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.

Chicago has the finest serious theater in the world. New York has the blockbusters. Chicago maintains the art. The Goodman and Steppenwolf Theaters are at the very pinnacle of impactful drama. This visit to Goodman allowed me to see "Sweat," a dark and disturbing Pulitzer Prize winning play detailing the emotional decay caused by the systematic destruction of America's working class. Using Reading, Pennsylvania as the setting, the audience suffers along with the workers, as factories close, unions collapse, and multigenerational hope and dreams are eradicated. I saw this happen in Milwaukee, my home for forty years, as an entire facet of life collapsed around us. It may have been inevitable, but no plan was enacted to save the thousands of people, who lost their jobs and their way of life. The acting at Goodman is always superb, but I must say the understudies, who filled in on this Thursday matinee, embarrassed themselves and the audience when they flubbed their lines. When I was a theater director, it would not be tolerated, and both of them would be back waiting on tables. In spite of this unforgiving glitch, "Sweat" was a marvelous production. read more

What a cool theatre! We ordered our tickets to Santaland Diaries in advance and picked seats on the second floor on the side. Great seats!! In fairness, there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the theatre. We ordered drinks at the bar before coming inside. I wish there was a place to put my drink when I'm not drinking it, other than the floor. The show was great and we enjoyed our seats. The staff was super helpful and polite. I'd come here again for a show and recommend you do too! read more

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I enjoy seeing a Christmas Carol every year at the Goodman theater. This year may have been my last. I was completely disappointed at the ridiculous liberties they took with this production, including and most disappointingly, casting as Scrooge's nephew as an African-American female. What kind of agenda are they trying to push? read more

It's Saturday night and that means, as Mr Buffett sang, we're just one fine line away from Sunday morning. So three of us Funksters followed that line to Chicago's Theater District and the renowned Goodman Theatre. "We're Only Alive for a Short Amount of Time", not only a "Tru Dat" statement but also the title of the evenings entertainment. To steal from the shows Playbill, "an autobiographical tour-de-force infused with an enthralling score - and twists that will take your breath away." All in all a wonderful evening of storytelling and music in an absolute world class setting. In my typical Funkster conclusion, would we return? Well lets just say we're still trying to catch our breath! read more

I was walking around in downtown Chicago and saw this place. I had seen it before in the past but never stopped to actually go in and check it out. I saw that there were plays occurring on the same day. I decided that I had a day before I started work officially so why not. I first the ticket and walked around until the 7:30 p.m. showing. The ticket was for a play called the single mens club. The tickets are pretty reasonable. They are not Broadway Theater based pricing. The theater is nice and the seating was comfortable. Even in the balcony you still get a good view of the stage. I enjoyed the show and look for it to viewing help another show in the future. read more

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

Was lucky enough to grab some tickets to see "St. Nicholas" on Hottix. Loved Brendan Coyle on Downton Abbey (HUGE fan). Intimate setting for a one man stage show. Went. To a mid week performance, crowd was decidedly older. Usher were a little snarky, and loud when they sat in the audience. That plus only one person on coat check when the show let out on a buttery night in Chicago. My only minor gripes. Good time! read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A gem of Theater in Chicago. Beautiful space and staff is wonderful. We saw Clyde's and if you get a chance don't miss it.

Families, be warned about the new version of Scrooge at the Goodman: We've been kicking off our holiday season with the annual production of Scrooge in Chicago for nearly 30 years. The only occasions we missed were due to illness or childbearing. Last year, in 2023 we attended for the final time. My children ranged in age from 23 to 14. We came for the actual play, not a fundamental change in Charles Dicken's heartwarming story. There is no Mrs. AND Mrs. Crachit in the original. That was a dirty trick to remove Bob entirely, and insert a lesbian couple, with no heads up (intentionally done I'm sure). That is how a 30 year tradition dies. Parents be warned...demoralizing forces are infiltrating everywhere, and if you want to hold fast to your family, Constitutional, and Biblical values, avoid this corruption (what people do privately is their own business, forcing it on my kids is OUR BUSINESS). We are seeking quality family traditions elsewhere for Christmas from now on. Goodbye Goodman.... read more

I just saw a Christmas Carol and I am speechless. As a professional actress I am also humbled. Scrooge got a standing ovation and I tear up thinking about it. The set and effects were beyond anything I expected. The theater was fabulous as was the staff. My son wanted a hot chocolate and I was throughly prepared to shell out a fortune but it was $2, cheaper than McDonalds. The show was worth every penny I spent. I will never forget the experience. read more

