainly didn't hurt. I think the balcony would have been ok also but I'm not sure about the possibly obstructed view from the steep angled boxes at the side of the stage. In any event, I really enjoyed the production and knew I would because I was pretty familiar with the music of Tommy from the olden days and the musical was a reminiscent experience. It was also a new experience though to see the music brought to life on the stage and in a modern retake. It's hard to believe that the cool and creative genius of The WHO, Peter Townshend, wrote the music 55 years ago at the age of 23. BTW, the Goodman is connected directly to Petterino's so that is very convenient for a before or after restaurant visit, and there's a post-show discount for Goodman Theatre goers. Parking is also very convenient with the 12 floor theatre parking lot right across Dearborn at 181 N. A big thumbs up for the Goodman and thank you for hosting a most delightful outing! read more

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I love the location of the theater; it's within walking distance from so many different restaurants. The Joe Turner play that we saw was very weird, but the actual venue is nice. There's not a bad seat in the place. There is ample staff showing you how to get to your seat. The drinks are overpriced. read more

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This was my second visit to the Goodman. We bought our tickets the night before the show on TodayTix for 50% off. There was also an option for rush tickets, so check the app. We didn't know where our seats were be, but they were on the 5th row! This cast is on par with the cast I saw perform on Broadway several years ago. Love this theater and I don't think there's a bad seat in the house. The run has been extended, so grab tickets ASAP and see this excellent performance. read more

Goodman Theatre - Set and playbill - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Saw the matinee Ashland Avenue which was great and the venue was nice but the temperature of the theater was way too cold. It interfered with the experience read more

Generally the theater is nice and some of the shows I've seen, like Goodnight, Oscar, have been very good. Today, however, my handicapped parents were almost hit with closing elevator doors. Apparently there is no sensor and the doors to the elevator will close on you if you don't move quickly enough while entering the elevator. My parents were using a walker, and are slow, and the door began closing. I had to use my arms and legs to stop it from closing on my mom. Worse, when I told the afternoon manager about this, she did not apologize and told me that there's a beeping before the door closes - implying my 88 year old mother should have moved faster with her walker. Really bad experience. read more

I've enjoyed events here multiple times. This last time I went to see Nacirema Society, a Pearl Cleage play. It was such an amazing production. I applaud the cast for the amount of dialogue it required to recite, so many lines and performed with such ease, skill and humor. I was also amazed at the set design and how realistic it was of the time in which it imagined. The costumes were also amazingly classy and perfectly-defined for that era. It was a long production, 3 hours long, and late at that. So, I would consider an earlier showtime for a long show, such as this one, or any in the future. read more

Goodman Theatre - Nacirema Society - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My favorite theater!! I'm sorry, theatre!! I've seen so many plays here, all so good. I do have a review about their season tickets process, but single play tickets have not been an issue since then. Most recently A Christmas Carol, oops a little scary for my 7yo son. But still a fun experience. The staff is so nice, everything is very organized. I loved that they had a deaf actor and adapted his scenes to him. Also snacks and drinks are not too over priced. Our tickets were kind of expensive but well worth the price and included a parking spot! Not sure if that was accidental or was supposed to be $20 but it was free for us! Anyway can't wait to come back for another play!! read more

Historical theater as Mr Goodman was the creator of this theater but unfortunately died of the flu in 1918 at age 35. The theater has 2 levels and has a historial and vintage feel to it with velvet seats and wooden arm rests. Seats were comfortable. Bathroom is large enough to accommodate many people which is really just an issue for women. We saw The WhosTommy musical here in Chicago which is on Dearborn and Lake streets - central location accessible by CTA train easily within about 3-4 blócks. Seats were sold out for the 2 hour show. Drinks and cookies and memorabilia available outside during intermission and before and after. The theater is clean. Overall a good place to watch shows. read more

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I think this may have been my first time at the Goodman Theater. I love that it's close to my work and I can catch a show easily during the week. I also love that it is so close to so many dining options to also grab dinner. The theater is beautiful; the lobby got a big crowded and a little chaotic before the show as people were getting in line to get tickets, go to the restroom, get drinks but it's very typical of a theater Lobby. The seats are comfortable, which I was a bit surprised by. The show was great and I really appreciated it the valet parking option. The only thing that I didn't love was that three people said directly behind us and they bought in outside snacks. The bags constantly being handled made a lot of noise and was very distracting. Luckily, there was an empty seat that I was able to grab to get away from that. It would be nice if the theater made a rule about bringing in things like that. But overall, a great experience and I look forward to finding the next show that I can go to after work. read more

Goodman Theatre - The Goodman at night - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I just love this theatre!!! I've been in love with it's charm and history for over 20 years. We go see A Christmas Carol every year around Christmas. It's an awesome venue. Love it!!! read more

