The smallest of all the Broadway in Chicago venues, Broadway Playhouse seats 549, perfect for more intimate plays. Its location in the heart of Magnificent Mile makes it accessible to locals and tourists alike, surrounded by shopping and dining at Water Tower Place. Broadway Playhouse has been open since the 1970s and saw several identities as a movie theater and legitimate theater venue. Today, entertainment is hosted by Broadway in Chicago to perform world-class Broadway in the city. Since a grand re-opening in 2010, the playhouse has hosted the tour premier of Traces, a newly adapted version of Working, and the Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron hit — Love, Loss and What I wore.
Broadway Playhouse Facilities
Broadway Playhouse was built in 1976 as Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place. Stage performances were short lived, and the theater became a movie palace in 1983. In 2004, it was renovated and returned to a venue for live theater, showing musical and comedy line-ups. Broadway in Chicago acquired the theater in 2010 and reopened the theater as Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
Broadway In Chicago’s renovations gave the playhouse a whole new look with a new entrance and reconfigured lobby. The glowing exterior leads to 549 plush red seats in the stately auditorium, complete with sleek contemporary lighting for a modern look.
Broadway Playhouse Programs
Broadway Playhouse, with its convenient Magnificent Mile location, gives Broadway in Chicago the ability to host productions better suited for an intimate theater. The venue allows Broadway in Chicago to expand the theatrical experiences offered. The 2010 reopening was celebrated with a four-night inaugural engagement of An Evening with Sutton Foster.
Since, the venue has hosted the tour premiere of Traces, a newly adapted spin on the musical Working, the critically acclaimed Colin Quinn: Long Story Short, Rock of Ages, and Love, Loss and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron.
Avid theater buffs can opt for Broadway in Chicago’s subscription package, which garners up to half off of ticket prices. Season Ticket members also enjoy seating upgrades, special discounts, discounted suite service, and off-season specials. Performances are held at Broadway Playhouse along with Broadway in Chicago’s other venues: Auditorium Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and Cadillac Palace Theatre.
Broadway Playhouse is located within Water Tower Place in the heart of Magnificent Mile. The Chicago landmark is home to more than 100 stores as well as restaurants and other experiences. Start the day by shopping at stores like White House Black Market, Alex and Ani, Vera Bradley, Chico’s, and Adidas. Then, enjoy dinner before the show at MITY NICE Bar & Grill or Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch.
Getting to the Broadway Playhouse
With its central location on Magnificent Mile, it’s easy to park in the Water Tower Place Parking Garage. Visit the Broadway Playhouse box office for parking validation at Water Tower Place. The garage is accessible from Chestnut Street, offering direct indoor access to the shopping center and theater.
Via public transit, that the 125 or 157 CTA bus to Chesnut & Mies Van Der Rohe, Dewitt & Chesnut, or Pearson & Dewitt. The closest subway station is a 7-minute walk away at Grand/State on the Red Line.