Chicago Theater
Events & Tickets
Our
theater performance listings below include most of the major
downtown venues in what is called the "Theatre District" as well as
selected others. Below these listings, you can find many of the web
sites for the numerous theaters all around Chicago. You can find
information about the specific performances and show times for these
other theaters by visiting their web pages.
We
also offer access to premium seating tickets to many of Chicago's
most popular theater performances through access to Chicago's
#1 theatre ticket broker-Gold Coast Tickets..
DOWNTOWN/FEATURED CHICAGO THEATRE PERFORMANCE
SCHEDULE
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Run Dates |
Production |
Tickets |
Theatre |
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Open Run |
The Blue Man Group |
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Briar Street Theatre |
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Blue Man Group is best known for its
award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as
"ground-breaking," "hilarious," "visually stunning" and "musically
powerful." These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue
characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience
that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville
into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else. People from
all over the world, from all walks of life and from all age groups
have become fans of Blue Man Group's show. |
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Thru Sun Jan 10 |
Jersey Boys |
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Bank of America Theatre |
| “TOO GOOD TO
BE TRUE!” raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the 2006 Tony®
Award winning best musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four
Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This
is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest
successes in pop music history. |
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Sep 23 - Nov 22 |
Richard III |
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Chicago Shakespeare Theatre |
| Artistic
Director Barbara Gaines opens the season with Shakespeare’s tale of a
brilliant, scheming hunchback who seduces and murders his way to the
English throne. This captivating drama has thrilled audiences across
the centuries, and now takes center stage at Chicago’s home for
Shakespeare. |
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Oct 24 - May 9 |
Joffrey Ballet |
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Auditorium Theatre |
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The world-famous Joffrey Ballet of
Chicago offers a series of performances that include: Othello,
Nutcracker, Cinderella and Eclectica at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre. |
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Nov 2 - Jan 3 |
Million Dollar Quartet |
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The Apollo Theatre |
On December
4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash,
Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. The place was Sun
Records’ storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was
the “Father of Rock-n-Roll,” Sam Phillips, who discovered them all.
The four legends-to-be united for the only time in their careers for
an impromptu recording session that embodied the birth of rock ‘n’
roll and has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions
of all time.
Million Dollar Quartet captures the infectious spirit, freewheeling
excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of
popular music’s most extraordinary talents, all in their creative
prime, came together for a night that would raise the roof. |
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Nov 3 - Dec 17 |
Young Frankenstein
Mel Brooks New Musical |
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Cadillac Palace Theatre |
| The classic
Mel Brooks movie is ALIVE...and it’s headed here! You’ll have a
monstrously good time at this spectacular new production, winner of
the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience
Award for BEST MUSICAL! Don’t miss the sensational cast delivering all
your favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new
show-stopping numbers for the stage. |
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Nov 13 - Jan 10 |
The Addams Family |
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Ford Center for the Arts |
| The
weird and wonderful family created by New Yorker cartoonist Charles
Addams comes to devilishly delightful life in a Broadway musical—and
you can see it first right here in Chicago. Don't miss this
magnificently macabre new show
. |
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Nov 27 - Dec 23 |
A
Christmas Carol |
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The Goodman Theatre |
Ebenezer
Scrooge is a miserly old man who believes that Christmas is just an
excuse for people to miss work and for idle people to expect handouts.
He doesn't believe in all of the good cheer and charity that the
season promotes, and he makes sure everyone knows it.
That night, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business
associate, Jacob Marley -- a man who was as greedy and cold as Scrooge
is. Marley warns Scrooge that if he continues to live so selfishly, he
will spend eternity wearing the chains that his greed has built.
Three ghosts visit Scrooge successively: the Ghost of Christmas Past,
the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come. They show Scrooge his error in valuing money over people.
