- The Lion Theatre: This intimate venue, potentially named for its association with a notable production or company, offers a personal theater experience, likely hosting a variety of plays and musicals.
- Briar Street Theatre: Known for its long-standing association with the innovative performance group Blue Man Group, Briar Street Theatre is a staple in the Chicago theater scene, offering a unique blend of music, comedy, and multimedia performances.
- Nederlander Theatre at Ford Center for the Performing Arts: Formerly known as the Oriental Theatre, this historic venue in the Loop showcases large-scale Broadway musicals, shows, and plays, renowned for its lavish interior and grand scale.
- North Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts: Located in Skokie, this theater is part of a cultural complex serving the North Shore community, offering a range of performances from concerts to theatrical productions.
- Marriott Theatre: Situated in Lincolnshire, this theater is renowned for its in-the-round staging, providing an immersive experience focusing on musical theatre productions.
- Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace: A key player in suburban Chicago’s theater scene, Drury Lane offers a mix of Broadway classics, new musicals, and revues, coupled with fine dining options.
- Fisher Theatre – MI: Although located in Detroit, Michigan, and not Chicago, the Fisher Theatre is an iconic venue known for touring Broadway shows and lavish productions.
- CIBC Theatre: Hosting Broadway In Chicago productions, CIBC Theatre is famed for presenting blockbuster shows like “Hamilton.” Its location in the Loop makes it a central figure in Chicago’s theater district.
- Cadillac Palace: A beautifully restored venue in the Loop, Cadillac Palace hosts major touring Broadway productions and is known for its stunning interior inspired by the palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau.
- McAninch Arts Center – Playhouse Theatre: Located at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, this intimate theater space is part of a larger arts complex, offering diverse performances from drama to dance and music.
- Donny’s Skybox Theatre at Second City – Chicago: This smaller, experimental space within the famed Second City complex allows for innovative and improvisational performances, often showcasing new talent and edgy comedy.
- Metropolis Performing Arts Centre: Based in Arlington Heights, this venue provides a mix of musicals, dramas, concerts, and comedy shows, contributing significantly to the suburban cultural landscape.
- Lyric Opera House – IL: As one of the foremost opera houses in the world, the Lyric Opera of Chicago presents high-caliber opera productions and grand performances in a magnificent historic building.
- The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre: A modern, flexible space on Navy Pier, The Yard represents innovation in theater design, allowing various configurations to suit different types of productions, from Shakespeare to contemporary works.
- Center Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts: Complementing the North Theatre, the Center Theatre offers additional space for performances, broadening the cultural offerings in Skokie.
- Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place: Located near the Magnificent Mile, this intimate theater hosts a variety of productions, from touring Broadway shows to local theatrical works.
- Chicago Shakespeare Theatre: With a focus on the works of Shakespeare, this renowned theater on Navy Pier also embraces contemporary plays and musicals and is known for its innovative interpretations and productions.
- Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre: Part of Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, this primary stage hosts a wide range of productions, from classic plays to modern works, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in its programming.
- Apollo Theater Main Stage – Chicago: This cozy venue in Lincoln Park is known for hosting long-running hits like “Million Dollar Quartet,” offering a mix of musicals and theatrical productions in an intimate setting.
- Auditorium Theatre – IL: An architectural masterpiece by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, this historic theater in the Loop is known for its perfect acoustics and stunning interior, hosting performances from ballet to concerts and Broadway shows.
Each theater contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of Chicago’s performing arts scene, offering everything from intimate experimental performances to grand Broadway productions.
