My friend invited me to see a play here and we had a great time. There was easy parking, a bar, and…read morethey sold snacks too. (Really good popcorn! With toppings) Clean bathroom and the show was excellent. I love supporting local talent and will definitely come again for future performances.

While on a 36h visit to Chicago, stopped in on opening night of Detroit '67. Seems like a chill…read moreneighborhood theater. Those working the box office and the concessions were so welcoming and the space was big enough for the production we saw. We didnt know too much about the play, we were just hoping to support something local. It was definitely a trek from downtown where we were staying though, but we got to experience it. So, if you're staying close, watch a show. For our short trip, the show was much longer than we thought (yes we didnt check that so our fault) and with the commute there and back, it made the full cost of the experience very similar to seeing a show in the downtown area.

I've only been to one of their productions, and that was at the Aethaneum, so take this with a…read moregrain of salt. The production was good, definitely not very good or great. This company is a helpful launching pad for singers who are working to become full-time professional opera singers. My husband and I saw one of the Handel operas, and the singing, with the exception of the soprano lead, had a ways to go. The acting also wasn't so great - the performers seemed more focused on vocal tehnique. I'm a bit of an opera buff, but my husband isn't, and it was hard for him. Handel opera isn't especially approachable, so that might have been my poor judgment call. We both enjoy the Lyric much more (although he likes to get 40 winks there too). But the Lyric certainly has a larger budget for singers, sets, etc. This is not an inspired regional opera company, but a solid one.

I scored dress rehearsal tickets to a few of Chicago Opera Theater's upcoming shows. Last night, my…read moresister and I went to see La Clemenza di Tito. I'm no opera expert, but I can definitely appreciate it. The performance was beautiful. The music was unbelievably powerful and the interpretation somewhat modern (though I'm merely speculating). I'm a photographer, and I found myself in utter awe of the sets and of the lighting. Everything about it was so dramatic and full of contrast and just fit the performance to a T! The Harris theater itself is not at all what I expected. It's very modern, almost cold feeling, with very few embellishments or visual distractions one might expect from a theater. Not saying this is good or bad. Just is. In a sense, I suppose it helped keep the focus where it belongs: on the stage. Overall, a wonderful experiences. Can't wait until the next show!

This was my first time at the new location. I would advise anyone to go and check out their shows!!…read moreI was there last Saturday and saw the Jackie Wilson story. They don't allow you to video the show which is a good thing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I will definitely be back to see other shows. Singers are awesome!

The Black Ensemble Theater is an enjoyable evening to see beautiful plays and musicals. The Jackie…read moreWilson Story is a MUST SEE! For those of you that didn't grow up with Detroit's Motown sound, he's part of it. Jaitee Thomas who plays the lead role of Jackie is nothing short of phenomenal in portraying the realistic story, song and dance! His voice is powerful that hits all the notes perfectly. His artistic dance moves leave you in awe and are exactly to how Jackie moved. With a live band/orchestra ensemble, I could easily go to see this play over and over! All the actors were very good and portrayed their parts exceptionally well. Costume design was colorful for the genre' and tastefully created. The theater created by the dynamic Jackie Taylor over 50 years ago is still running the show. This is nothing short of amazing that she writes, directs and operates the entire theater but there's so much more to her than I can write herein. Thank you for the gift of art you've given the community! I'll definitely be looking to see other plays here. If you haven't been here then I highly recommend attending one of the shows that are featured throughout the year.

I went there to see a play Keerah. The play was long for me. However it was very well put together…read more The actors and the actress had very good skills as they performed. I would recommend popcorn or finger foods with a play over an hour and half.

Omg 10 out of 10 I just went to see the stage play KEERAH. It started off slow but when I say the…read moretwist and turns in this play was like watching a TV show.. I was so tuned In. I enjoyed every minute. It is a must see play. Check it out ...

