What a gem! I pass the Oil Lamp Theater all the time, but never went. Purchased tickets for The Outsider during Chicago Theater Week and so glad I did! We are excited to attend more shows. When you first walk in, you're greeted by a hostess. There's a full service bar and various seating spots you can enjoy before and after the show and during intermission. The theater is cozy with 60 seats. They are moving across the street to a larger space, former Country Cobbler. Fun fact, I used to get my shoes there when I was a child. They are currently fundraising for the transformation. Check out their website to learn more. The Outsider was hilarious. The actors really brought this play to life. During this divisive political climate we are currently in, it was a refreshing perspective of politics and government. Everyone laughed throughout the entire show. I highly recommend checking The Outsiders out!! read more

See all

I have never been to the Oil Lamp Theater before, but my parents treated the entire family to a showing of It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play to cross it off of my bucket list. The parking was a little crowded for a Sunday night so my father dropped us off at the door and parked the car while we ventured inside. We got the warmest greeting from the person behind the desk who gave us instructions on how we could write our own shout outs to be read by the cast. (Probably more relevant to the patrons of the theater than the building itself, but they were a range of hilarious, heartwarming, and professionally personal!) There were free cookies available as well as a full bar menu. I don't drink so I always scope out the non-alcoholic options and I could have gotten a can of Diet Coke for $2--not bad! I did see that they did offer a curated drink that matched the show as well. I appreciate when small details like that are accounted for! I personally did not use the bathroom, but multiple members of our party did and I did not hear any complaints. The theater itself was very small, but it made sense for the show that we were attending? I am deathly curious (Pun not intended) to see how they will pull off Dial M for Murder in that space. I saw it in Oakbrook on a sprawling stage so my brain couldn't fathom how that would work. Anyhoo! Back to what I actually DID see. Again, the set worked for the show that we did see. It had a cool foley studio like I imagine radio stations did back in the day. My favorite contraption was the one that spun with a handle to sound like wind! So cool! The seats were black, plastic, chairs which I did not mind because I have proper posture. I didn't feel uncomfortable at any point during the 2 hour show. My grandma is shorty and had a hard time seeing at times, but luckily a radio play is more about what you hear over what you see. For your reference when picking seats, the the first row of every pair is the front row of another level. So Row A and Row B share a platform if that makes sense. Overall, I had a wonderful time (Again, pun not intended) and I signed up for the mailing list in the hopes that I can support again soon! read more

See all

I just saw a wonderful life radio show and it was amazing! The actors were phenomenal in their roles and everybody should see this as part of their Christmas tradition read more

Small theatre with a stellar cast. Get your cocktail and go to the bathroom before the shows start as it is disruptive to leave when the show is in progress and you won't want to miss any of it. Great little theatre! read more

What a great little theatre in GlenviewOil Lamp Theater provides a grand theatrical experience in an intimate space by fostering connection, broadening horizons, and shining a light on the human condition. The 60-seat theater space itself is designed to be more home-like and welcoming than a black-box theater. The chairs are stand-alone padded chairs on simple risers that blend into the stage space with minimal barriers between. This was an issue for me as the person in front of me was quite large and I couldn't see at all. I had to move my seat over into the aisle to be able to see. Guests are never farther than 25 feet from the stage. The theater, lobby and restrooms of the theater are all handicap accessible. We saw "I love you, you're perfect- now change." I had seen the show already on Broadway but this was the modern day version of it. They had cookies in the lobby for anyone to have - I think some people might come here just for the cookies! I love small there's as I am supporting local. I love the fact that you can have some great entertainment right in your backyard! read more

See all

We are avid theatre lovers and Pil Lamp never disappoints! The most recent show First Date was absolutely fantastic-- great music, laugh out loud til your side hurts comedy and premier acting! Can't recommend this highly enough!!! read more

Very good actors and playing professionally! Love this place, but if they have tickets with the numbers of the chairs... read more