Scrooge is frightened by the bleak picture of his life and promises to
change his ways. |
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Dec 15 - Jan 3 |
In
The Heights |
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Cadillac Palace Theatre |
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Experience an exhilarating journey
into one of Manhattan’s most vibrant
communities, where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and
sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm
of three generations of music. Welcome to IN THE HEIGHTS, the 2008
Tony® Award winning BEST MUSICAL, with an amazing cast, incredible
dancing and a gripping tale of hope and self-discovery. |
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Jan 6 - Mar 7 |
Private Lives |
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Chicago Shakespeare Theatre |
| Following
his celebrated production of Amadeus last season, CST's own Gary
Griffin directs Noël Coward’s stylish, savvy comedy about the people
we can neither live with—nor without. Divorcés Amanda and Elyot meet
up again quite by accident—on their second honeymoons, with brand-new
spouses in tow. Fireworks fly as their reunion reveals just how
quickly romance—and rivalry—can be rekindled. |
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Jan 19 - 31 |
Dreamgirls |
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Cadillac Palace Theatre |
| Direct from
the world-famous Apollo Theater in New York City, a brand new,
sensational stage production of Dreamgirls
comes to Chicago! Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls
tells the rags-to-riches story of a 1960s Motown girl group, and the
triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. |
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Feb 16 - 28 |
101 Dalmations - The Musical |
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Ford Center for the Arts |
| THE 101
DALMATIANS MUSICAL is an experience for the entire family about what
it means to be a family, canine and courageous. More than a simple
story about good versus bad, the family bands together to overcome
every hurdle and hardship in the most difficult times. |
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Theatre Resources
DISCOUNTS-See
our Chicago
Entertainment Discount Coupons
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'Go Chicago' Card
1 Price-30 Attractions
On Sale!
Buy Now!
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CHICAGO FOOD TOURS |
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Guided Food-Tasting Tour |
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Discover & Eat
Chicago's
Most Delicious Foods.
Voted Top 5 Chicago Tour!
Learn More - See our Video! |
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Reservations-212.209.3370 |
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GLOBAL THEATRE FOR
A GLOBAL CITY |
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Silk Road Theatre Project: Authentic Stories, Unique
Experiences
Located in the heart of
Chicago's downtown theatre district, come enjoy theatre that challenges,
delights, and entertains. Known nationally for its cutting edge work and
focus on plays about Asian & Middle Eastern communities, Silk Road Theatre
Project completes your cultural experience in Chicago.
Visit our web site to learn more. |
OTHER CHICAGO
THEATRE EVENTS
See our
2009 Chicago Holiday Events Calendar.
Open Run
The Awesome 80's
Prom
901 W. Weed Street in Chicago
312-664-7766, email:
promcommittee@awesome80sprom.com
A brand-new, blast-from-the-past hit show in the style of Tony 'n Tina's
Wedding, THE AWESOME 80s PROM invites you to attend the Wanaget High
Senior Prom...in 1989! All your favorite characters from the 80s are
there... the captain of the football team, the Asian exchange student, the
class president and the bad boy rebel! Come to the prom, where you can
once again moonwalk and dane the night away to all your favorite hits,
from "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" to "Thriller!" And this time, there's no
curfew!
Open Run - 1st Wed.
of each month with selected other dates
Magic Chicago
City Lit Theater
1020 West Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL
Now celebrating our 5th year as Chicago's premiere showcase for magic,
mystery and wonder.
Benjamin Barnes and Robert Charles are the stars and producers of Magic
Chicago. Every show is different and -- with every show -- Benjamin and
Robert welcome unique magical guests.
Every Monday night at 8 p.m.
That's Weird
Grandma
Neo-Futurarium
5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
WHAT: Barrel of Monkeys’ tenth anniversary began September 7, 2007, and
continues their run of “That’s Weird, Grandma” at 8 p.m. on Monday nights
at the Neo-Futurarium in Chicago. These new installments of the critically
acclaimed assortment of scenes and songs are adapted by the ensemble from
at-risk Chicago public school students.
After teaching creative writing in the CPS system, BOM’s ensemble of
actors, comedians, musicians and playwrights selects and adapts some of
the thousands of stories generated by children for stage presentation. The
result has been an audience favorite – a show that is “safe” for all ages,
yet very much appreciated by an adult audience. “That’s Weird, Grandma”
changes each week according to audience votes (switching 2-3 sketches each
performance), and each show runs about one hour. The show started in April
2001, and has produced over 500 stories and musical numbers.
April 2009 - ?
POSEIDON! An
Upside-Down Musical
The Bailiwick Repertory Theatre-Mainstage
1229 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL
The mother of all disaster films set to music.
Based on the classic 1972 disaster film, The Poseidon Adventure, POSEIDON!
features many of the original cast members from the 2002 production, new
songs and lots and lots of dancing water sprites. Don't miss the show that
Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune called "excessive, messy, unwieldy,
played partly in drag, full of terrific comic numbers- hopelessly
esoteric- and very funny."
