Attended the MOTOWN REVIEW on 4/3/26. The performers were totally awesome hearing these songs! With your eyes closed you would have thought the original singer was singing! So happy BAC was able to coordinate this event for a Friday night as it was initially scheduled for Saturday, April 4th (day before Easter). Can't thank management enough, and to the availability of the Motown Review! read more

last saturday motown/philly tribute was TERRIBLE, one lady libsinged, no ENERGY, one person said does she have hemmorhoids or feet hurt star rating less than one read more

We attended an art exhibit here. The staff are amazing and the building is cool and comfortable in the heat. The exhibit space was roomy. The neighborhood is nice and clean. parking quite easy. ADA ramp to the door was welcome. It's a bit to drive from Evanston. read more

Great intimate venue. The view is great in every area. There are very good acoustics throughout s well. This facility hosts many free and reasonably priced events. There are also lots of affordable classes for children. Over a wonderful venue. read more

Beverly Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great show. Nice Venue. The Toilet Paper was mercifully way more forgiving than it had to be. Exceeded expectations in more ways than one. Would have rated 5 stars, but I had the runs. read more

I showed up to watch a children's show and the front office staff was very rude. Specifically the lady agent at the front. I showed up as part of a school field trip, at the agreed time and the agent could not have been more negative. "You guys are way early" - said in a very negative tone. I hope she gets held accountable since she is the 1st point of contact for the audience. read more

this place is lovely. What a nice spot to celebrate the arts on the southside of Chicago. It is very well kept and impeccably maintained. It's location as ideal with plenty of parking and tons of area restaurants and bars. read more

WOW! The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the LIVE CAST was amazing. WILL DO AGAIN. We've been to other events and have always had a great time. The location is beautiful, and it's great to scope out the local food. read more

Had a great experience seeing my first show at The Beverly Center. Saw Little Shop of Horrors comedy / horror / musical and it was so funny and fun. Intimate and great theater. Balcony seats were still great. Production was superb and great quality performers and show. Came during Chicago Theatre Week and took advantage of a special promo for it. I would come back. Thank you Michelle the manager and Mary at box office for being so accommodating read more

Proof that there are amazing venues all over this city and you do yourself a GREAT disservice to not explore where you live. The BAC is a gorgeous building on 111th in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood. I think these are the last Chicago neighborhoods you can venture into before leaving the city (to Oak Lawn?). Check out the Southwest side. There's much to see and do. To begin with, not only is there ample street parking (no evil meters; I hope I didn't just jinx this) but the BAC has parking facilities. The layout is homey and urbane at the same time. Concrete flooring adds to the loft feel but the grassy courtyard area reminds you that the lushness of nature is never far away. There's art on every wall throughout the two stories and one of my favorite areas is the first floor corridor of windows and small tables -- perfect for an afternoon spent with your laptop, a coffee and some springtime wanderlust. If nature isn't your thing, kick back with a $3 movie in the BAC's ginormous movieplex. Advertised to be playing while I was there: "An Education," that Helen Mirren movie that was just up for an Oscar and several other arty flicks that my "Dumb and Dumber" sensibilities didn't quite register (but I know they were good). Even better than a $3 movie? A $3 beer to drink while you watch the movie. Yep. Beer. For $3. While you watch a movie. Awesome. There are active past times to indulge in, as well. BAC offers a variety of art classes, photography, pilates, etc. If you need a place to drop the kids or a place to refuel from your day, it's likely the BAC has something that would interest you. I love the fact that, at its heart, the BAC is a community center that caters to the community's needs. One thing I didn't notice while I was there was some sort of cafe. I'm betting that once the BAC adds that (even though there are plenty of dining options across the street in a few directions), it's going to be tough to get people to _leave_ the BAC. Everyone I have met who's affiliated with the venue is very kind and welcoming and eager to show off the jewel they have in Beverly/MP. Here's to it not being a 'hidden' one anymore. read more

