When you want to see the next big thing, see it in Chicago. The city boasts five Tony award-winning regional theater companies – more than any other city in the nation. And with more than 200 theater companies delivering everything from blockbuster hits to edgy improv skits, your entertainment options are endless.
BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Step out into the bright lights of Broadway In Chicago’s bustling downtown Theater District, where Broadway In Chicago features world-premieres and unforgettable award-winning musicals.
The 2012 season will bring several new shows to Chicago stages, including “The Book of Mormon” (Dec. 11-March 3, 2012), “American Idiot” (Feb. 7-19, 2012), “Bring It On: The Musical” (March 6-25, 2012) and “Fela!” (March 27-April 8, 2012). Of course, this is just a sample of all the hot productions hitting Broadway In Chicago stages, so be sure to check out all of them when planning your trip.
STEPPENWOLF THEATRE
Be moved at the Tony award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre, well known for its thought-provoking plays and trailblazing ensemble of fierce artists, many of whom appear on television and in movies, including John Mahoney starring in “Penelope” (Dec. 1–Feb. 5, 2012). In fact, legendary actor Gary Sinise founded the theater with his high school pal, Jeff Perry, and Perry’s college buddy, Terry Kinney.
Now in its fourth decade as a professional theater company, Steppenwolf has received unprecedented national and international recognition from media, theater critics, and audiences alike.
GOODMAN THEATRE
Find compelling drama and sophisticated comedy at the Tony award-winning Goodman Theatre. Goodman has been a part of life in Chicago for more than 80 years and is committed to producing both classic and contemporary works.
The 2012 season delivers a variety of riveting productions, including “Race” (Jan. 14 – Feb. 19, 2012) which examines guilt and oppression through a compelling crime mystery, and “The Iceman Cometh” (April 21-June 10, 2012), in which a newly sober salesman attempts to fix the lives of his old friends, starring Nathan Lane.
The Goodman is also known for its annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, which is a yuletide tradition for thousands of Chicago families.
LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE
Mind-blowing theatrics ignite at Chicago’s Tony award-winning Lookingglass Theatre. Co-founded by David Schwimmer, this intimate theater found a home in the landmark Water Tower Water Works building on Michigan Avenue.
Known for its dynamic, intellectual theater, the Lookingglass 2012 season includes “Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting” (beginning Jan. 4, 2012) about Major League’s hiring of the first black ballplayer Jackie Robinson and “Eastland: An Original Musical” (beginning June 6, 2012) about a 1915 Chicago boat tragedy and rescue operation.
CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
Enjoy the works of William Shakespeare and other powerful performances from the past and present that resonate with Shakespeare’s timeless insights into the human condition at the Tony award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier.
The 2012 season offers a variety of classics, including “The Tempest” (Jan. 18-March 4, 2012) and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Feb. 7-April 8, 2012).In addition, this seasons offers “Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew” (Feb. 25-April 7, 2012), the perfect 75-minute introduction to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages.
THE SECOND CITY
Watch in amazement as the skilled improv troupe from The Second City takes the audience on a hilarious adventure. This improv-based sketch comedy made famous in Chicago will have you roaring with laughter. That explains why the likes of Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin and Catherine O’Hara are so funny. These premiere comics trained on our grounds.
VICTORY GARDENS THEATER
Savor the beauty of the Biograph Theater while you take in the enchanting performances from the Victory Gardens troupe. From a Victorian age comedy about female sexuality to a modern Latino take on Oedipus, you will find shows that celebrate, reflect and challenge the attitudes of our dynamic and diverse society through passionate new American voices.
Founded in 1974, Victory Gardens has been entertaining crowds for generations in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. In 2006, Victory Gardens moved into Chicago’s famed Biograph Theater after an $11.8 million renovation. Notable for the FBI scene that ended bank robber John Dillinger’s life, the Biograph was a popular movie theater for 90 years.
STOREFRONT THEATER
You’ll never be short on theater options in Chicago. Well-known for its risk-taking storefront theater scene, you’ll find shows setting up shop in all sorts of untraditional venues. To get you started on the hunt for the next big thing, check out upcoming performances at Profiles Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre and NewLeaf Theatre.
BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Step out into the bright lights of Broadway In Chicago’s bustling downtown Theater District, where Broadway In Chicago features world-premieres and unforgettable award-winning musicals.
The 2012 season will bring several new shows to Chicago stages, including “The Book of Mormon” (Dec. 11-March 3, 2012), “American Idiot” (Feb. 7-19, 2012), “Bring It On: The Musical” (March 6-25, 2012) and “Fela!” (March 27-April 8, 2012). Of course, this is just a sample of all the hot productions hitting Broadway In Chicago stages, so be sure to check out all of them when planning your trip.
STEPPENWOLF THEATRE
Be moved at the Tony award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre, well known for its thought-provoking plays and trailblazing ensemble of fierce artists, many of whom appear on television and in movies, including John Mahoney starring in “Penelope” (Dec. 1–Feb. 5, 2012). In fact, legendary actor Gary Sinise founded the theater with his high school pal, Jeff Perry, and Perry’s college buddy, Terry Kinney.
Now in its fourth decade as a professional theater company, Steppenwolf has received unprecedented national and international recognition from media, theater critics, and audiences alike.
GOODMAN THEATRE
Find compelling drama and sophisticated comedy at the Tony award-winning Goodman Theatre. Goodman has been a part of life in Chicago for more than 80 years and is committed to producing both classic and contemporary works.
The 2012 season delivers a variety of riveting productions, including “Race” (Jan. 14 – Feb. 19, 2012) which examines guilt and oppression through a compelling crime mystery, and “The Iceman Cometh” (April 21-June 10, 2012), in which a newly sober salesman attempts to fix the lives of his old friends, starring Nathan Lane.
The Goodman is also known for its annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, which is a yuletide tradition for thousands of Chicago families.
LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE
Mind-blowing theatrics ignite at Chicago’s Tony award-winning Lookingglass Theatre. Co-founded by David Schwimmer, this intimate theater found a home in the landmark Water Tower Water Works building on Michigan Avenue.
Known for its dynamic, intellectual theater, the Lookingglass 2012 season includes “Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting” (beginning Jan. 4, 2012) about Major League’s hiring of the first black ballplayer Jackie Robinson and “Eastland: An Original Musical” (beginning June 6, 2012) about a 1915 Chicago boat tragedy and rescue operation.
CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
Enjoy the works of William Shakespeare and other powerful performances from the past and present that resonate with Shakespeare’s timeless insights into the human condition at the Tony award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier.
The 2012 season offers a variety of classics, including “The Tempest” (Jan. 18-March 4, 2012) and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Feb. 7-April 8, 2012).In addition, this seasons offers “Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew” (Feb. 25-April 7, 2012), the perfect 75-minute introduction to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages.
THE SECOND CITY
Watch in amazement as the skilled improv troupe from The Second City takes the audience on a hilarious adventure. This improv-based sketch comedy made famous in Chicago will have you roaring with laughter. That explains why the likes of Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin and Catherine O’Hara are so funny. These premiere comics trained on our grounds.
VICTORY GARDENS THEATER
Savor the beauty of the Biograph Theater while you take in the enchanting performances from the Victory Gardens troupe. From a Victorian age comedy about female sexuality to a modern Latino take on Oedipus, you will find shows that celebrate, reflect and challenge the attitudes of our dynamic and diverse society through passionate new American voices.
Founded in 1974, Victory Gardens has been entertaining crowds for generations in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. In 2006, Victory Gardens moved into Chicago’s famed Biograph Theater after an $11.8 million renovation. Notable for the FBI scene that ended bank robber John Dillinger’s life, the Biograph was a popular movie theater for 90 years.
STOREFRONT THEATER
You’ll never be short on theater options in Chicago. Well-known for its risk-taking storefront theater scene, you’ll find shows setting up shop in all sorts of untraditional venues. To get you started on the hunt for the next big thing, check out upcoming performances at Profiles Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre and NewLeaf Theatre.
