I went to watch Les Miserables by Schaumburg On Stage as I'd recently missed the national tour in…read moredowntown Chicago. Realizing that Drury Lane and Paramount had done their version a few years back and Marriott Theatre had done it a bit before that, I wanted to watch a live version in case I can't make the next big stop in Milwaukee. I watch quite a bit of theatre, both professional and amateur. Not sure why, but until this show -- I wasn't aware of Schaumburg on Stage which has been around since 2016. To my surprise, the quality of the production was similar in quality to other highly acclaimed groups like the District 214 all-district group (which recently did The Wedding Singer). Here were my thoughts on various aspects of the show: Staging: It really surprised me how many sets were used in the show and how they were fully functional. They were designed and painted well and items were hardly reused. They also did a very good job of quickly changing sets to make sure the showtime was kept to a reasonable length. Vocals: Two things I like about this. One is how they kept the complex harmonies -- which worked great in group songs. The overall balance lacked baritone and bass voices, but that's expected with younger actors. I also liked how they did not shy away from the challenge of the very high notes for male or female leads. They could have easily changed the key, but it's great to see them embrace the challenge. Orchestra: A bit smaller, not sure if it's due to space limitations or that's the way the school version is written. A bit more reliant on piano and common woodwind/string instruments than the full version. I did like how they played at a level not to overpower the vocals. Lighting and fog: I liked all the varieties of lights used. Not just in general stage lighting from the top, but also from lights on the side and spotlights. There were quite a bit of variations on lighting, which helped to tell the story. I did not like the excessive use of stage fog though, which tended to linger for more than a single scene. Overall, a great group to watch a show from. It's much better than the typical amateur group and prices are very reasonable. It's also great how they incorporate actors and actresses from all different ages and help them to build interest in theatre. Based on the quality of this performance, I can't wait to watch another show when they get a new digital microphone system.

The experienced people at SOS really see the value and potential in each kid. They are like family…read morein that they really connect and care, but they also hold the kids to a high standard and help them achieve it. This is definitely a step up from park district community theater in both production quality and experience.

I've been here a few times over the years. They have a lot of big names that come through. The…read moreparking sucks because it's part of the mall and there are restaurants nearby. I think if they were a stand alone building, the parking would not be as awful. After you park, they have two lines going into the building. One is general admission and the other is VIP. General admission was on the left and VIP was on the right. They are not labeled. VIP just means that you sit closer to the stage. Seats are like first come first serve. Btw when it is busier, they have people sitting in front of you at each table. They fill each table to the max. In general, I would recommend lining up at least 30-40 mins before the show begins, for better seating. After you sit down, you have to order two items per person. We just ordered two drinks each. It's kind of an asinine rule but I guess that's how they make their money. We ordered food in the past. Ever since then, we just grab food nearby before coming. Food was okay here. The drinks are not bad, the glasses are a good size so you can sip on it throughout the show. Service was good, although it could be better. It took awhile to receive our drinks. Depending on the comedian, you can get a free picture or you have to pay for one. Overall, it's like a 3.5 experience but 5 stars for the comedian. Meh, I'll give it 4 stars.

This is a cool, intimate venue with good sound quality, and service starts almost immediately once…read moreyou're seated. However, I wasn't a fan of having to wait in a line outside. The entry process could definitely be more organized to make the overall experience smoother. Our tables were a little wobbly, and the drinks were just okay. The restrooms could also use a little TLC. Overall, it's a nice spot with potential, but a few improvements to the organization and upkeep would make the experience even better.

It's been years since I've attended a circus and we were so impressed to see such amazing talent in…read morethese performers. We laughed so hard with the comedian and then sat in awe to see some of the impossible yet possible acts. Best of all there's no animal cruelty! This event was taken place in Huntington but is now in Citifield until Dec 15. Totally worth the visit. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

We had the chance to visit the circus!!! Our son loved the show, it wasn't super long. Animal free,…read moreplenty of acrobatics and stunts. Great fun for all. A bit pricey for concessions and extras, but such a neat little show!!!

I love this place! The prices are reasonable so that you can see all season…read more The theater is not very big. Even if you are in the last row you can see well. The plays are family friendly. They usually do 1 "children's" play such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang each season. The theater is non profit. The cast is all volunteer. Do not let that affect what you think. The plays are wonderful. I just saw Tuesdays with Morrie last night. Tears were rolling down my cheeks. If you have not been to one of the plays before...well, you are missing a good show.

