Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Victory Gardens Theater

    4.3 (45 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

    Victory Gardens Theater Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Victory Gardens Theater

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Dominique D.

    It's theatre week and I want to see a show! Let's Go, Shall We?!? Victory Gardens, once Biograph, is located in North side Lincoln park area just outside of downtown. It has a history that I wasn't aware of until after which I will get to later. Remind me. Breach is an amazing play that was put on at the Victory Gardens Theatre written by Antionette Nwandu and directed by Lisa Portes. The cast put on an amazing smart comedy play! My sister and I, walked through the door and to our left was will call; we picked up our tickets there. We made use of the facilities that were very clean. We were about 40 minutes early but thankfully they let us in as it was a bit cold out. We both ordered tea and can you believe that they have ginger beer! There were seats along the wall that we sat at and sipped our spot of tea. Next to us were some of the cast members rehearsing. This play was still in preview and we were aware of that; it was so cool to see them in action. We noticed that they even had a photo backdrop and an iPad setup for attendees to take photos! It got more crowded as the start time of the show was drawing near. There are two entrances into the theatre and as we entered they scanned both of our tickets. We made our way to our seats which were in the third row and to the right; not a bad seat in house. It was a full house--Lights were dimmed and the show began. Breach is about a Black woman who experiences and recovers from self hate. Margaret's has a dead end job and a withering relationship. She's obligated to taking care of her aunt who once took care of her. She makes a new friend who helps her along the way named Carolina and she was hilarious. Her current boyfriend was good on paper but not necessarily good for her. Experiences love (as the person she was meant to be with was right under her nose all along) and motherhood. She never got a chance to take back all the harsh words she said her her aunt, but still had a loving support team of people around her. The cast and crowd were diverse and everyone left the theatre touched! What I got from this show is that life is too short to live it angrily. You miss out on so much in life from a hardened heart. Reminding me how important it is to validate important people in our lives as we don't know what each day holds. We've all gone through things and it doesn't have to define who we are. I really believe too many people are looking for the right person instead of trying to be the right person. These are my goals to continue to love and work on myself. You can do anything you put your mind to--hey, I believe in you! Oh thanks for the reminding me about the history: John Dillinger, the bank robber, was killed by the FBI on 22July1934, after the movie Manhattan Melodrama and being betrayed by the Lady in Red. The Biograph, which is now Victory gardens, is one of Chicago's last landmarks to exist from its past; Al Capone territory. Tours can be found here. Breach: February 9 - March 11, 2018 Previews: Feb 9-15th Regular run: Feb 17-March 11th Policy: Children under 6 not allowed (Breach has some language and sexuality) and silence all electronic devices. Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays: ​7:30pm Saturdays:​​ 3:00pm (during regular run) & 7:30pm Sundays:​​ 3:00pm "Love yourself and the rest will follow!" -unknown

    2017-2018 season. "Breach" by Antoinette Nwandu now playing!
    Kelsey M.

    This is one of my favorite Equity theatre spaces in Chicago. It's a small, friendly atmosphere. The shows and programming practice what they preach- many are free and directly reflect VG's mission of producing new work and cultivating an inclusive theatre community. VG is a consistent leader in shaping Chicago's theatrical culture and mediating dialogue that offers insight, empathy, and growth. They also often host fellow companies in their upstairs theatre that share their values. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. VG also offers numerous opportunities for discount tickets. YAAAAS. #brokemillenialartist If there were a billion stars, I'd give them to VG.

    Thomas S.

    I came to the theatre for a private benefit. The stage is intimate and house seats comfortable. There is not a bad seat in the house. The overall theatre is good and depends on the performance. Drinks- expensive and missing limes. What's w a bar that doesn't have lime? It is the reason for -1 star. Come on. The drinks were pricey and asking for a vodka soda w lime is NOT a big ask. Limes please.

    Bren C.

    We saw Indecent on closing weekend and it was really well done. The set was expertly designed and the transitions were executed seamlessly. The cast was amazing and took on the various dialects well. We did get confused a few times by the actors switching to different characters but it didn't take away from the overall story. We also enjoyed the photoshoot setup and step and repeat backdrop in the lobby. Every staff member we encountered from box office to usher to bar was attentive and genial. We look forward to returning for another production soon!

    April-May 2018
    Christina S.