I went there last night to see my favorite Christmas tale The Christmas Carol. I've seen it many times before but this was my first live performance. Bravo! The greatest seasonal story of all. I was swept away! From costumes to acting to atmosphere... everything was great! The main character Ebenezer Scrooge played by Larry Yando was brilliant. Funny, sarcastic, witty... His performance was intensely emotional, honest and rich. This is his 10th performance as Scrooge and it's 40th anniversary of The Christmas Carol at Goodman's. This play brought a lot of emotions in me I was laughing, crying, feeling joyful, even got scared (and I wasn't the only one), amazed, it made me think about my past, present and future. And most important it brings true Christmas spirit! The show that reminds audiences of what the holiday is really all about. This will be my new Christmas tradition! read more

Goodman Theater is a great place to find new shows by young talent. Variety is it's mainstay. The staff is always courteous and helpful. The rooms and seats are clean and tidy. I like my theater experiences here. If you are looking for a less expensive new talent and ideas, give the Goodman a try. Valet at the corner by Petterino's Restaurant is available for $15. Public transit is close by. read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome theater with great acoustics! As a New Yorker I tend to expect alot and this place was great!

One of the smallest theaters I have been to in Chicago yet but don't let size fool you. They have reasonable concession prices, parking nearby for $18.00, great seats no matter the location, and put on A Christmas Carol which my kids highly enjoyed. The venue is very clean and nice. read more

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Visited the Goodman theatre today and was not disappointed. We watched the Christmas Carol. Great setup, performance, and atmosphere. It was my husband and my son's first time and they both loved it. As soon as we arrived we were pleasantly greeted by staff and asked if we needed help. You will be pleased and entertained when coming to the Goodman theatre, two thumbs up! read more

76 Standing Ovations for "The Music Man" !! There weren't that many but there should have been!! The whole cast was AWESOME!!! From opening curtain to final bows this amazing musical production will keep you enthralled!! Hilarious, intriguing,and sentimental songs!! Laugh with "You Got Trouble"!!!Be intrigued by the Barber Shop Quartet sound of "Where is the Sin in Sincere"!! Hold hands with someone you love when you hear "Goodnight my Someone"!!! All of the songs that if you enjoyed the movie will trigger fond memories. If you haven't seen it before, you will leave with new favorite songs that you will unconsciously find yourself humming !! This musical is appropriate for pre-teens and up. Younger also, depending on maturity level. Be sure to go towards the North side of the lobby to take pictures with props from the show!! The younger groups and old people young at heart (Me!!) (Okay, I'm not young at heart, I just never grew up!)will have fun with them also!! The theatre itself is well planned with excellent seating. When you choose your tickets the app. will show you the view of the stage from your seat!! There is a nice little gift shop with Show and theatre related items for all ages. A snack bar where you can purchase hard and soft drinks and light snacks to take into the theatre with you!! Get the oatmeal raisin cookies!! They are superb!! Almost as enjoyable as the show!! I would have bought all they had if the snack had been open after the show! Theatre is handicapped accessible with special wheelchairs accommodation. If you have hearing problems,as I do, they have light weight over the ears headsets with adjustable volume available. They are free to use, just leave a picture I.D. I found they greatly enhanced my ability to hear and enjoy the show! So, plan your visit, buy your tickets and take the "Rock Island Line" to the Goodman Theatre!! It beats a trip to "Gary Indiana " and a lot cheaper than buying "76 Trombones "!!!! read more

Goodman Theatre - Me!! With props from show!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been fortunate enough to see a few shows at the Goodman Theatre - the ubiquitous "A Christmas Carol", and most recently "God of Carnage." I've always enjoyed their shows; I think they do a good job with the classics as well as some lesser-known productions. The theater itself is very modern, with two auditoriums - the Owen and the Albert, named after Goodman family members who continue to be major donors. And speaking of major donors, the Goodman Theatre's list of patrons reads like a "who's who" of Chicago society; lots of Pritzkers and Crowns and other folks with some very deep pockets. Each auditorium is intimate and you get a good feel for what's happening on stage. This was particularly true of "God of Carnage," those who have weak stomachs may want to steer clear of this production. Acoustically, the theater is good, and the seats are comfortable. In addition, it's located near several CTA lines and getting a cab is never a problem either. I have no complaints whatsoever about the Goodman Theatre. read more

