The 3,500-seat Chicago Theatre began life as a Balaban and Katz movie temple. After years of neglect, it was restored to its former glory as a sumptuous performance palace. It's now a vital and pioneering part of the North Loop renaissance, which has also seen the equally ornate Oriental Theatre/Ford Center for the Performing Arts on nearby Randolph Street given a second stage life and the prestigious Goodman Theatre move to the former Michael Todd Cinestage on Dearborn. Musicals, concerts, dance events and films (it's hosted screenings for the Chicago International Film Festival) fill the eclectic performance line-up. Acoustics vary greatly with the production's miking, but seats are comfortable, if often distant from the huge stage.
Getting There
Cross Streets:
State and Randolph.
Parking:
Paid Lot
Public Transportation:
Accessible by CTA buses (State St. Routes), subway (Red Line-Washington) and elevated train (Orange, Brown, Green and Purple Express Lines-State); taxicabs plentiful.
Wheelchair Access:
Yes.
Including restrooms.
The Basics
Hours:
Vary with production.
Alcohol:
Wet and dry bars are available.
Admission Price:
Varies with production.
Audience:
Families
Theater Genre:
Musical, Play, Broadway, and Touring Shows
Features
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