    On Mother's Day of 2018-my parents and I went to "The Madres" theater production at the Victory Gardens Theater. Not only was the play phenomenal; but the theater was a fun and lively place. The Red Carpet- Arriving early and waiting around the bar/coffee area you can take a free picture on the Victory Gardens Red Carpet Area and email it to yourself! Everyone in the area was excited about this-including myself and my parents. The Theater and Seating- Seating is general admission-however; all of the seats were comfortably padded for a two hour play and elevated so that everyone had an equal and a clear view of the stage and actors. The Play- "The Madres" or "The Mothers" was written by local playwriter Stephanie Alison Walker who grew up in Argentina during what is considered "The Dirty War" and it was the mothers of the Plaza de Mayo that marched (and still march today) in front of the Casa Rosada (President's Residence) in Buenos Aires. Having lived with a family in Buenos Aires and studied Spanish at a Language School I learned a great deal about Argentine culture and history. What was wonderful about this play was that it was told from an individual family's perspective within the walls of their home. I highly encourage EVERYONE to see this play. The Playwrite's Perspective- "When a friend invited me to go with her to the Plaza de Mayo and march with las Madres one Thursday afternoon in 1998. I hadn't known much about Las Madres, los desaparecidos or the dictatorship before then even though I spent time in Argentina throughout my childhood and even though I have Argentine relatives and even though I was a Spanish major in college and even though the first time I was in Buenos Aires when I was 5 was during the dictatorship. I still didn't know. So, I started researching and continued to read about this very painful period in Argentine history over the years. I was inspired by these women-- the first to stand up and call out the dictatorship at great risk. They used their voices to bring the world's attention to what was happening in Argentina and they never gave up. It's a complicated period and one that the world should know about. I am a character-driven storyteller and as such, this play is about the characters more than it is a "history play." It's a play about a family set in a specific moment in history." Source: http://stephaniealisonwalker.com FYI-If you visit Buenos Aires go to the Plaza de Mayo Mother's Cafe. it supports the cause and also the empanadas are amazing! See: https://www.yelp.com/biz/el-revolucionario-bar-buenos-aires https://buenosairesconnect.com/el-revolucionario-cafe-madres-plaza-mayo-centro/ For Fun: After the play we went a few doors down from the Theater to Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant-while waiting for our food-some of the cast from the play arrived for dinner and were seated next us. One of whom was "The Father" or priest who provided an emotional and exceptional appearance in the play (standing ovation-not kidding)-my Dad went over and said "Father-what a great performance!" and we all smiled!

    Beatriz T.

    Dropped by here for the third anniversary of Grown Folks Stories and I loved the layout of the theater. Not a bad seat anywhere. Small intimate feel. If you are lucky you can snag a street parking, but if not they have valet for 11 bucks. I have made a mental note to myself to come check out some plays here very soon.

    Abbie F.

    This place is absolutely amazing!! I had never been here and went to a show during Theater Week in Chicago. A Wonder in my Soul was phenomenal! The actresses and actors were awesome! They had a post show discussion that was powerful and moving. I can't wait to go here again!

    Victory Gardens Mainstage

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 8
    Love this 17
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 81
    Thanks 0
    Love this 61
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelsey M.
    527
    20
    31

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Rae S.

    Rae S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trina K.
    110
    1262
    3892

    11 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Miguel M.
    21
    642
    5271

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Scott R.
    15
    200
    1

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Rae S.

    Rae S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John K.
    1
    211
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sue H.
    0
    12
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy A.
    5
    33
    15

    19 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Agnes F.
    29
    371
    3

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    I've seen many plays in this space. Very professional. Great sets. Original plays. This is the playwrite's theater in Chicago.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Victory Gardens Theater

    Review Highlights - Victory Gardens Theater

    We saw Indecent on closing weekend and it was really well done.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Performing Arts 2,515 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Trickery