I went here for a Second City special performance and while the demographic in this area was much different from downtown venues, the space and staff were both lovely! It just felt like an intimate experience but not as cool as being at the Second City itself! read more

If you haven't been to their Wed night movies or taken a music lesson or two- you don't know what you're missing. I miss that days that Mike Nix was in charge. Those were the BEST! The Board that decided to oust Nix really learned a hard lesson. You could buy souvenirs and alcohol and treats there! Dennis was my favorite bartender there. read more

Time for another friendly update! Once upon a time, I was stuck in a rut, and in an effort to make an exodus from depressing winter blues and personal setbacks, I forced myself to become a networking monster. My quest for personal improvement led me here, among other places, where I joined the Young Adult Board. I've participated in a couple of art shows as both an artist, and a Y.A.B member, which has been a great experience. There are tons of ways to get involved, and I've been really impressed with the turnout at our events since I've been a member. BAC has given me a great opportunity to get involved and get out of my comfort zone, and has a lot of opportunities for classes, art shows, and events for kiddies, grown-ups, and people in between. read more

I take an ADULT ballet class here. I love the class! It is an actual adult class. There are no children. No, I don't think I'll be able to be a professional ballerina anytime soon, but it's fun and a great workout. The instructor teaches the proper form and uses actual ballet terms. She's very encouraging, and makes you feel like you can do it. I think the class is a bit overpriced, but it's worth it. I haven't seen any classes like this offered anywhere on the Southside that are truly adults only. I'll be signing up again after the summer. read more

Beverly Arts Center - Even though I'm over 30, these ballet shoes make me feel awesome!! - Adult Ballet Class - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a really cool venue. Yes, another opportunity to hangout with the family. They do a great jazz set on Monday evenings. Nice and quaint. It's really cool to have this type of thing going on in the neighborhood. My folks really look forward to coming out on Monday nights. It's also nice that they offer pottery classes and other ways for someone especially young folks to express their creative energy. Keep up the good work. read more

Thanks to the Beverly Arts Center for having such a wonderful space for performance. The whole staff, especially Nora, were great to work with! The studio space was perfect for our needs. Bingo Bingo Bingo! Thanks, Sister Bernie's Bingo Bash read more