One visit was all it took- Five Stars, all the way! Reading about Yasmina Reza's "God of Carnage" New York run back in 2009, I was intrigued and knew I had to see its Chicago debut at the Goodman. A dark comedy, with four (incredible) actors done in one act and one scene, it did not dissapoint. Highly recommended. The Goodman Theatre was larger than I thought, but still intimate. It's modern touches and impeccable service make the experience worth the ticket price. And although the standard ticket prices are fairly pricey, deals can be had pretty easily. -At 10 am each day, all remaining mezzanine tickets for the current day's performances are available for half-price at their website by entering the promo code MEZZTIX -Half price mezzanine tickets may also be purchased in person starting at noon at the Box Office -Hottix.org has deals later in a show's run Securing two seats together in the mezzanine area, day of show, was pretty easy. If you're a solo theatre-goer, availability is even better! My first visit to Goodman will not be my last. And I really mean it this time! read more

I called to see if I could get single tickets to "Good Night Oscar". I was so struck by the rudeness of the box office, that I didn't bother to proceed with purchasing a ticket. I hear the show is great, and I can imagine that the box office is busy, but this representative was a poor showing for Goodman's excellence. I'm a theater go-er, but I can miss this show-and many others-if Goodman thinks that his is adequate treatment of their patrons. read more

I had a very bad experience with the Goodman theatre last I visited. The lady scanning tickets did not know how to work it with phones and ignored me as she allowed others to enter a general admission show. Never ever ever EVER pay for a general admission show from this theatre. If you wind up with an incompetent ticket scanner agent like I did, you will get the worst seats in the house. I haven't been back since. read more

What a great theater! Trust me- the intimacy of the Goodman means that there isn't a bad seat in the house. We arrived a little early for our production and enjoyed a beverage in the lobby area while catching up with friends. A friend of mine has seasons tickets- and what great seats they are-balcony, dab smack in the the center of the theater so you can see and hear everything perfectly. The other nice thing about this theater? Because it is new, and not a historic theater like so many others in town, there is plenty of room for your legs if you are tall, like me! Finally, my knees don't have bruises on them from sitting in the theater! Speaking of being new- the Goodman has only been in it's current location since 2000, moving from behind the Art Institute at Monroe and Columbus. It took over the space occupied by two commercial theaters, the Harris and the Selwyn. If you run on the cold side- bring a wrap as AC rules in this place! There was a definite breeze blowing on me throughout the entire production. The intermission is organized which means you can grab a drink and still have time to get back to your seat. And here's a plus- you can take your drink back to your seat if you desire. You have to love a place that has been entertaining generations since 1925. I know, I did. read more

Lately they have really been getting some great plays and the artistic director and their talented team have done some amazing work!! Kudos to Goodman Theatre in Chicago read more

Had a chance to come here and see Phylicia Rashad's (Clair Huxtable for you young'ns) Immediate Family a couple of weeks ago. Great space to see a show and everywhere is a good seat, but luckily we were 2nd row. They have balcony seating if you like to be a little ways away from the action. Also, they have a bar inside so if you want to drink and not be a few minutes late for the show (like me and my friends) I would recommend you have a drink at the bar here. read more

*This review is mostly for Father comes home from the wars, which is playing until June 24, 2018* I've seen several shows at the Goodman with mixed results. Some of them have been excellent, but a few were duds. Father comes home from the wars was in the excellent camp. We started the evening in the Patron Lounge on the second floor. The bartender was excellent. We were able to tell him what we were in the mood for and what kind of alcohol we enjoy, and he would create a drink for you. That's cool. So, Father comes home from the wars. The play is three hours long with two intermissions, but it went by so quickly that I didn't feel the length. We sat in the mezzanine on the left side and the view was slightly obstructed (that's why I knocked off a star). No where near as bad as the CIBC theater but still something to be mindful of. I won't bother trying to summarize the play because google can do it easier lol. But if it's possible for you to check it out within the next week or so I recommend it. read more

Far beyond my expectations. Dana H. Was powerful. I can't describe my experience, you must see it for yourself. read more

Goodman Theatre - The set of Dana H. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Spectacular! A Christmas Carol was performed so well. So happy with the experience. Very grateful for the military discount as well. read more

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I've seen a number of productions in the Albert Theater and I enjoy this venue. If I sit in the last row of the main floor or up front, I can see the stage. This isn't too large an auditorium. Acoustics are great. This visit we saw War Paint and it was excellent. The four main characters were so very good, especially Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole. The men, though, could hold their own next to these Tony winning actresses. The costumes for this production were fabulous. The bathrooms are clean, easy to get refreshments before or at intermission. I recommend seeing a show here. They get very good and well-known talent on occasion, too. read more