    Trickery

    5.0
    (211 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $

    We attended Trickery on Saturday 04/18/26. Aaron was adept at working with a diverse audience to…read moreinclude them and maintain control of his performance in a very intimate setting. Because it's BYOB you'll get the 20-somethings that feel they have to get loaded beforehand and then act the fool while attending (do you hear that "Neil"? No one wants the focus on you acting like it was your first experience with alcohol) but Aaron was skilled at bypassing them without causing tension or escalating bad behavior. Aaron's attitude is one of someone who has worked hard to make this little venture work, and he deserves respect and recognition for his obvious commitment and work ethic. His act included variations of tricks performed by other magicians, with his own twists. He is an expert at sleight of hand and distraction, which is considerably more difficult in a room about the size of an average residential living-room. He had an appropriate sense of humor aligned with an audience coming to Boystown, an overtly gay neighborhood in Chicago (if you're not familiar). However he wasn't garish, flaming, flamboyant, or offensive; he managed a perfect balance of innuendo humor and audience engagement without being cheap or ingenuine. The snarky one-liners will likely go over your young kids' heads (although bring them to an early show, your 9 year old doesn't belong in Boystown at 10 pm on a weekend), and he carries himself with class avoiding the use of profanity or graphic terms. Again, I can't overstate that his tricks were amazing, impressive, and captivating - as magic should be. You leave the show shaking your head and wondering how it's done - which truly makes it "magic". You would be hard-pressed to spend $36.36/person for an hour of live entertainment that can match Aaron's performance. Pro-tip: If you're driving there you will need to use an app to reserve parking, as there aren't garages like downtown Chicago and every street is filled with so many signs there's no way you will return and find your car not-towed or not-ticketed. Chicago does this on purpose to generate revenue; you'll see "street cleaning" on Tuesday from xx hour to xx hour, no parking when snow is over 2 inches OR any time from Dec 1 through April 1, loading zone, 15 minute stopping/standing with flashers, no parking, residential permit zone only, bike lanes, bus stop restrictions, etc. If you find street parking and think you've beaten the system, think again. Nobel Prize Laureates, Rhodes Scholars, Ivy League PhDs, Mensa members - you can meet them all at Chicago Central Auto Pound retrieving their vehicles. Stephen Hawking couldn't drive, but if he could and he parked in that neighborhood all the quantum mechanics in the world wouldn't make his towed car reappear from the Chicago Parking space-time continuum. The nice thing is if you do reserve parking and give yourself enough time you can walk to many, many restaurants and bars in the area that are open even after the 10 pm show ends. Thank you Aaron for a wonderful experience, you made my wife's birthday memorable for both of us.

    If you're looking for something a little different, this is a fantastic magic/comedy show not too…read morefar from Wrigley Field. Great for date nights and if you're lucky, you might end up on stage. It's also BYOB and there's a 7/11 a block away.

    Photos
    Trickery
    Trickery
    Must see!!!

    See all

    Must see!!!
    Timeline Theater

    Timeline Theater

    4.3
    (21 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Saw Enemy of the People last night. Intense performance, superb acting, immersive set and sound…read moredesign. Highly recommended. The theater is very intimate, with seats on three sides of the stage. Not a bad seat in the house. The facility, recently opened, is itself a thing of beauty. Sleek and modern, with a large bar and lounge area on the first floor. The theatre is on the second floor, accessible by stairs or a very large elevator. The staff is friendly and they are well organized; if your show has an intermission, you can order an intermission cocktail beforehand and it will be waiting for you outside the theatre - no need to hoof it to the bar. Restrooms are gender neutral and each stall is fully secure. Wheelchair accessible stalls have plenty of room to maneuver, and on the second floor it comes with a private sink. George Costanza would love it! There are many seats in the theatre that do not require steps to access, and certain seats can be removed to accommodate a wheelchair. Note that there is a lot of walking from the front door to your seat. For those driving, there is a parking garage just north of the theater and a surface lot on the other side of the Argyle station, a short 5 minute walk.

    WOW, the new building is beatiful: modern, well designed, good sound system, multi-level with a…read morenicely welcoming lounge and bar/restaurant at the base. Enemy of the People was a well acted/directed play, genius writing/translation. Engaging space wtih audience on 3 sides of stage. A few quirks to rule out: The directions to seats not quite clear and had to go back and ask usher; the bathroom doors don't seem to easily close/lock causing confusion; lines to bathroom are unclear and cause some confusion; concessions are almost all poor quality though the drinks are nice, hopefully they will upgrade with neighborhood partnerships. However you can't emphasize how amazing this space is, minor criticisms overriden by the strong addition to Chicago and the neighborhood.

    Photos
    Timeline Theater
    Timeline Theater
    September 23, 2022.