09/30/09-12/06/09
HAIRSPRAY
The Marriott Theatre
10 Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL
The Marriott Theatre continues its highly acclaimed 2009 season with
HAIRSPRAY, the show the New York Post calls “A great big fat gorgeous
hit!” This all-new production of the Tony Award-winning international
phenomenon explodes onto the Marriott Theatre stage September 23rd. Direct
from Broadway, where it played for over 2,500 performances, the production
begins previews September 23rd, opens Wednesday, September 30th at 8 p.m.,
and runs through December 6th, 2009. Chicagoland favorite and multiple
Jeff Award winner Marc Robin (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,
The Full Monty), has been tapped to direct and choreograph.
"You Can't Stop the Beat" to this family friendly show that is piled
bouffant-high with laughter, romance and full of enough deliriously
tuneful songs to fill a non-stop platter party. Set in Baltimore in 1962,
HAIRSPRAY is the story of pleasantly plump teen, Tracy Turnblad, who does
whatever it takes to fulfill her lifelong dream of appearing on the
popular Corny Collins Show. But can this plus-size trendsetter in dance
and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of
heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting
her fabulous 'do? Only in HAIRSPRAY! “Welcome to the '60s!”
To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call
the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit
www.MarriottTheatre.com
Oct. 29 - Dec. 20
Thoroughly
Modern Millie
Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook IL
The delightful, Jazz Age musical THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, tells the
humorous story of a young girl from Kansas who takes New York City by
storm as she flaps, taps and Charleston’s her way into the Roaring ‘20s.
Millie experiences the hustle and bustle of Jazz Age Manhattan, at a time
when women were just entering the workforce and rewriting society’s rules.
A funny, romantic story about following dreams and falling in love,
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE was hailed as "a thoroughly delightful
experience" by USA Today. A singing, dancing tribute to the spirit of New
York City, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE is a feel-good story featuring a score
including "Jimmy”, “Gimme, Gimme”, “I Turned the Corner", "Only In New
York", and "Long As I'm Here with You."
11/13/09 to 12/19/09
Perseus & Medusa:
Or it's all Greek to Me!
Piccolo Theatre
600 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202
A story of monsters, gods and true love, "Perseus & Medusa" takes the
audience on a wild ride through a world of slightly skewed Greek
mythology. Deceived by an evil king and desperate to win the heart of the
beautiful Princess Andromeda, the brave Perseus sets off on a quest to
retrieve the head of Medusa, whose very glance turns men to stone. Along
for the ride are two bait-shop boys, a wisecracking god, and the clueless
Dame. Will Perseus survive the quest and return home in time to rescue his
mother from the evil king? Will his bravery prove his love to the
Princess? His fate rests in the hands of the gods and the audience!
11/19/09 - 01/03/10
Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil
The Chicago Theatre
175 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60601
213-462-6300
Banana Shpeel is a roller-coaster mix
of styles that blends comedy with tap, hip hop, eccentric dance and
slapstick, all linked by a hilarious narrative that ignites a succession
of wacky adventures. This is not circus, or a musical or a variety show,
or even vaudeville. It is Banana Shpeel! Get ready for an exciting fusion
of genres, directed by David Shiner - accomplished comedic actor, Broadway
creator and director of KOOZA from Cirque du Soleil.
11/24/09 - 11/29/09
Rodgers &
Hammerstein’s South Pacific
Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Road, Rosemont IL 60018
Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the
sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is
threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Tickets
start at $39.50. For more information about performance schedule and for
tickets call (800) 745-3000.
Lyric Opera of Chicago
20 N. Wacker, Chicago, IL, 60622
To purchase tickets, call (312) 332-2244 or visit
www.LyricOpera.org .
Ernani
by Giuseppe Verdi
10/27/09 thru 11/23/09
SUMPTUOUS SETS REFLECTING MOORISH SPAIN AT ITS MOST MAGNIFICENT! MORE THAN
250 FABULOUS COSTUMES! A RIP-ROARING VICTOR HUGO STORY! AND THE POWER OF
VERDI AT FULL THROTTLE!
If you love rousing choruses that pulse with patriotism, full-blooded
arias that pin you to the back of your seat, and big stars who create the
kind of performance you never forget — then Ernani's a must-see for you.