Went here this afternoon with my dad and a couple of his friends for the first time to see Almost, Maine (they had been here before many times). This place is very cute - we walked into an area with a nice sized bar, tables, chairs, couches, and a table full of complimentary chocolate chip cookies! While I did not partake this visit, I will definitely try something from the bar on my next visit (dad bought season tickets for us, so we have more to look forward to) - the menu was located on the bar itself, as well as several tables and included a variety of wine, beer, and spirits, as well as a snack if you so desired (uncrustables). There are two bathrooms located all the way straight back from the front door on the left hand side. Once seated, the theater is quite small, but homey and inviting and the temperature was comfortable (which is nice, as usually this is an issue at other neighboring theaters). This performance was enjoyable and everyone in our group of four had positive things to say. All of the staff we encountered were pleasant and thanked us for coming on our way out. I'm excited to see what the rest of the season has to offer! read more

if you're looking for an enjoyable afternoon some weekend in the burbs, stop over to this well-kept secret in the heart of Glenview. We've been to two plays since we discovered this place. The theater is intimate with seating for about 60 people. There is a bar and seating in the 'lobby'. They let you bring in your own wine and will uncork it for free. If you need a quick bite to eat there is a Jimmy Johns across the street or if you just want some cookies and hot apple cider, they have those for free. It's a great experience. The people are nice. The players are quality actors and it's an enjoyable way to spend a few hours on a weekend. read more

See all

Very nice theater. Free parking and BOYB, what more could you ask for. The lobby is comfy and homey and there is a bar with cookies and M&Ms. The lobby feels intimate, like someone's home. The theater itself is in an oblong room. The seats are six across with big letters to denote the rows. There are six seats in each row. Rows are kind of close to each other...you can't walk pass folks in comfortably. The performance we went to see was A Love Affair by Jerry Mayer. It was an interesting play about a 38 year marriage, funny and serious, with two sets of actors playing the older and younger version of the couple. The actors and actresses were very good, drawing me into the story. Not sure if all of the performances are this good, but I would be willing to go back here to see another performance. It was nice to see a live performance with bubbles and not spend an arm and a leg. Adult Tickets are $35 and Student Tickets are $20. You can buy tickets online. read more

See all

We saw a holiday play here recently and was impressed. Staff was welcoming and performers were very good. Would recommend to anyone looking for a play venue. read more

My first time there... Absolutely LOVED IT!! The warm ambiance, the wonderful performance, and those amazing chocolate chip cookies!! I went with a close friend and we both can't wait to go back!!! If you've never been it's A MUST!!! read more

Cute, friendly place for a night out during this snowy week! Walk up and you are greeted by a door man straight out of the Charles Dickens era. He takes your arm and guides you to the front door of the quaint front room of the theater where you are welcomed and given your seat asdignments. (Don't go for the half price tickets on gold star because you will get the last row. Pay the full price straight from Oil Lamp.) Once inside, give your byob to the bartender and they will cork for free, write your name on it and pour into complimentary glasses. Don't pass up the home made cookies, m&m's or nuts! The play had three scenes with two chances to fill your wine glasses during intermission. Very unique establisment that is worth a visit! read more

Absolutely loved "I love you, you're perfect, now change!" Tremendous vocals, well acted and the play itself was immensely enjoyable. Loved it!!!! read more

We saw It's a Wonderful Life last night and really enjoyed it. The cast was excellent and the production professional. We'll be back!

According to the director, Keith Gerth, the play "Turn of the Screw" "combines the thrills and chills of Halloween with religion and sex - a great combination to be sure." He's right! great performance! read more

See all

I'm always amazed when some people in the North shore have not been to this theater. I mean seriously, It is such a find. Keith & his wife have done an amazing job putting on small theater productions in downtown Glenview. The tickets are just under $40 a person and it's BYOB! Hello? Did u hear me out there. Bring your bottle of wine, they'll open It for you and keep at the bar while you socialize and they provide snacks as well. The hosts/owners could not be more pleasant. And if you enjoy theater of all different genres this is a place where It has It all, and keep you close to home. What got us going was their radio production of "It's a Wonderful Life". Talk about getting in the spirit of the season with this production. It was our first time there two years ago and and we've been going ever since. So if you're looking for a night out and want to keep It local, check this place out! And don't forget your wine! Tickets can be conveniently purchased online or at the box office. read more

LOVE. this theater! We saw the Edward Snowden story the actors were terrific, especially for the price we paid for the ticket. It's a very small theater not fancy but for the price you pay its perfect. We love going to live performances, we always have to travel downtown and pay for parking, this place is in Glenview and parking is free not to mention it's a byob which makes it an even for special experience. Adorable place, great value and realty good acting. Loved it!!! Can't wait to go back. read more

One of my favorite theaters now has a new location. Oil Lamp now has their own storefront in Glenview and the space is amazing. When you first walk in, you feel like you've entered someone's living room. Everything is decorated very nicely and there is a nice homey, comfortable feel. The new establishment is BYOB (soft drinks provided). They also still offer their yummy cookies...I still can't decide if my favorite is the chocolate chip or snickerdoodle. If you are looking for a unique theater experience, I suggest you check out Oil Lamp. read more