    See all

    September 23, 2022.
    Puppetry of the Penis

    Puppetry of the Penis

    1.0
    (1 review)
    1.0 mi

    OK, I was somewhat intrigued at the prospect of full on, frontal male nudity. Heck, we women don't…read moreget to see much of that on the stage or in movies. Somehow, though, I expected more creativity, more clever humor, more ahem---substance, more everything. I saw the Dec. 5, 2009 show. To write this review I had to choose categories. Hmmm, Arts & Entertainment....I would definitely NOT call this art. Too much spare time on (in) someone's hands, perhaps. Entertainment (?) a loosely used term, "Performing ARTS" (?)...oh please. I'll readily admit to morbid curiosity on my part. The free tickets and an intense desire to be in the city for a change were motivating factors for braving this spectacle. As open minded as I'm known to be, I seriously walked out after 15 minutes. I MEAN...15 minutes was definitely giving them the benefit of the doubt. Seriously though, how long can you stare at a train wreck? How ridiculous it was, the whole affair! It failed to live up to the hype. After seeing Puppetry of the Penis, I won't EVER, EVER harshly judge my creativity again. To think grown men are touring the world and getting paid alot of cash for stretching and molding their genitalia on stage in front hundreds of people, that fact is amazing. Oh and don't let me neglect to mention that "close up" views are provided of the 'dick tricks' via rear screen projection. Attending this scene taught me once and for all, if you have PASSION for your ideas, you can find a way to market and sell them! Hey, I saw it with my own eyes, the PROOF is in the penis. P.S., the BEST part of the evening was a Chicago-based comedienne by the name of Beth Stelling. FUNNY, funny, funny woman! Relaxed and comfortable in her own skin. Self deprecating humor from the Rodney Dangerfield school of comedy. I see big things ahead for her. She's got a FaceBook fan club.

    Just Dickin' Around Comedy

    Just Dickin' Around Comedy

    5.0
    (5 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    These ladies get nothing buy love from me! JDA runs a great room! If you are a lady,of the funny…read morepersuasion,come check out this show! You will not be sorry! The room is super supportive and perfect for tweaking new material! The showcase is top notch,too! This is the best of both worlds,open mic and showcase. If you want to see a fun show,drop in,check it out! Just go!

    I have never been so proud of something I have been a part of. This show, this team, this group of…read moreperformers, the venues, everything is stellar! Don't just take my word for it. Come see for yourself. This show has such a positive energy and a high level of enthusiasm. It makes you feel good just to be in the room. Plus it is entertaining as hell! 1st and 3rd Thurs of every month at Hydrate, the all ladies open mics have been highly praised and loved by all of the women who do them. If you are a woman wanting to try an open mic, but are scared of the open mic scene, this is the perfect place to spread your wings. It is a supportive room with graceful and tactful honesty. All of the girls have walked away feeling so confident and supported. The featured showcase directly after that is always top-notch hilarity. Our 2nd Thurs of every month is a mixed-sex showcase at Parlour. These are fantastic because it is an intimate space, with amazing comics, and insane drink specials. Laughter is the best medicine. Three times a month come out and laugh your faces off!

    Photos
    Just Dickin' Around Comedy
    Just Dickin' Around Comedy
    Just Dickin' Around Comedy

    See all

    The Vic Theatre

    The Vic Theatre

    3.2
    (344 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    They know they are a music venue. They appreciate people who like music. They treat you like a…read moreperson who likes music. Everyone who wants to, has a fantastic time. It's all love there now. And I love it! Special shout out to the med/security teams. They are dynamite, vigilantly kind people. Hope you know how much I appreciate you all!

    I visited The Vic for the first time in years to see comedian Janelle James. For whatever reason,…read moreshe chose to film her Netflix special there instead of a nicer venue. We arrived 30 minutes before the doors opened and found a line wrapped around the block. We had tickets for the second show, so we had to wait for the first show to let out. It was a little chilly so standing outside sucked. But the line moved quickly and finding a seat was painless. I found the venue and seating underwhelming. The seats are cheap folding chairs. They're packed tightly so good luck if you get stuck next to someone that's on the heavy side. During the show, a patron fell out of his seat twice and Janelle James ended up mentioning it in her act. He fell because the chairs were terrible!! Poorly constructed doesn't even begin to cover it. The acoustics were good though. I had no problem hearing Janelle James. I could barely see her though. The seating isn't elevated or sloped, so if you're short and surrounded by taller people, then you'll be staring at the back of their heads all night. That sucked, but what can you do? I caught glimpses of her sporadically, which ended up being fine. I didn't buy any food or alcohol, so i have no opinion on that. We exited the venue as quickly as we entered, which was a plus. I think it helped that we were seated towards the back. We got to the brown line in no time and were home soon after. The show was entertaining and I had a good time. Overall, the experience was satisfactory, but, I doubt I'd visit this venue again anytime soon.

    Photos
    The Vic Theatre
    The disco ball lighting up the upper lodge area
    The disco ball lighting up the upper lodge area
    The Vic Theatre

    See all

    Victory Gardens Theater - theater - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...