Telling someone you're going to see an Elvis show is tricky. Thousands of hacks have tried to capture the essence of the man who - more than anyone - embodied popular American music for the second half of the 20th century. The best they could come up with has been a bloated, mumbling caricature of The King, an embarrassment to Presley's legacy as a performer. Look around. Every town has its "Elvis impersonator," some middle-aged white guy with sideburns the size of sirloins and a one-dimensional persona: bad. And they all seem to be channeling the same Elvis era - the early-'70s kitsch when the fame had caught up with him, and he wasn't in the best shape of his life. Those impersonators have drained the excitement out of Elvis' performances, leaving little more than a tacky sideshow for audiences to snicker at. And that's exactly why tribute artists such as "Elvis Spectacular" creator Mark Hussman deserve a look. Chicago's favorite Elvis doesn't actually "do" Elvis. That's left up to the amateur impersonators. Hussman doesn't even sound entirely like The King, but he's got a heck of a capable voice and a range that allows him to segue smoothly from the tuneful "Blue Spanish Eyes" to yearning "The Impossible Dream." He doesn't even entirely resemble Elvis, except for the full - and natural - hairdo. He is who he is: Mark Hussman. And the guy excites in the passion of performing. That was evident with the sold-out crowd at the Beverly Arts Center Jan. 13 who packed the theater to see what is likely to become a tradition of sorts the weekend after Presley's Jan. 8 birthday. Hussman was backed by the 10-piece ExSpence Account Showband, the Elvis tribute band selected by Elvis Presley Enterprises/Graceland to perform at the official 30th Anniversary Elvis show in Memphis. Clad in pink and black, the EAS sounded superb - not uncommon for musical acts at the Beverly Arts Center, one of the classiest performance venues in the area. And the crowd: It's quite a feat to sell out to an audience rowdy enough to stick around after a two-hour first set, even for those who have chosen to carry Presley's legacy - and I've seen performers of all sorts: that nutty band of broads known simply as the Wayniacs who religiously follow Mr. Las Vegas across the country from one gig to the next, Neil Diamond's rabid faithful and the feral females who toss their unmentionables Welsh stud Tom Jones. But Elvis? I know, I know. He was the first performer ever to sell out Madison Square Garden, and he had more gold albums than the Beatles. Still, the guy's been dead for 30 years, yet his tribute shows still pack the house. And his own fans - in this case ranging from toddlers to hip-shakin' seniors (irony-obsessed twenty-somethings were thankfully absent) - go nuts for guys like Hussman, who's found his own orbit in the Elvis universe. He treated the audience to a first (he had never before performed "Walk a Mile in My Shoes") as well as a host of stuffed teddy bears (during, well, you guessed it) and leis (for his Hawaiian set that included "Blue Hawaii" and "Rock-a-Hula Baby"). Yet he didn't hog the spotlight, giving a mention to pretty much everyone involved with the show, plus friends and Presley contemporaries from Ann-Margret to Brigitte Bardot. Hussman mines deep into the Presley songbook, from rock 'n roll to country to hymns and ballads. His are arena-style interpretations that sounded quite at home at the 420-seat Beverly Arts Center. The gig was typical of a Hussman bonanza, which combines Presley's famed '70s-style concert format with The King's film performances - spectacles in themselves. After nearly two hours without a break, Hussman and the band performed an inspired "An American Trilogy" followed by the "Star-Spangled Banner," during which his Margrocks dancers - a Vegas-style troupe reminiscent of Elvis' dancers during his movie musicals of the 1960s - distributed American flags to the more than 400 audience members against the backdrop of a stage bathed in red. The crowd rose to its feet and joined him, waving flags and singing solemnly, turning the BAC into Las Vegas Hilton, circa 1972. But don't be mistaken. This is the Elvis of the 21st century: With references to MySpace peppering his dialogue with the audience, the early-'70s vibe ends where the naval piercings begin (seriously - one of Hussman's backup dancers shimmied with a sparkling belly chain). Hussman is less concerned with creating a facsimile of The King's snarl and karate chops than he is with bringing his passion to his audiences. During a fabulously soulful "In the Ghetto," Hussman wisely kept the stage to himself during what was one of Elvis' most socially conscious tunes. Later, Hussman and the band broke into a gorgeous rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The number left no doubt about a band that really is in its prime and a vocalist who, after a marathon three-hour set, still has it. read more

The Beverly Arts Center is a gem. It's a school of the arts, a 400-seat performance space that feels surprisingly intimate, an art-house movie theatre, an art gallery, and a true champion of innovative programming in this culturally underserved part of town. It was a delight performing on the Main Stage this Halloween season, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Many thanks, Neil Tobin, Necromancer More Supernatural Chicago read more

My daughter has taken several classes here. I registered her for the combo class (ballet, tap). After a couple of dance classes, I noticed that the teacher would mostly help certain children in the class and mostly ignore others. I was shocked. I was equally shocked when one of the little girls must have noticed this herself and responded by standing there, folding her arms and scowling until the teacher came over to finally assist her. Later, my daughter complained about this. Although, I paid for the entire term, we never returned. Very disappointed! read more

Great programs excellent staff but the maintenance and custodial issues are a mess. Hallways are always a mess bathrooms are horrible. We love the ballet and dance program but recommend taking your kids to change and bathroom before walking in the door. Looks like a bar bathroom on western on a Friday night. read more

I've come here to see a few movies for the Polish Film Festival. It's a great building to have in that neighborhood. The building is modern, the theater is small, and the volunteers were friendly. My favorite part was that they were selling bags of popcorn for a $1. You could also buy alcoholic refreshments to drink while viewing the film. You bet your dupa I was all over that. Culture, cheap popcorn and a few brews makes for a very entertaining night indeed. read more

I saw a show here last night. A very intimate, small theater. The 1st row is about 2 feet from the stage, the last row is about 50 feet from the stage. I'm not sure about the balcony but it looked like there wasn't a bad seat in the house. They've been booking some pretty decent shows here lately(last night was Alejandro Escovedo.) Very reasonably priced beer ($3.00 bottles) in the lobby & a very up close experience for a concert. Something the south side has needed for a while. read more

It's a nice place to have community events and a great place for summer programs for children.