Oil Lamp Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

Attended the " proof" play last evening . First time to visit this venue. Certainly a " cute" lobby and had a nice feel to the place . Went with my wife and our guest. The theater itself is quite small . The people sitting in front of us were tall so hard to see around them. There are 6 chairs in a row . Our tickets were 1 2 and 3. Seats had no numbers in them that I could see. So the other people in our row insisted we were in " their chairs" and we moved down. As if it mattered anyway. Still . Always someone rude these days it seems everywhere. The play itself was quite dull . The gratuitous use of cursing though was surprising! " f uck you" was used liberally at points in the script. Is this necessary?! Has society just degraded to this point? Apparently so. We left at intermission. read more

Oil Lamp Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

See all

When you look at the Oil Lamp Theater's website what you will not see even as you purchase tickets is their Covid19 protocol. When you arrive at the theater you are told you not only must wear a mask which is totally understandable, but you must also show proof of being fully vaccinated. If you cannot show proof you must agree to have them test you or you are asked to leave. I, my wife and a friend showed up with our paid tickets and our N95 masks, the most effect mask available. We were told that this was not good enough. My wife and I are fully vaccinated, but we don't carry this proof. Our friend has chosen not be vaccinated but always has her N95 mask in her purse. We have been to doctor's offices, dentist's offices, visited people in the hospital, and been on flights. Each of these only required masks. Because of the theater not advising people in advance about their over-the-top policy we asked for our money back and did not attend the performance. It is irresponsible of them not provide this information on their website, which is also where tickets are sold. The obvious reason why this information is not proved, it would affect ticket sales. read more

We went to see a performance of Faculty Lounge. The play was funny and at times poignant. Loved the venue. The lobby was awesome with comfortable seating, a gorgeous wood bar, chocolate chip cookies and water/soft drinks. The theater also supplied wine glasses for byob. Adjacent parking was free and there are a number of good restaurants in the area. The theater itself has seating for under 60, which enhances the intimate, cozy feeling. Although it is small in size, it is big in talent. We thought the actors were terrific. All in all the Oil Lamp provides a unique theater experience. We are looking forward to attending their next production! read more

I was genuinely surprised at what a wonderful time I had at this small theater. The actors are talented and the staff is superb. We are so fortunate to have this delightful theater in our neighborhood. read more

Saw it's wonderful life yesterday and thought it was just ok. I think the casting could have been better for their parts. The venue is small but knew that from being there two years ago and the only improvement that I can see that was done was new chairs. It might be time to look at finding a larger venue in the area to put on a better production but to keep that small theater atmosphere.i would recommend to anyone reading the reviews that you should try the theater at least once and see if what you like. read more

Just returned from our first play at Oil Lamp Theater. We saw Three Viewings, a comic trilogy performed by 3 actors who were really wonderful. This 40-50 seat theater is the essence of what "Chicago Theater" is known for... an intimate space, great actors, a modest ticket price and a WONDERFUL production. The hospitality setup in this space makes you want to come 30 minutes early, join your friends, have a beverage (yes, it's BYOB for the wine, and free soft drinks!) eat cookies and relax. What fun. Ample free parking in the lot right outside the door. I am constantly amazed at the professional acting to be enjoyed in our smaller theaters like Lifeline, Writers Theater, and now the Oil Lamp. Put Glenview on your list of North Shore theater towns to discover. They have new productions every month, get on their e-mail list. read more

We had a great evening at the Oil Lamp Theater! It is in a former store-front, restaurant space in the upscale, old downtown of Glenview. The entrance/lobby area is tastefully decorated like a classy restaurant bar. The feature of the room is a long bar on which sits plates of complimentary fresh, homemade cookies and bowls of mixed nuts and candy. Complimentary hot, spiced apple cider or soft drinks is provided. Its BYOB if you want wine and they provide the glasses and complimentary corkage. The lobby is great for mingling and conversation. Near the store front windows comfy sofas and winged-backed chairs provide a place to relax before the performance and during intermission. The intimate theater seats over 50 patrons in padded folding chairs on terraced platforms. The raised stage is about 20 feet deep and the full width of the theater, about 15 feet. The front of the stage is about 8 feet from the front seats, so even the seats in the back row have a good view of the stage. We saw a great production of the play, Weekend Comedy. The staging and cast where great and we look forward to a future visit to this unique and fun venue...We hope to get tickets to see their next production of "It's a Wonderful Life" for the Christmas holidays... read more

Great talent and pleasant atmosphere. Loved the decor in the sitting area and bar. Two thumbs up!