The Spanish king, a vindictive grandee, and Ernani — a nobleman forced to
become an outlaw — are mortal enemies. Yet they're bound together by an
ancient code of honor and they're all in love with the same woman!
Katya Kabanova
by Leoš Janáèek
11/22/09 thru 12/12/09
IN THIS EARLY DRAMA OF SEXUAL AND SOCIAL REPRESSION IN A PROVINCIAL
RUSSIAN TOWN, THE BREATHTAKING KARITA MATTILA REPRISES ONE OF HER GREATEST
ROLES.
She is Katya — married to an ineffectual man who's still under his
mother's thumb, emotionally beaten down by a mother-in-law from hell, and
destroyed by guilt when she grasps at happiness by taking a lover.
Ecstasy and anguish...hope and despair...everything Katya feels is right
here in this gorgeous music. A masterpiece from the composer they call the
"Czech Puccini."
The Merry Widow
by Franz Lehár
12/05/09 thru 01/16/10
SHE'S BEAUTIFUL! SHE'S RICH! AND IF SHE CAN JUST GET THAT PLAYBOY DANILO
TO PROPOSE, SHE'LL BE DELIRIOUSLY HAPPY, TOO!
And so will the Ambassador of Pontevedro. Why? Becasue Hanna, the Merry
Widow, is his nation's wealthiest citizen. And if she's lured away by some
Frenchman, she'll take all her lovely money with her, causing a financial
meltdown of epic proportion.
Time to institute a romantic stimulus plan!
The Elixir of Love
by Gaetano Donizetti
01/23/10 thru 02/22/10
WHEN IT COMES TO WINNING THE PRETTIEST GIRL IN TOWN, HOW CAN A SHY GUY
FROM THE COUNTRY COMPETE WITH A MILITARY MAN WHO'S GOT BOTH CASH AND
FLASH?
No problem, as long as he's taking the elixir of love. This "guaranteed"
potion of passion is purveyed by a loveable quack who could sell snow to
an Eskimo — but who cares as long as it works? And it does!
The Damnation of Faust
by Hector Berlioz
02/20/10 thru 03/17/10
AWESOME. PROFOUND. AND WILDLY AHEAD OF ITS TIME. FAUST'S PACT WITH THE
DEVIL HAS INSPIRED SCORES OF COMPOSITIONS, BUT NONE MATCH THE GRANDEUR AND
SCOPE OF THIS BERLIOZ EXTRAVAGANZA!
Like a film, it moves at lightning speed from scene to scene — from
enchanted forests to Heaven to Hell. Like a dream, it's filled with
wondrous beings, from angels to creatures that would scare Satan himself.
The Marriage of Figaro
by Mozart
02/28/10 thru 03/27/10
Sublime music, wry comedy, and penetrating reflections on life and love —
Mozart gets everything right in one of Western civilization's greatest
artistic achievements. And it's fun too!
Figaro, the count's whip-smart valet, is set to marry Susanna, the
Countess's comely maid. But the Count wants Susanna for himself! Enter
Figaro with a scheme that cuts him off at the pass and teaches everyone a
lesson!
To purchase tickets, call (312) 332-2244 or visit
www.LyricOpera.org .
2009 - 2010 Season
Victory Gardens
Biograph Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL
773-871-3000
THE SNOW QUEEN
By Hans Christian Andersen
Originally adapted by Michael Smith, Frank Galati and Blair Thomas
Nov 27 - Dec 27, 2009
BLUE DOOR
A Chicago premiere
By Tanya Barfield
Jan 22 - Feb 28, 2010
THE LOST BOYS OF SUDAN
A Chicago premiere
By Ensemble member
Lonnie Carter
Mar 19 - Apr 25, 2010
JACOB AND JACK
A world premiere
By Ensemble member
James Sherman
May 14 - Jun 20, 2010
A GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED
A world premiere
By Ensemble member
Joel Drake Johnson
Starring Kevin Anderson
Jul 9 - Aug 15, 2010
Metropolis
Performing Arts Centre
111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
11/07/09
The Boogers
Crusty, Greenie and Sticky Booger are ready to rock! Their punk-rock
versions of classic nursery rhymes and kids’ favorite tunes will have you
and your kids singing and dancing. With “The Wheels on the Bus,” “The ABC
Song,” “Row Yer Boat,” even the original song “Fish Will Fly” (inspired by
The Ramones’ “Judy is a Punk”), The Boogers are all about bringing rock
and roll to the kids. It’s the most fun you’ll have jamming out with your
preschooler to his favorites sing-along songs.
