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    Goodman Theatre

    4.2 (234 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 5:00 PM

    Goodman Theatre Photos

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    Reviews With Photos

    Beautiful lighted sign
    Lisa P.

    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.

    Taylor J.

    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.

    Row HH, aisle 7
    Claire W.

    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.

    A Christmas Carol
    Patrick S.

    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.

    Boxy boys
    Dan G.

    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!

    Agustin Z.

    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.

    The Goodman
    MaryAnn B.

    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).

    Kate W.

    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.

    7-06-2023 matinee.
    Howard L.

    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!

    Outside sign
    Ayana H.

    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.

    Set and playbill
    Jessica A.

    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.

    Nacirema Society

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    3 years ago

    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.

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    3 years ago

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

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    Ask the Community - Goodman Theatre

    Looking for opinions on whether to sit in Lower Box 8 seats or in Main Floor seats? Which has the better view/experience? I've heard there really are no bad seats in the Goodman.

    You can call the box office for the Goodman Theatre and ask them yourself, not really a bad seat in the house, in less you don't want to sit to close to the stage, or if you have a fear of heights any of the boxes that are higher up, or the… Read more

    Dining near Goodman recommendations?

    Petterino's has classic Italian and knows how to get you out in time for the show! The Dearborn, kitty corner to Petterino's is excellent American fare

    Do they sell any discounted tickets at the last minute if a show is not sold out?

    I don't know if they do this on other shows, however a friend got her tickets an hour before show and paid same price I did.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Goodman Theatre

    This is his 10th performance as Scrooge and it's 40th anniversary of The Christmas Carol at Goodman's.

    Mentioned in 63 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    05/12/26 - My wife & I went The Cadillac Theater to see Les Miserables. The show was inside…read moreCadillac Palace. This was the first time I have been inside this theater. We were seated on the balcony in the third row so we had a pretty good view of the stage. The Cadillac Theater is a beautiful theater located @ 151 W Randolph Street. There's is a parking garage 1/2 block down on Wells where there is a discounted rate for theater goers from 6pm - 11pm during the show. There's Cadillac Theater opened in 1926. It's a beautiful theater w/2300 seat venue supposedly modeled after The Palace of Versailles. I say supposedly because I've been there and I don't see the similarities. That being said the Cadillac theater is a beautiful theater. The seating is spread out so all of the seats have a good view of the stage. The theater is beautiful, the staging for the musical Les Miserable was very impressive w/the props & stage items changing seamlessly. Couple this w/an excellent performance & it was a very enjoyable evening

    Although the actual performance and show were great, what a horrible staff that works here (sans 1…read moreperson who actually helped). When we first arrived, upon checking our tickets, our tickets wouldn't scan/verify. The usher was getting frustrated with us for this, and made us go to the ticket booth to get our physical tickets. We showed the person the tickets on our phone, and she printed them out for us -- after several rounds of confusion on her part. She was so soft spoken (in a noisy theatre entrance) that it led to much confusion. After this, we had to "cut" back into the entrance line (the security guard was helpful here) and we got thru the gates, finally. Then this usher/ticket checker who scanned our tickets (the 2nd time) was literally yelling at us on which direction to go (not a yelling as in being loud, but yelling like we were stupid). I go the way he yells at me because he won't stop yelling at me to go the direction he points me in -- which is the wrong direction. We had orchestra seats and were headed there, but this usher/ticket checker was yelling at us to go up the stairs. Fine, maybe I'm wrong. We get upstairs, and the 2nd usher again points us in the wrong direction to go further upstairs. This is again incorrect. We are flustered and confused, and not sure what is going on. We finally reach the 3rd usher at the top of the stairs, and he finally points us in the correct direction. The ushers here (Sans the 3rd one) were incompetent and rude.

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    Absolutely Electrifying!!!…read more I just saw The Wiz at the James M. Nederlander Theatre and BABY... when I tell you this show is PURE JOY from start to finish!! The singing??? OUT OF THIS WORLD. Every single voice was powerful, soulful, and straight-up gave chills. You could feel the emotion in every note--gospel, R&B, soul... it was hitting on ALL levels. The costumes were a whole moment! Bright, bold, colorful, and creative--every scene felt like a visual celebration. Just beautiful to watch. And the dancing?? Whew! High-energy, sharp, and so fun. The choreography had the whole audience locked in--you can't help but move in your seat! This show is just FUN. It's vibrant, uplifting, and full of life. From the music to the movement to the storytelling, it pulls you in and doesn't let go. You walk out smiling, feeling good, and maybe even a little inspired. If you get the chance to see it--GO. Don't think about it, just go. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

    Overall, I had a great experience here to see the Wiz! The show was amazing. I got there like 10…read moreminutes or so before the show started so I was definitely pressed the time but I was able to come right on in cause I had a ticket already and so for me it pretty fast however much like everyone else it was pretty packed with people trying to get in so people are still coming in even after the show started. It did kind of feel like they, honestly, though we're under staffed in terms of having the hostesses at the doors to direct people to seats. I kinda have to find mine on my own, and I found a a stack of playbills on the floor on the that I was able to pick up which weird because usually someone is handing them out. The lines for the bathroom and drinks were extremely long...... great show and great seats however.