Goodman Theatre - Day date at the Goodman - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's on the inside that counts. Compared to some of the other large Chicago theaters, the Goodman - at least its current location - isn't fancy or ornate, but the productions are the real stars of this theater. I wish I could say I remember the original Goodman, but all I recall are grade school trips to the site that now houses the Art Institute's Modern Wing and gazing out on the skyline. Depsite the newness of the theatre's actual space, the theatre company is rich in Chicago history. The Goodman has been around for over 80 years and per Wikipedia, it's the city's oldest currently active nonprofit theater organization winning many awards, including a Tony. I recently caught two productions at the Goodman (God of Carnage and Trinity River Plays), both in Albert Auditorium; I have yet to catch a production in the Owen. Despite the lack of majesty, there are some advantages to a more modern theater. First of all, leg space; lots and lots of leg space. No stiff, sore knees from being jammed in a seat is a welcomed change. Second, the accoustics are good - even in the cheap seats. Lastly, while not small, the theater seems to retain an intimate feel. While the Goodman may not come in a lavish, opulent package, it doesn't need to when it consistently draws great productions. Just like Kyle H says, it's not hard to score deals on tickets if you use the MEZZTIX promo code or check out Hot Tix. read more

Wonderful theater in the Chicago loop. We saw the Christmas Carol which was spectacular. Seats were very comfortable. We had a clear view of the stage from Row G. One of my all time favorite theaters. read more

Goodman Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've seen two shows here, and they've both been great. Goodman has enough prestige to do important stuff, so, for example, they were able to do the first revival of Brigadoon in 34 years, and even received permission to update the book. The design of the seating is such that there are really no poor seats, and the acoustics are excellent. Also, the wide lobby works well to avoid congestion at intermission. And the connection of the lobby to the next door Petterino's restaurant is very convenient. read more

I got to see the Christmas Carol on Friday night. The show was absolutely spectacular. The cast was incredible. The theater itself was very clean. The employees were extremely helpful and kind. The only negative thing I can say is that the gift shop should stay open much longer than it actually does after a show. We were in a rush to get all the things we wanted because twenty or so minutes after, it was being closed off. This, of course, is super minuscule and doesn't affect my score at all. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I will gladly return to the Goodman when I come back to Chicago. Bravo! read more

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

We went to see the Christmas Carol. The play was good. The sets are very cool as is the costume design and acting. The problem was we were sat next to a group of school children. Some kids were as young as about six or seven years old. They talked throughout the play, kicked the backs of our chairs, and one kid even snored for 30 minutes. It affected our ability to hear a lot of the dialogue. I don't blame the kids. I think they are too young to enjoy the play and you can't expect them to sit quiet that long. I blame the teachers and their bad classroom management abilities. And I blame Goodman. There were no ushers/staff in the upper deck area where we sat. We got to our seats to find several school kids and a parent of one of the kids in our seats. They sat in our seats for five minutes while they supposedly looked for their own seats. There was no Goodman staff to help. I also blame Goodman for not recognizing a 40 plus person school group in the ticket buying process. Or for not trying to seat them together once they saw all of them enter the theater. Students as young as six years old, ideally, need to come to a separate show for dedicated for students. A pretty disappointing experience in what is overall a good play. read more

We saw A Christmas Carol for the first time this December, and we were thoroughly impressed with all aspects of the experience. The theater itself is very nicely kept up, despite the heavy foot traffic that comes through constantly. All staff members were friendly and helpful. We'll be doing this again next Christmas. read more

The Goodman presents plays and not frothy populist musicals. A couple of old movie theaters were renovated to create this fine old-new complex in the Loop. read more

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

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Great venue where you can choose your experience. The Albert Theater provides your typical large theater experience while the Owen Theater provides an intimate experience. I have seen quite a few shows at the Goodman. All were excellent. The complex is modern and very clean. Another plus is the large amount of women's restrooms. (Someone actually realized that theaters need more than a few stalls.) The staff is super friendly and helpful. They are very passionate about their work. The Goodman also has some of the best snack selection you will find at a theater. I did knock off a star due to their constant fundraising efforts. I seem to constantly get calls from their fundraising department asking for money. I understand donations are necessary for your operations, but I truly am unable to afford a giving program. These efforts really turn me off from buying tickets because I know they will call me. read more

