I am an avid theater fan (and sometimes participant), yet somehow I'd never been here. This is a tragic fact, as they've done a lot of shows I really love over the years. But honestly, I think a big deterrent is their ticket prices. It looks like they do student ticket prices now, which is great and makes it much more attainable -- I don't remember seeing that as an option when I was in college or my first round of grad school, but it's been awhile since I was in that situation. (It looks like they have educator discounts, which I'm hoping I may be eligible for, as it doesn't specifically state whether you have to be a K-12 educator or if college faculty are eligible). They also have discounts for theater industry professionals, which is great. Their regular prices for shows are a bit more expensive than a lot of the theaters in the city. (But also it probably balances out when you consider cost to park downtown versus here). It also looks like they have pay-what-you-can options at certain shows, which is also a nice way to make it accessible to more folks. I still haven't seen a show here, but I came to a lecture event they did a few weekends ago that is related to the themes of their current show. It was really interesting to hear both an academic perspective from a professor and the perspective of a social worker and dramaturg. They also do a pay-what-you-can storytelling night, which sounds super fun. The space is also incredible. The lecture took place in the lobby area, and it's a beautiful space. I look forward to coming to see a show here. (And will update my review once I do.) read more

Writers Theatre - Lecture in the lobby. Beautiful space! - Performing Arts Near Me - Glencoe, Illinois

Saw JOB there. Very intimate and performances were top notch Got to speak with actors after show which was great. Love the area and the cozy theater. Will be back soon. read more

Came here for Pearls Rollin Blues in the John Nichols theater. Wow a nice intimate space. Seats were comfortable and lots of legroom. The show was good. My only issue was it didn't seem like there was a sound engineer. The mikes were all at the same level so when Pearl was singing, some of the back up were too loud and you lost some of the words. The musicians were fabulous and the conductor/piano player was outstanding. read more

Writers Theatre - The great stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Glencoe, Illinois

In my first visit to Writer's Theater I had a very bad experience. Knowing I'd be late arriving, my partner who had already arrived told the front desk I was on my way, and they printed out a ticket for me to hold at the desk. I arrived about 5 minutes after the start and was told that my seat had been given away to someone on the waiting list, even though my seat was paid for and reserved. After a long and drawn out discussion, wasting about 15 minutes of performance time, and a wishy washy promise that they might be able to seat me somewhere, they finally said they could seat me in - lo and behold - my original seat. I have no plan to return there! read more

This new suburban theater is a great addition. The exterior award-winning structure is beautiful - albeit more beautiful from the exterior that the interior. The acoustics are less than exceptional and the seats felt snug even though we are slim. The finishes for the interior are minimal and does not make it too welcoming for guests. Even though all guests are physically integrated with the stage, we all felt the distance. read more

Writers Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Glencoe, Illinois

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No love yet on Yelp for the Writers Theater? That's a shame. Although it's rather far north, this company was founded in 1992 and has been thriving since at least the early 00s. I often see their shows in the various review outlets such as TimeOut and the Tribune. They consistently feature top-notch talent from the Chicago theater scene and produce a variety of text-focused drama. And city-dwelling theater lovers have little excuse for inconvenience, as the UPN line of the Metra stops half a block away at the Glencoe station. This venue is their Tudor Court Theater inside the Woman's Library Club of Glencoe. The charming brick building is just what you would expect from a century-old North Shore women's club, but the theater tucked inside is a delightful surprise. It is a very cozy, 108-seat marvel, not quite an Elizabethan thrust stage, but with risers on three sides and truly not a bad seat in the house. The first row is actually on the stage floor, inches away from the action. What finally drew me to attend a show up there was a star-studded production of Hamlet, featuring some of my long-time Chicago Shakespeare Theater favorites, including Ross Lehman, Timothy Edward Kane, Scott Parkinson in the title role, and Larry Yando as the Ghost, Player King, and First Gravedigger. It can hardly get any better than that. Overall, the cast was very strong and the production outstanding. There was one weak spot, and I have a few other quibbles, but this isn't a theater review. I will say, though, that the intimacy of the space enhanced the performance tremendously. read more

Another great theatre company in the Chicagoland area. I went last weekend, after reading the great reviews of Picnic. This company does its productions in two spaces in Glencoe; Picnic was shown at the Women's Library Club of Glencoe (the Tudor Court venue). The Glencoe Metra train stops directly across the street from the Tudor Court theater, and the Vernon Avenue theater is only a couple of blocks south, making it extremely convenient. If you choose to drive, there's lots of parking (oh, and it's free). The space was really nice, both inside the theater and in the lobby area. Writers' does its shows in the round, and while I've toured theaters of this style I've never seen a show performed in the round. Part of the mission of this theatre is to share an intimate experience with their audience, and that is exactly how one feels while watching the show. Picnic was sold out for the remainder of their run, but luckily they offer stand-by seats if one goes to the theater 1 hour prior to the show; unfortunately, I wasn't able to get in during the matinee showing. I was really (pleasantly) surprised when I got a telephone call from the girl who took my name for the standby list. She said that she had a couple call to cancel for the evening show, and she had remembered me and wanted to offer me the tickets if I was still interested. It was totally unexpected and a great treat to see the show. I'll look forward to seeing another show here in the future. read more

