Cadillac Palace Theatre

Formerly the Bismarck Theatre and the New Palace Theatre, the Cadillac Palace Theatre has been a Chicago landmark since 1926. The theater’s ornate brass work, which was painted white to trick the government, managed to survive ammunition metal drives during WWII. It was later restored to its original luster to be enjoyed by theatergoers today. Since, the theater has hosted many pre-Broadway and world premieres, including the opening of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida in fall 1999, Mel Brooks’ The Producers, and Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple. Today, programming is hosted by Broadway In Chicago to deliver world-class Broadway in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Cadillac Palace Theatre Facilities

Cadillac Palace Theatre is located in the core of Chicago’s Theater District in the Loop. It opened at the corner of Randolph and LaSalle Streets in 1926. Designed by the famous Rapp Brothers, the venue was originally the flagship for vaudeville’s Orpheum Circuit.

The architecture boasted unprecedented splendor for the city. The original building featured a rich lobby with large decorative mirrors, breche violet, ad white marble. A succession of foyers was gilded with gold leaf and wood decorations leading to the ornate, 2,5000-seat theater. The theater was transformed into a movie palace in the 1930s and had another identity as a rock venue in the 1980s.

In 1999, the theater was carefully renovated and completely restored to its original glory. The rare brass ornamentation, previously painted white, was restored to its former luster. The plush auditorium with its ornate stage area, seats 2,344.

Cadillac Palace Theatre Programs

When the interiors were restored to their original glory, the venue’s entertainment also harkened back to its roots as a stage theater. While Vaudeville has come and gone, today’s performances are managed by Broadway in Chicago. The restored theater reopened in the autumn of 199 with the premier of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida.

Since, the theater has maintained a reputation for debuting pre-Broadway hits. Household names like The Producers and Mamma Mia! Made their premiere at the Palace. The venue has also hosted long-run performances including The Color Purple, Mary Poppins, and Shrek The Musical. In 2017, the venue hosted the national tour premiere of Disney’s Alladin.

Avid theater buffs in Chicago can purchase season tickets to Broadway in Chicago shows across its Theater District venues. Subscribers enjoy up to 50-percent off of ticket prices as well as advanced-access to coveted shows, discounted suite services, and seating upgrades. They can also enjoy a free Historic Theatre Tour to learn about the history behind Cadillac Palace and other Broadway In Chicago Theaters. Other members of the network include the James M. Nederlander Theatre, CIBC Theatre, and Broadway Playhouse.

Getting to the Cadillac Palace Theatre

Broadway In Chicago partners with InterPark to offer easy parking access near its theaters. The closest location to the Palace is at Lake & Wells. Visit broadwayinchicago.com to purchase parking in advance, or present your ticket stub at the garage to receive a special discounted parking rate for the show. Subscribers can park at the nearby Wabash & Randolph, Adams & Wabash, or Lake & Wells garages for free.

Public transit is easily accessible to the theater as well, with its coveted Loop location. Take the L to Clark/Lake or Washington, or the CTA bus to nearby LaSalle & Randolph/Washington on the 134, 135, 136, or 156 busses.

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