This venue is a hidden gem . Local theatre company with exceptional talent, costumes, set design…read more Family affordable and clean and friendly and just a joy ! Don't pass up if you have a chance to see a show here ! No regrets ever !

I have been a patron of Metropolis for as long as I can remember, starting with the influence of my…read moregrandpa and grandma taking me to the children's shows. The quaint theater doesn't really have a "bad" seat in the house! They have programming that spans improv, musicals, classic plays, children's theatre, educational concerts, a capella, etc. They also have a performing arts school in which my daughter has taken classes and summer camps at. One star off because I wish they would do more accessible tickets e.g. rush tickets or lotteries. One of shows of the children from the school of the performing arts was, like, $20/person. Also, the Play that Goes Wrong was $50. I can see a Broadway in Chicago show for that price if you go about it utilizing the proper channels. I do not utilize the bar during shows, but they sell snacks, which are not allowed in the theater, and drinks, which are allowed in the theater.

09/28/25 - My buddy invited me & half the people in Metropolis Performing Arts Culture Theater in…read moredowntown Arlington Heights to see Grease as a surprise for his mom's 88th birthday. In Chinese culture 88 symbolizes fortune & good luck. My buddies mom was completely surprised The theater is a nice size so everyone gets a good view of the stage. The performers did a very good job in the recreation of the music along w/the dancing & acting. Very good singing & acting. There are plenty of restaurants & entertainment both before & after in this area. Sorry pictures aren't allowed inside the theater

The Dinner Detective July 8th 2017…read moreThe faces and identities of the actors and guest have been changed for their protection LOL JK How ever I will not be including photos of the actors or any of the props as I do not want to ruin the show for others. Now down to brass tax, I took my Girlfriend to the Dinner detectives at the Chicago Marriott in Schaumburg IL, as this was our first time at something like this we were excited to see how it would be.... We were not disappointed So Check in was at 6p and the show will last about 3 hours, at 6 I went to the registration table as the request on the ticket holder come there to get your name tags. I received my table number as well as 2 name tags which had different color stickers on them, and a large place for you to write your alias. Make sure you give the right name tag to the right people in your group as the different color dot on the name tag signifies which meal you order and will help the wait staff make sure they get that meal to the right person. Also on a side note you are able to make special requests such as; no cheese, or no garlic, if you have any sort of allergies or dietary restrictions. My alias was Senior Fluffy and my partner in crime was Lilly Mosby. While your being seated they have a cash bar, and they served appetizers. That night was started off with crab cakes and spring rolls. Also at your setting you are given iced tea and water. The place setting was cozy but I imagine that's to get people to talk more. While the appetizers were coming around the Hostess explained the ground rules such as; no one is really being murdered so there would be no need for CPR, how the note sheets worked, the location of the bathrooms and took questions if needed all while adding her own flare and pizzazz. Then the show began, it was wonderfully cheeky having both scripted and improvisational parts. The actors are very good and because everybody is a suspect you won't know who the actors are as you interrogate other patrons. There is a lot of audience participation and the actors can roll with all of it. Funny enough we actually had actors at our table and didn't know it until it was too late. The entire show will have out of your chair laughing and taking notes on everyone around you. It was incredibly well thought out and put together as you gather clues with your fellow investigators not knowing If they are helping you or trying to throw you off their trail. All and all the show is very impressive and I guarantee you will have great time, unless you have no sense of humor and actively try not to have fun. The food you will have is very good as well, The appetizers for the evening were crab cakes and spring rolls, which were followed by a small salad and dinner roll. The main course came, I got the salmon plate and the birthday girl had the chicken, both were very tasty. I dare say my salmon must have been about 7 or 9 oz as this was huge piece of fish that came with a serving of green beans and mashed potatoes. The fish itself was fantastically moist and full of flavor, the mashed potatoes had green onion, garlic, and bacon in them, and the green beans were pan seared and still hot when they served them. The dessert for the evening was New York style cheese cake, unfortunately with the way the show was going I was having to much fun and forgot to photograph the appetizer, salad or desert. They were wonderful regardless and I hope somebody tells the chef I said so. As this was a birthday gift for my Girlfriend I can't go to much into the cost but I will say that it is very affordable for couples and for larger parties. There are plenty of places to find discounts including on The Dinner Detectives web pages. With that being said I will also say it is worth every penny and then some. They do have a envelope on the center of each table for those who enjoyed the show you can leave a tip for the performers and I got to say they deserve one *applause* I cannot express how much My Girlfriend and I enjoyed the show and the food it was all just amazing. We will be doing this again and brining more people to it for sure. Performance 5 out of 5 Food quality 5 out of 5 Food taste 5 out of 5 Value 5 out of 5 Cleanliness 5 out of 5