What a treasure to find in a nondescript storefront in "downtown" Glenview. From the friendly welcome at the door through the warm living-room-like lobby, to the small, minimalist performance space, this is local theater at its best. We saw a Sunday matinee performance of "Proof" and were thoroughly delighted and entertained. The acting was first rate, and the script was cleverly tweaked to add some local color. We will be back. It's wonderful to have this venue in our town! read more

Great live theatre in Glenview! All tickets include complimentary corkage and glasses, PLUS cookies and snacks like m & m's and cashews. Professional quality entertainment with a very home-y welcoming feel. read more

Deserving of every one of those five stars, this is a great little theater where the acting is top notch, the directing is consistently crisp and the plays well-chosen to be varied and engaging. Staging and set design maximize the space available. A candy, nut and cookies buffet lines the way to your seats, but I am partial to the sweet doorman. read more

We saw "Crimes of the Heart" at this delightful little theater yesterday. The lobby is like a big living room with free cookies, cider, candy and nuts! It is BYOB with no corkage. The play was beautifully performed by 6 excellent actors. It kept our interest throughout. What a find, ten minutes from home. We highly recommend it. read more

Went out to dinner then to the "theater" and saw Dinner With Friends, it was a wonderfully easy and entertaining adventure. This theater is like going down town to the North Side for a small show without the hassles of the city. Great atmosphere, HIGH QUALITY PERFORMANCES by the actors, super easy parking...overall a truly special place in the North Suburbs! My Wife and I plan on making The Oil Lamp a regular date night event! Check this place out---Don't miss out! read more

My boyfriend and I went to this theater last night and had a rare delight. First we enjoyed visiting with Keith. He was very friendly and welcomed us and.we had a great time at the byob bar. The snacks they provided were delicious and the atmosphere was excellent. Then we went to pick our seats. Not a bad seat in the house. The play, The Odd Couple, was superb. All of the actors put their heart and soul into the performance. Oscar and Felix were well cast, as were their poker playing friends. The Pidgeon sisters were truly delightful. So refreshing to see this Neil Simon classic played with the original script. We will come back again as soon as we can! read more

What a lovely theater this is - charming, quaint. The lobby is beautiful. After all these years in the area, I'm so glad I discovered and experienced this theater. read more

Terrific theater. The current show Mass Appeal is fantastic. Professional theater in downtown Glenview.

This theater is truly a hidden gem. My friend and I loved It's A wonderful Life, and past shows have been just as good. With the intimate setting, every seat is good. The performers are always quite talented, and they serve free treats in their charming parlor! read more

I took my dad to see 'On Golden Pond' back in July and absolutely fell in love with this place. Cozy and intimate, with incredible attention to detail. The entire lobby was decorated to fit the play (a Maine theme) - they really thought of everything. The complimentary cookies, m&ms and nuts were a nice touch, and my dad and I loved getting to know the owners. It's BYOB, and they provide openers, glasses, and even a refrigerator in which you can keep your beverage chilled until intermission! Will absolutely be back! read more

Oil Lamp Theater is a great venue for a high quality theatre experience. I'm so excited that this theatre is out here. Beautiful, warm space with delicious cookies and hot apple cider (I hear for the holiday show it will be egg nog!) or a soft drink. If you want something a little stronger, it's BYOB. They will serve your wine to you at the comfy, inviting bar, and have another glass waiting for you at intermission! You will feel warmly welcomed and you will see some top notch theatre. Come and enjoy! read more

Can't add much to the parade of 5 star reviews here, except to confirm that they are all true. Oil Lamp is an absolute gem - a great theater with its own built-in pre-theater "place to stop for a (BYOB) drink". You need to arrive at least 30 minutes early to both stake out your seats (first-come) and have time to relax in the always beautifully decorated bar / lounge area where you mingle with other guests plus very friendly Carole and Keith. read more

It was our first time at the Oil Lamp. What a find. Very cozy, friendly and small little treats (cookies, candy and nuts). The ticket price is just right and the location is wonderful. We went with 2 other couples and had a good experience. My only disappointment was the play lasted WAY too long( over 2 1/2 hours). It was "Making God Laugh". The chairs were very uncomfortable, but we're told they will be replaced. Not a bad seat in the house. Definitely will try again and ask before hand how long the play will last. read more