Learn more.
11/27/09 - 12/24/09
A Christmas Carol
One of the most popular and enduring stories of the season, A Christmas
Carol is a tale of holiday cheer and one man’s change of heart. This fun
and bright retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic follows Scrooge on his
journeys with the Spirits of Christmas and watches the miserly, grouch of
a man discover kindness and generosity in the world and within himself.
Embrace the spirit of the season with your entire family and enjoy the
singing, dancing and celebration in Metropolis’ production of A Christmas
Carol. Learn
more.
Harris
Theater for Music and Dance at Millennium Park
205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Other Theatre Schedules
Royal George Theatre Center
1641 N. Halsted Street at North
Avenue
312-988-9000
Located minutes north of Chicago's Loop and in the heart of Lincoln Park,
the Royal George Theatre houses 4 theatres and Landmark restaurant. Visit
our website for new shows and theatre
information.
SCHEDULE
1) MAINSTAGE:
Russian on the Side
Tu-Thu 7:30, Fri 8pm, Sat 5 and 9pm, Sun 3 and 5:30p
The incomparable Mark Nadler tickles the ivories and your funny bone too
in this comedy-in-music adventure. From Stravinsky to Sondheim, Nadler
takes the audience on a zany 90 minute journey filled with music and mirth
along with some scintillating gossip about the world's greatest composers.
And he dances too! Show begins April 22, 2008.
2) STUDIO:
A Steady Rain
Tu-Th 7:30p, Fri 8pm, Sat 5 and 8pm, Sun 2 and 5pm
A Steady Rain explores love and rage on the streets of Chicago, as a
routine domestic disturbance call sends two Chicago cops on a harrowing
journey that will test their loyalties and change their lives forever.
3) GREAT ROOM:
Late Nite Catechism
Thu and Sat 8pm
The two-act solo performances feature Sister giving instruction to a
roomful of “students” (the audience). Throughout the course of the class
the benevolent instructor rewards the “students” for correct answers with
glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other nifty prizes. Naughty students may
well find themselves on stage sitting in a corner reflecting upon their
actions.
Put The Nuns
In Charge
Fri 8pm and Sat 5pm
Put the Nuns in Charge! In this sequel to the hit comedy, Late Nite
Catechism, Sister is back in the classroom, but this time she's taking on
everything from cell phones to celebrities. This is the funniest course in
behavior you'll every take. Performances on Saturday at 5pm.
Sunday School
Cinema
Sun 3pm
Sunday School Cinema: Good movie? Bad movie? Condemned movie? If you're
confused, asked Sister. She knows the difference. Join this new class in
its world premiere as Sister delves into the world of movies. Sister has
something to say about all of the current movies, or, as she says it, "The
filth that passes as entertainment today."
4) GALLERY:
Intrigue
with Faye Thur-Fri 8pm, Sat 9pm Sun 5pm
From the writer/producer of HBO’s “Six Feet Under”, the play explores the
intimate world of an urban couple who reach an impasse I their
relationship when an infidelity is revealed. Determined to repair their
broken trust, documentary filmmaker Kean proposes to therapist Lissa that
they videotape their every move.
The Center for
Performing Arts
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60466-0975
To search for other
current & future Chicago theater events, visit:
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Broadway in
Chicago
Jointly produced site offering the performances of the Bank of America Theater,
Cadillac Palace Theater, Auditorium Theatre &
the Ford Center for the Performing Arts
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Broadway In Chicago Theater Tours
Ford Center for the Performing Arts (Oriental Theatre), Bank of America
Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre (312) 977-1701.
Chicagoans and visitors will have the opportunity to get an
unforgettable and in depth look at two of the most beautiful and
historic venues of Chicago's famed theatre District. Broadway in Chicago offers a weekly, guided tour of
the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Bank of America Theatre and the Cadillac Palace Theatre. The
tour will showcase the glittering decor inspired by the lushness of the
Orient and the refinement of Versailles, as well as the cutting edge
technology that makes each theatre the home to today's most complex
theatrical productions.
-
The Chicago
Area Theatre Guide (from Centerstage Chicago)
-
League of Chicago
Theaters (another good Chicago choice)
-
Playbill Online
(primarily New York shows)
-
Broadway.com (focused
on NYC Broadway theatres)
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