I have been to a few shows and each time the experience was top notch. You won't know if you do or don't like a show going into it, but at Goodman you can expect to be treated with the highest level or service. The actors skill is apparent and the passion of the team of people who help create the shows is obvious. If it's a Goodman show the level of artistry will be world class. I happen to be a volunteer 'Ambassador' for the Goodman during it's 2017/2018 season so if you have questions on shows for this season or what the best deals are for the season, I am in the know! You can use code Ambassador14 to get discounts on select new works - it varies by show and performance date (25%-50%). I receive no kickback from the code - just hoping more people will have the opportunity to enjoy world class theatre. read more

Great theater! My friend and I saw the theater during the Chicago Open House tour. It was cool seeing the two theaters, the new learning center, and the members only lounce/bar. We absolutely loved the tour so much, we bought stage seating tickets to see A View from the Bridge. Wow! This show was fantastic!! We both were on the edge of our seats during the whole show ans we loved it. It definitely relates to today's society. I would love to see more shows here soon! read more

I went yesterday to see the play "La Havana Madrid" and it was truly phenomenal!!! Complete with audience giving the actors and musicians a "Standing Ovation" and loud whistles and yell outs at the end!!!!! The floor level seats consisted of tables with chairs where viewers could eat and drink during the production-and feel first hand as if they were at the Havana Madrid Night Club in the Chicago Lakeview Neighborhood during the 1960s. The tables faced a stage with three steps, a live band that played latin based music and at the end of the play viewers were encouraged to dance as the band played on under the authority of the Bandleader and Bass Roberto "Carpacho" Marin! (See the band's web site..they perform live also.... http://www.carpachosupercombo.com ) The play "La Havana Madrid" was written by Chicago native Sandra Delgado who is an award-winning actor, writer and producer who was born and raised in Chicago. Ms. Delgado played the lead role in the play as the night club singer who introduces (between songs) vignettes of half a dozen individuals from the 1960s who tell their story of arrival in Chicago from different Latin American Countries (Colombia for example) and Caribbean Islands including Cuba and Puerto Rico. Each story is a narrative about the struggles of leaving their homeland under a variety of circumstances and deals with the harsh environment of Chicago in which they experience the sadness of missing family, food, and culture of their homeland, while enduring discrimination and other economic problems ranging from housing to being taken advantage of due to their background during this time period as well as police brutality and violence. It is heavy on the heart (but provides some comic relief); however, it is a much needed set of stories that aim to inform and educate people about the diverse history of the Latino/a Experience in Chicago. All of the individuals and their vignettes come together at the La Havana Madrid Night Club in the Lakeview Neighborhood where the individuals sought sanctuary and a sense of belonging through music and cultural connections. The play was partially "inspired" by the 2006 Book by Tony Quintana (a well known Spanish-TV host and music-promoter). The book is De Naguabo a Chicago: The Tony Quintana Story, Memorias De Un Boric Ausente. (I tried to find it on-line to buy as I wanted to read it-but it does not appear to be available :( ?). Audience participation and involvement was fun and was encouraged through dancing, clapping, and verbal participation through learning and speaking some Spanish phrases. There were also two television sets on either side of the stage providing authentic photographs during each vignette relating to that era (1960s). Amazingly written, performed and executed by Ms. Delgado in association with the Goodman Theater and Teatro Vista which produces, develops and commissions plays that explore the variety of experience from a Latino/a perspective ad historically has 14 Chicago premiers and 60 productions according to the La Havana Madrid playbill. I am looking forward to Ms. Delgado's next play!!!! Unfortunately due to the restrictions of the Goodman Theater, recording or pictures were not allowed which I understand, but was "a bummer" because the music and acting and unique way that the play was executed as if you were in a night club would have been fun to share. You can see if you look carefully at my pictures a set of Congas (drums) behind the screen at the beginning before the announcement was made! read more

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I finally had the opportunity to attend a play here over the weekend, "God of Carnage", and I have to say the theater is very modern compared to many of the others I have been to in Chicago. The ushers are incredibly nice and helpful, and you can get a drink or a snack in the lobby while you wait to head in to your seats. Speaking of the seats, they were very comfortable and I was impressed with the amount of foot space I had. Normally it can be cramped, but not here. We were the very last row at the top, but we could still see and hear everything well - good acoustics. We decided to walk home after the show, but the theatre is located near several major CTA lines and cabs were available as well. While the play wasn't all that enthralling, the theatre experience at Goodman was very good. read more