    The Magic Parlour - Bar area and Shirley Temple

    The Magic Parlour

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    I have seen the magic of Dennis Watkins prior to The Magic Parlour even opening so when he…read moreannounced this theater as part of the Goodman built for magic, I was all in! I have been there for Dennis's solo show with my daughter and cousins and I treated my dad, my mom, and my family to Three Card Monte for his birthday as a way to spend time together. Three Card Monte was where the audience was seated at three tables and three different close up magicians rotated through. The magic was literally happening in front of your eyes! The variety in the three magicians was great--they had a variety of tricks, varying levels of sarcasm and humor, and overall, made it one of the best Sunday evenings I have had! Your ticket comes with a drink ticket--I don't drink, but they made me a mean Shirley Temple. My daughter bought a 2nd one at intermission and it was very reasonably priced. I made sure to have cash to tip my bartender. With Dennis's solo show, there was an option to pay to be a VIP where we got a taste of close up magic right after the general show. It was very cool and I recommend adding it on. If you love magic or even if you just know someone who loves magic, I recommend! A classy venue with top notch entertainment!

    Been a couple of times, the magician is a great entertainer and makes you believe in real magic…read more I tore a dollar bill into 8 pieces 2 separate times without letting go of bill and as you can see I still have it. Great mentalist as well.

    CIBC Theatre - Lottery tickets with an obstructed view.  If the speakers were smaller or floating, we would have seen more

    CIBC Theatre

    (455 reviews)

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    Won lottery tickets to Hamilton. Once we picked up the tickets at will call, we saw our seat…read moreassignments. Unfortunately it came with an obstructed view. If the speakers were smaller or floating, we would have seen more. Outside of the fabulous performance, I would say I was just meh on the theater itself.

    After experiencing the Hamilton sit-down Chicago production 9 years ago (whoa), it was back to this…read moresame theatre for its national tour. I was reminded of the same issues I mentioned in my earlier review, issues that persist after almost a decade. Like many theatres, they make you wait outside (in this case, in the cold), while they get the theatre ready. Maybe they don't want to pay for the workers to be there for too long beforehand? It makes for a crappy experience. You are then funneled inside while security guards bark orders at you, even when all you're doing is trying to find your way inside in a polite manner. Luckily, the guard in our line was nice enough and joked around with the kids. The lobby is tiny, unlike the other major theatres downtown, so that is something to be aware of. There's really zero room to breathe, and the intermission bathroom line snakes up from the basement into the bar line. Luckily, I got there earlier on, but that's a bad experience. The bathrooms aren't that nice, sadly, and they could use extra care. There are a lot of stalls that don't lock, don't have purse hooks attached anymore, etc. Worse yet, the attendants are on a power trip, though they're not quite as mean as others in similar theatres, and the line moves quickly. I just don't appreciate them yelling "up against the wall!" It's a bit much. The orchestra seats were pretty comfortable and even have good sight lines for short people! From what I saw, the snacks weren't as expensive as one might imagine, though not cheap. Frustratingly, there is no public wifi here. What year is it?

    Broadway In Chicago - Great Scott!!

    Broadway In Chicago

    (56 reviews)

    The Loop

    Sharing a letter that I wrote to Broadway in Chicago and the Cadillac Theatre for which I never…read morereceived a response: I am writing to share a concern regarding audience management during performances at your theatre (Cadillac). I attended The Phantom of the Opera last night and unfortunately, the experience was significantly disrupted by a visibly intoxicated family seated nearby. They spoke throughout the performance and, most notably, sang very loudly during the final song--directly over the performer during what is meant to be a pinnacle and emotionally powerful moment of the production. This behavior was disruptive and diminished the experience for many audience members in the surrounding area. This was not an isolated incident. Last year, while attending Moulin Rouge at your theatre, I experienced a similar situation involving two belligerent and intoxicated audience members who talked, sang, danced, and cried audibly through much of Act I and part of Act II before finally being escorted out. I paid $250 for my ticket last night to see one of my favorite musicals, and it is deeply disappointing to have that experience compromised by behavior that should be unacceptable in a professional theatre setting. Audience etiquette is essential to preserving the integrity of live performance, and more proactive intervention would go a long way in protecting both patrons and performers. I want to emphasize that the theatre itself is beautiful, and the productions you host are outstanding. It is precisely because of the quality of your programming that I feel compelled to raise this concern. I strongly encourage you to consider stronger audience management practices to ensure that future performances can be enjoyed as intended.

    Joined Broadway in Chicago subscription plan in 2021. I have signed up for three different seasons…read more The plan is not required to attend shows but does offer a very good discount and ensures that you will get a seat at each of the 6 performances playing that season. For instance, I wanted to see Tina and MJ. I knew those could be hard to get, so I paid for the plan. Each ticket came via Ticketmaster and the plan allows you to change dates. Broadway in Chicago does a great job of brining diverse plays, musicals and dance performances to Chicago. I truly enjoy supporting the arts and visiting different theaters. Chicago is home to some of the oldest auditoriums and it very neat to visit all of the different venues. Many of the performances are Pre-Broadway so the talent is amazing. Tip: Join their social media page and every 25th of the month they have discount tickets. This is a good option if trying to be economical but also want to catch a last minute show.

    Goodman Theatre - theater - Updated June 2026

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