I have been very very impressed with writers theatre productions. I recently saw Trevor and understand why the run was extended (until October 1st). If you can get tickets, don't miss it! This theatre attracts top talent and I am very lucky to have in my backyard. I recommend that you see a play or two. Then you will want a subscription (which is a smart move because the intimate theatre has limited seats and sells out). There isn't a bad seat in the house. This is city quality theatre with an easy commute home after the show. read more

We leave each show feeling we are fortunate to have high quality theater nearby. Stories, actors, sets and production are top notch. The house should be filled for every show. Get your subscription now. Alex & Mar read more

Finally made it here after 7 years of living on the North Shore. It is a beautiful place to see a play or musical. Really, with the way the seats are elevated, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The lobby is beautiful and the bar makes some lovely creative cocktails. We came for a very emotional performance of Next to Normal; found it very moving. We'll be back. It's an amazing resource to have nearby and makes for a special night out. read more

Never been here before and it was just lovely. The round theater made it a unique viewing experience to start. The building itself was architecturally fun. But, more importantly, the play was intense, well performed and thought provoking. Definitely worthwhile...plus, free parking. :-) read more

Wow!!! I just saw the play - Vietgone. I can't believe how good it was!! The acting was superb, each actor plays multiple roles, and each role is a vivid personality. The props fit in perfectly. It's a fast moving story that focuses on the mid-70's through the eyes of young Vietnamese. It's a love story with elements of conflict. When I walked into the theater I had no idea what was in store, but I assumed from the title that it had something to do with Vietnam, and so I was not very enthused about seeing the play. But was I surprised. I just thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm tempted to go back and see it again! read more

Cool venue. My wife and I enjoyed the production of Sweet Charity immensely. We'll definitely be back. read more

This new building has been through so many obstacles since construction started ; however once completed this will be a must see if you are in the area. Great design and state of the art underground duct system.... read more

Writers Theatre - New artistic building being constructed - Performing Arts Near Me - Glencoe, Illinois

Writers Theatre does a wonderful job of selecting and producing great plays. However, my husband and I have mixed feelings about the new building. Architecturally it is very well done and extremely interesting. On our most recent visit we were seated in the upper most row and the leg room was scant. Both of us are of average height but felt extraordinarily cramped with our knees jammed into the backs of the seats in front of us. On top of that it was really hot. So, though we enjoyed the production, the evening was a tad uncomfortable. read more

I just saw THE best play in years! HESPERIA, performed by Rebecca Buller, Erik Hellman, Nathan Hosner, Kelly O'Sullivan, and Tyler Ross, is the story of faith, forgiveness, sin and salvation. Not being of the Christian faith, I was a bit worried that the play would be "over the top" in that regard. Instead, HESPERIA was a thought-provoking look at starting over and redemption, a goal in all religions. The acting was superb and kept my interest for the whole hour-and-a-half performance. Go see HESPERIA. You won't be disappointed. FYI, the site for this play is on Tudor off of Park Avenue. read more

Really great space. Minimalist yet inviting. Outdoor patio is the deal clincher! Attended a wedding. It was warm and intimate and open aired. read more

Such a wonderful facility! Easy to get to on the Metra train from Chicago. Seats comfortable, packed house, good feel, excellent tech. I'd go again since it was so easy to get to! read more

Beautiful new theatre that we are so very lucky to have on the north shore! This year's subscription package has been outstanding. Saw Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody and would do something I almost never do, see it for a second time.... maybe even go back for a third time! read more

East Texas hot links was an incredible production! Beautifully written, acted and directed. Try not to miss this!

I'm a long time fan of this place, long before the move. And just this Sunday I was able to visit that new location and it was the Bomb!!! The building itself is gorgeous , absolutely in love with it! And like always the performance was out of this world!!! Would always be recommending you guys to family and friends. Keep it up!!!! read more

If you are in any way impaired with physical limitations avoid this theater. There have been numerous injuries as a result of the new construction. They say they are working on the issue, but not fast enough as a woman was taken by ambulance yesterday following a fall. read more

My favorite theatre by far. Fabulous new facility although all previous incarnations worked amazingly well. Well chosen plays and cast with top notch actors/directors/designers. Consistently outstanding. Located in the lovely, sleepy village of Glencoe with several excellent restaurants nearby. Parking and/or easy metra access. read more