I've long been a fan of the Goodman, and though I used to be a semi-regular, I've only been here…read moreonce 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.

Very nice theater and high quality productions…read more The theater is conveniently located near restaurants and parking garages. The lobby is large and the staff is helpful. The seats are comfortable. The Mezzanine rows are surprisingly wide with no center aisle.

Such an adorable little community theater. Here recently for a Kokandy production of Amelie - the…read moreexperience was smooth, nice little bar for concessions during intermission, good sound system, open seating, charming decor. Cast and crew did phenomenal - just not in love with the actual script/story. Props were used to creatively forward the story, no fancy technology. But will certainly return to Chopin for the rustic experience.

Very cool, eclectic building with very interesting decorations. We saw the musical Amelie. The…read moretheater is small and very intimate. The cast interacted with the audience and it made the show come alive. The actors were excellent and most played an instrument in addition to singing and acting. Everyone there was kind and helpful. We just got a water, but they allowed drinks into the theater when you bought them which was nice. Really lovely theater and very talented cast.

I've just about seen all of Urban Theater's productions. Which have been known to be a bit gritty…read moreand raw on the stage, but I believe this seasons premier, BROKEN THREAD, is different and worth going to see. Plus the prices aren't expensive either....I paid $15 with my student ID on the day I went and was told they have $10 shows on Thursdays. Apart from the rude couple in front me talking, I not only enjoyed the show but was also touched and moved with the story line. It makes you think twice about the time you have to be with the ones you love and enjoying those moments to the fullest. Thank you Urban Theater for always keeping it real.

Incredible!!! Me and my mother went to see a play here. We will definitely frequent this place…read more They are beyond amazing, super friendly, and family oriented. They are an organic refreshing unapologetic representation/ dramatization of real urban history! Thanks to everyone at The Urban Theater Company!!!! Please support this amazing production

First time visitor. Loved it! This is an older smaller…read morevenue but that adds to the experience. They do have cashless snacks and drinks for sale. Staff was so polite. Actors were great. Show is a must see. The story of Bernadette ! They do sell merch as well after the show.

The Athenaeum Theatre is nicely located on Southport and I appreciate the quality of acts they…read morebring in. We saw Bernadette the musical and enjoyed the show. Picking up tickets at the box office was easy and the service was good. However, the venue itself is showing its age. I was seated in the upper balcony and noticed ripped seats, cracking walls, and broken lamps. The theater needs some restoration work but still a great spot to catch a show!

This is a small, intimate theater and honestly a really unique experience. The space itself is…read moresuper interesting, I think it used to be some sort of old water or industrial facility, though I'm not totally sure. It adds a lot to the atmosphere. We saw White Rooster and thought it was really good. Because of how the space is set up, you feel like you're part of the show instead of just watching it, which made it way more engaging than a typical theater.

Incredible theatre right in the middle of downtown. They do unique and inspiring work here…read more Everyone I have met here has been overwhelmingly kind and passionate for the community. I recommend visiting some of their free outdoor events throughout the year. Top class.

Went to see "Spark: Chapter One of The Prometheus Project" - Was totally not sure what to expect…read moreand took a chance on this event, boy am I glad I did. A fantastic production by all, and we were thrilled to find out that the story was completely organic to the theater. Conceptualized, written, performed, for a first run. Outstanding use of effects in conjunction with the acting performance. Cast and director conducted a Q&A session after the performance and held a meet and greet. They did an excellent job of targeting the slightly older child crowd. So many children activities and shows are geared towards younger and often time inadvertently exclude the aging tweenies and teens. Highly recommend seeing this production, it just does not get any more organic and local than this. The staff at the theater were very friendly and helpful. My 14 and 12 yo's liked it and that is not an easy task to accomplish. Tip - allow yourself extra time to get to the theater, even an afternoon show on a Saturday proved challenging to get to due to traffic not only on the highway but major avenues as well. Parking is limited so be sure to consider the alley beside the theater as well (no cost). Super tip - do yourself a favor and buy tickets from goldstar.com to save money, family of four $30, nuff said.