Never did anything like this before but it wasn't what I had expected. I was expecting more of a…read moretheatrical atmosphere rather than 2 people in plain street clothes in a plain banquet room. No props, scenery, etc. The skit was good though but there was a lot of improv that was hit or miss. Seemed like something you would find at Second City. A few audience participation scenes too. Though I wouldn't do it again, they had some good plot twists and tricky scenarios to figure out.

I had a ton of fun watching a cover band here. Don't expect a mosh pit, the crowd runs a bit…read moreolder - ha. But everyone was in to it and having fun. The staff there were nice and knew what they were doing. I heard there was a speakeasy there but I didn't go upstairs to see it

This is a pretty nice venue! They've put in lots of work to restore this old theater and it shows…read more Seats are comfortable, decent leg room. Plenty of food and beverages to choose from. The service is fast and friendly too. Prices are not too bad either. About on par with other similar venues. There's a speakeasy two floors up, but we didn't check it out yet. I feel the sound could be better, but I know that's subjective and could be due to many variables. Anyway, check this place out! I think you'll like it.

We saw this new and on-going production at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. It's been a long time…read moresince we have seen a Cirque du Soleil show. We saw the only other two (for us) both times decades ago in Las Vegas with one being a water theme and the other a Beatles tribute theme. This OVO show had an insect theme, and it was a colorful, dynamic, acrobatic, amazing, musical, and funny circus-like show - all very entertaining! It was a 2 hour show including a 20 minute intermission. Even after all these years, they still come up with some new routines and gadgetry, and of course have retained many of their acrobatic favorites. This time they also had three clown characters for some comic relief between amazing acrobatic routines, and they were hilarious lol. They also had some live musicians performing as part of the show. This show apparently is only in Chicagoland for the Valentine's Day weekend and I really enjoyed it. I didn't really like the tight seating in the NOW Arena but that's a different story. Kids would enjoy it as well particularly with the insect costumes and clown routines. BTW, any photos I have included here are all legit - photography was actually encouraged, just no flash photography. I highly recommend the show if you have the opportunity to go!

Really enjoyed this venue for Sweet Baby James concert. It's his third year for a James Taylor…read moretribute. Seats were comfortable and enough left room for this 6'4" guy. Good sound quality. I'm already looking forward to seeing him again next year. He announced he'll try something new and offer a matinee show vs just a late show. He performed a 45 minute set with a fifteen minute intermission followed by another 45 minute set. I did notice a number of people left at the break. At 66 I felt like a youngster as the crowd was definitely older.

My husband and I went to Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center to see a production of Newsies. This…read moreis a large theater space for community theater. We love sitting in the front row of the balcony. There's just enough leg room for me, and it has an unobstructed view of the stage. This is a nice space for the park district to showcase, but it is beginning to show its age. The line at the bathroom was pretty long during intermission. The seats look like they were updated recently. The acoustics were pretty good. The parking lot is not big enough to accommodate all of the cars. Try parking on the street or in the lot behind the village hall/park district building. Overall, I enjoyed the show at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center and would come back for future performances.

Visiting from St.Louis & the reviews said this place had lively atmosphere & music…read more What a treat. The owner was amazing. Welcomed us in & brought over stools to a table. Told us all about the band playing that evening. Fugu Dugu. a balkan band. Fun stuff. The bar itself was on the smaller side but the drinks were strong & the service was great. Prices were average for cocktails. I was just very impressed with how kind & welcoming the owner was. Never had someone bring stools to a table & keep Checking with us tmake sure we were all comfortable. 6stars

Madcats is an unassuming lively music venue in Downtown Palatine. Every weekend, various types of…read morebands play with drinks served. If you want a table while watching your favorite band, come early and grab a seat! It fills up quickly. Good is served and service is fast! Delicious options and great drinks at a decent cost. You won't be paying high prices for drinks. It's a lively place, sound quality is also great, and the staff is friendly! We like coming here when we want to hear great music. Madcats is a great addition to Palatine!