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Theater in Chicago

Exterior view ot the Chicago Theater and it's historic marquee, in the Loop.

Known for its phenomenal theater offerings, Chicago sets the stage with record-breaking Broadway shows and award-winning regional theater. Left: The historic marquee of the Chicago Theatre lights up the Loop at night. Right: The opulent interior of the Auditorium Theater.

“The Second City (Chicago) ranks second to none -- Broadway most definitely included -- when it comes to the quality of its theatrical offerings.”

- As quoted from the Wall St. Journal

Highly respected for both the diversity and quality of its theater offerings, Chicago is known for producing highly creative works performed by top-caliber talent.

The city's theatrical diversity is evident in the sheer quantity of live productions, from record-breaking Broadway shows and award-winning regional plays to experimental storefront and edgy fringe theater performances, that abound in Chicago.

Brightly lit marquees along Dearborn and Randolph Streets mark an area in the Loop famously known as the Theater District. Within the span of four city blocks are such magnificently restored venues as the Cadillac Palace Theatre, Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre, The Chicago Theatre, and Bank of America Theatre.

Theater-goers have a wealth of large-scale musical productions to choose from, including Broadway in Chicago’s Tony® Award-winning Jersey Boys, now in its second smash season at the Bank of America Theatre, and the world premiere of the brand new musical The Addams Family starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, which opens at the Oriental Theatre this November.

Not far from the Loop Theater District is the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, which is housed in a landmark building designed by famed architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. The Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place, a relatively new addition to the Chicago theater scene, is also located a short stroll away along the Magnificent Mile.

Theatrically speaking, Chicago has definitely earned its top billing. For more information on Chicago theaters, visit The League of Chicago Theatres.

Chicago Theater Resources

Like the idea of getting a great deal on Chicago theater tickets? Chicago offers a host of theater-going resources to help theater lovers find affordable tickets easily.

The League of Chicago Theatres is the source for information on discounted ticket prices for shows in the city. Sign up for emails alerting you to upcoming special price offers.

A money-saver for theater patrons, Hot Tix offers half-price theater tickets online, as well as at two convenient downtown ticket booth locations: 72 E. Randolph St. (across from the Chicago Cultural Center) and 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. in the Water Works Visitor Center. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm or Sunday 11 am – 4 pm. Closed Mondays.

Regional Companies

Audiences in Chicago can also delight in the originality of the city’s more than 200 acclaimed regional companies, a group that includes the famed Steppenwolf, Goodman, Lookingglass and Victory Gardens Theatres.

Neighborhood Theaters

Located throughout the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, storefront theaters with such unique names as: the Organic Theater, Remy Bumppo, Redmoon and Shattered Globe, provide affordable opportunities to view aspiring performers in artistically-driven productions.