I've been familiar with this place since it was located just a half block down in a smaller building. One of the chief instructors, Mary Lee, was supposedly very hard-nosed but still kind at her core. I happened to get hit by a car in front of the center one day several years ago, and she rushed into the building (after hours) to get paper towel for all of the blood coming out of my nose and mouth. I also knew her as my sisters' ballet instructor; her efforts weren't entirely successful, but she started a lifelong interest in dance for at least one of them. You can go here for tap, modern, jazz and ballet lessons, btw. read more

I love working here. I agree with Bill D. This place really is a gem. I teach piano here two days a week and haven't had enough free time between work and school to check out the shows yet, but there are always really interesting, modern art exhibits going on that I stop to enjoy after my teaching day. The building is a beautiful space, the community that the BAC serves is made up of a diverse array of generally interesting, great people. The classes offered are fresh and the space and community are inspirational. It's a great environment overall. read more

Just saw Sister Bernie's Bingo Bash last night - IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I am unbelievable impressed with all the Art Center has to offer our community - we are so fortunate to have this in our neighborhood. read more

Great part of the Beverly Morgan Park Community fir most of my life. Programs for adults and children alike. Art exhibits and showings from local artists. read more

I am so glad we have a place like this on the south side. This place has something for everyone. It's always clean, ample parking, friendly staff and has an overall warmth to it I just can't explain. My daughter has been doing plays there for the past 4 years and I'm kicking myself that I didn't have her start earlier. Kids interact with others outside of their school circle which I think is good, it helps with their social skills. They are with other "artsy" kids who understand them which is another benefit. There are so many things the Beverly Arts Center offers - I suggest taking a look at their website and also take advantage of their early bird registration savings as well as the annual membership - completely worth every penny! read more

Great place! I love there classes and how friendly everyone is and what I enjoy even more is the plays that they hold for children. Definitely worth 5 stars. read more

We love this place. My daughter takes ballet lessons here and she loves it. They have online registration sales to save u a few dollars and the staff is very helpful if u are not tech savy. They also have cute 1 hour plays for younger kids. They have a variety of classes for all ages and they have concerts as well. Great neighborhood arts center. read more

Decent programs for kids. I find it way overpriced. The play's they put on are nice.

Just saw 10,000 Maniacs there, and it was simply awesome. Been here before, but not for a concert, will have to come for more. The sound was excellent, the 400 seating size made it an intimate show, which just made things that much more special. read more

I interned for BAC over the summer, and even though it was quite a distance from where I stay on the northside, it was definitely worth the commute for me. It's a beautiful building. The staff and faculty are great. You don't really find too many art centers that have a community feel to it anymore. Their thtr is really nice. It's a big stage with not too many seats in the house, but not too few either. I think the cost for some of the programs seemed a bit much to me at first, but after working with the kids and seeing how much BAC invests into their programs and thtr productions for the kids, from sets to creative costumes to even black lights that cover the stage, I'm almost positive you're not going to be able to find a better program that will offer that sort of experience for your young aspiring thespians. I worked with some really great kids and had some great mentors there as well. Definitely stop by this place. You'll think it's cute too. read more

We came here to see a Christmas production. The dancing/choreography were great, the costumes were...interesting. The place was crowded, though, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Pretty modern. read more

Great place to see a show, whether it is a play or a dance. The place is very nice and well kept up and you can usually get tickets to a show if you try well enough in advance. read more

The Beverly Arts Center is fantastic. Wonderful place for kid's activities and plays.