Totally unknown and we are totally missing out; Adventure Stage Chicago is something to see!!…read more The theater Vittum, is the performing space for Adventure Stage Chicago and located in West Town neighborhood, the theater is part of the Northwestern University Settlement House. It's a 299 seat theater and is named after Harriet Elizabeth Vittum, head resident of the Settlement House from 1907 to 1947. Apparently she was an advocated for the dramatic and musical arts; she believed they empower self-expression and self-worth. Their motto at Vittum is "Redefining Children's Theatre" and they certainly do that. As for the Vittum itself, it is super clean and the seats are more comfortable then most of the theaters I frequent. Also, the staff is friendly and is very laid back. They host a variety of plays, dance, and a vaudevillian type acts, but they also have workshops and camps. Though they are mostly for kids since it's mostly a children's theater but you can check it out for yourself on their website at http://www.adventurestage.org/ As for the play/ act... Vittum hosts a 500 Clown production of "Trapped" 500 Clown is a production company that uses action-based performance, improvisation, and circus arts to tell long-form dramatic stories that catapult the performers into physical and emotional risk. "Trapped" is about three clown-musicians who are unexpectedly ensnared. They ask the question "What does it mean to be trapped" before the show and after, having a discussion on the different ways the actors were trapped. Of course I acted like a little kid when I knew the answers, waving my hand waiting to be picked. The show is non-stop fun and you are exhausted for the actors. They run around the stage and even seating area the entire show. It's hilarious and a treat for the imagination!! Go see it!! Support the arts!!

The play Brokeback Mountain was wonderful!!The actors held my interest the whole time The singers…read moreand band presentations held the flow of the whole event!!! I would definitely recommend this play to others. Great job!!!Special shoutout to the ushers and bar tenders!! Total atmosphere welcoming from the time you entered until I left. Thank You to the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame for inviting me to this event.

We saw the best production of the Merry Wives of Windsor at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater! (May…read more2026). We've seen two other excellent versions in other cities, and this one was spectacular. They brought the action into the 20th century.  The words stayed the same, but the jokes took on new meaning for the modern audience.  They also had the best Falstaff ever.  He was always our favorite character, but this one takes keg.  Er, I mean takes the cake :-) The acting was particularly engaging, and the audience really responded to it.  At one point, a drink tray sailed off the stage and into the audience, no harm no foul, and as if it was scripted, an audience member slid the tray back onto the stage amidst much cheering and applause.   The staging was great, with two trap doors (and sound effects of falling bodies!). The stage was complete with a very modern doorbell!  And, yes, it did "ring". As an added bonus, one of the two characters who rode bikes onto the stage was brandishing a sword. Shakespeare meets Cirque? It was a hugely fun production in a lovely comfortable multi-tiered theater. Every seat has a good view of the stage. Chicago Shakespeare Theater is out on Navy pier, past the colorful cartoon-like statue of Flyboy, "The Great Debate", by Hebru Brantley!

This is a tiny storefront, black box theater in Rogers Park. It seats about 30 people and does a…read morelot of newer, independent shows, but I have also seen classics done by some other companies in this space. It is pretty no-frills, but it's a great way to see new, interesting theater. The current show is a set of shorts, some of which are interesting and some of which are simply confusing. It's generally what one expects from tiny theater and gives you something to talk or think about later. The staff is friendly and helpful and the programs almost always have coupons and discounts for other neighborhood businesses, which make the trek up to Rogers Park worth it.

A wonderful, small theater! I just watched "Silent Sky", by Three Crows. It was an exquisite play…read moreabout scientific passion, women's rights and the fight for them, and ultimately about inspiring a novel view of the world and beyond. Carefully staged, beautifully played, it really amazed and inspired me! A great venue for theater lovers, highly suggested!