Goodman Theatre - Theatre lobby... - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We sat front row in the Owen theatre to see The Matchbox Magic Flute. Loved the intimate and comfortable seating. Since Owen theatre is smaller, any seat would have a good view to the stage. Plenty of beverage and snacks in the lobby. Parking is right across the street and dining options like Petterino's are nearby. read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They nickel and dime subscribers who have to change tickets because of a family emergency. It's rude. And now I wish I had just not shown up today. I rescheduled my tickets for Saint Patricks Day - when I'm sure they are not going to be at all sold out, and I had to pay over $50 extra because there are no other preview performances I can switch to. I was so looking forward to the show, and now I don't even want to see it. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth on top of everything else I'm dealing with today. I believe in hospitality, and in my decades long experience with the Goodman, they've never understood how that works. Good theatre? Yes. Usually. Inclusive and cutting edge? They try. Good customer service? Nope. read more

As always; I've Never disappointed nor feeling cheated. This performance was great. Great staff. Thy were gracious enough to accommodate me. Therefore; the accommodations made the experience even better. read more

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Get your flu shot! After Chicago playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman died in the Great Influenza Pandemic in 1918, his parents donated a quarter of a million dollars to establish a theater company and school of drama as a tribute to their son. The original theater was plagued by poor acoustics and limited space for scenery and special effects. That space is now occupied by the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2000, the theater was relocated to its current location and modern building on Dearborn in the heart of the theater district. Check out Hot Tix Chicago for $20 tickets. read more

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Well, besides the fact I just saw the rock opera "Tommy" for the third time: #1). San Francisco, Cow Palace 1973 #2). New York, Broadway 1993 #3). Chicago, yesterday Yesterday's was by far the best rendition of this show, and the Goodman Theatre was a joy to be at. This "House" ran like a well oiled machine! First off The Goodman Theater was visually beautiful. Everything was either super high tech or old world charming. This mixture works well. The acoustics were sensational. My hearing sucks (thank you Led Zeppelin) and I heard every iteration coming from the stage. This was a rare treat for me and I truly enjoyed it. Everything else you can possibly think of, just worked: Bathrooms, Bar, Lounges, access to elevators or stairs, crowd control - all great. As for the main event, "Tommy", it was sensational. I don't know how much that has to do with The Goodman Theater, but the whole arrangement and organization of this spectacle was more than impressive. Also, only being 1.5 miles away from where I live, the walk here and back was stunning! read more

Located near Randolph and Dearborn, this beautiful theater has easy access to/from Petterinos, a nearby Italian restaurant. Yesterday's performance was Rust, a new play which I thought was very entertaining. It was about the interesting commentary of Mexican family life with machismo, love, and how women were treated. But there was hope that each generation may make progress of become better toward family or maybe it shows how opposite children are to their parents. There were phrases in Mexican that some may not understand but it added atmosphere. It was funny that Burger King was mentioned several times. It's true that some immigrants think that fast food that may not be prevelant in their home countries is a luxury and healthy privilege but it is not. Also Americans appear preoccupied with green grass on the lawns. Some staff had masks. Masks were not mandatory. I wore one because there were a few people in audience coughing. read more

Goodman Theatre - Christmas tree decorations in the lobby - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Goodman has great sight lines and acoustics. I've yet to be disappointed in their staging. "The Ripple,the Wave That Carried Me Home" was powerful. The playwright is eloquent and captivating and the acting lived up to the words. The lead actress was phenomenal! If you have the opportunity, see this! read more

Goodman Theatre - The Ripple, The Wave that Carried Me Home stage set - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Saw a Gem of the ocean. Lovely theater. Nice venue. Concession stands are closed so I'm not happy about that but definitely understand given Covid read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One more week to catch 'Twilight Bowl'! Hurry! The open seating is either really cool or lazy on their part. You still pay separately for Mezzanine, Balcony or Main Floor but there are no row/seat assignments. I also like the 'try before you buy' situation where you can see a play in progress for free with the New Stages program! I saw this in the 'production' phase. I always like Gilman's material anyway. It features ALL women, no men, and not a bunch of women talking about men either. Some very adult content though. We had time to get a cocktail before the show and were able to take it in with a cup/lid combo. Can't be too careful I guess. read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is an excellent theatre in Loop. I guess we were not in the main hall, so I would be happy to visit the theatre again.

I've never been here for a play, but my sister and I stopped by for their costume/prop sale. It was well organized and the staff was really helpful, and it was so cool to see all the stage gear up close and personal. read more

Beautiful building with amazing staffs. It also has a writers program to promote local playwrights and all things theater. The Owen theater focuses on new and contemporary plays, while the main theater has more traditional programming. I'm inspired every time I visit. read more

Beautiful theatre, easy to get to, and always enjoy their productions! Definitely recommend.