We saw Twelfth Night (July-Aug 2025) last night. I have been attending OPFT since we moved here…read more15+ years ago and this was one of the best Shakespeare productions they've had. I saw that the Tribune criticized OPFT's take for being too heavy on the comedy and light on the romance. I disagree; I thought that the emphasis on the comedy was a huge plus. Malvolio stole the show with Toby and Sir Andrew as great comedic support. Olivia's flip-flopping was also well executed for some good fun. The Fool had to compete hard for laughs.... I was delighted to find that this production had even our kids (11-13) laughing like crazy. This is excellent accessible Shakespeare in the park that is great for the whole family. Tickets for kids under 12 are just $5.

Why isn't there more outdoor theatre in the Chicago area? I mean, to some extent I get it (here in…read more2022, my car was dappled in slush and snow on April 8), but really this should be a bigger thing. As I think of it the only real options for this are Theatre on the Lake, occasionally when there's a Shakes in the park sort of thing happening, and Oak Park Festival Theatre in Oak Park. The work done by this company is really high quality, so you'll definitely get your money's worth and enjoy the performance if you enjoy the play. I came here in 2016 to see Pygmalion after a few years of saying I should go and then not doing so. OPFT has an illustrious history: The theatre was established in 1975 and has included such notable thespians (of course unknown at the time) as David Mamet as William H. Macy. Unfortunately, in November 2021 there was a fire that destroyed much of their equipment, historical documents, and I'm hopeful their fundraising efforts will prepare them to mount a new season this or next summer! Austin Gardens is in downtown Oak Park Parking is found on surrounding streets, or in the village parking lot (free after 6 pm). Accessibility is a bit harder to measure. It's a park, so it is as accessible as any park, but depending upon the type of accommodation you need, your mobility, etc. it may vary how accessible it is for an individual. They don't have wheelchairs or anything for patron use as far as I know, and as a park it may be difficult to hear at times. Alternatively, both the Green Line and the UP-W Metra line are within 3-5 blocks of the park, so that's a great choice for transportation, too. There are restaurants nearby, or for an even more fun option, bring your dinner to picnic before and during the play. Just don't disrupt your fellow patrons (so that means if you have things in wrapping and what not, maybe wrap in cloth or something that's not going to make a bunch of noise as you open it!).

So I guess it's up to me to get all negative on the Midwest Independent Film Festival's ass. Which…read moreI really hate to do, because I believe in the mission of the group, which is to bring the best of Midwest filmmakers to local audiences. But I tried to attend a screening tonight, and it was a mess. Mike McNamara, the festival director, was nice enough to offer 25 free passes to Yelp members. I took advantage of the offer, and showed up with a friend. Because we were warned to get there early, we arrived some time after 5:30. Unfortunately, when we got there, no one from the festival was, and the staff at Landmark wasn't much help. When people from the festival showed up, they seemed to go out of their way to avoid helping us. For example, a number of us lined up a table that we assumed was the place to check in -- it had festival brochures and a clipboard -- only to discover later that it was the place to sign up for a subscription. There were two people setting up the table, but no one even made eye contact, much less asking "Can I help you?" Apparently the screening was sold out, and those with free passes were being put on a waiting list. We didn't discover this until they started checking people in. It seems that pass holders were supposed to line up in a separate area from those who had bought tickets online -- at some point, a "Will Call" sign went up on a door -- but we were never told this. In fact, all these "apparentlys" and "it seems" are in this review because nothing was communicated to us, ever. Eventually, my friend and I left. I hate being negative about what was, after all, a free event. But a little communication would have gone a long way. It seemed like this was the first screening this organization has hosted, rather than its fourth season. I will second what other reviews have said, and recommend that you buy tickets online and show up early -- but not too early, because that's pointless. I'll add that you should be pushy, and force the people with clipboards to tell you what's going on. They won't tell you on their own.

Sorry John B. and M.B. but I'm going to have to go against your versions of the night…read more I also signed up for free passes via Yelp and was very excited to attend the 'mystery screening' event. After receiving an email saying that complimentary passes were reserved for me and suggesting that I arrive early, I made sure to make it to the theater right around 6. People were already lining up and there was definitely a sense of frenzy and confusion, but I just kept asking the people in charge where I should go and was directed to the 'will call' line. After people who had actually paid for their tickets were given their tickets (which I was totally ok with - it is only fair that they were served first), I waited in the line with who I only assume were other Yelpers. When I got to the front of this line, I told them I had passes through Yelp, they asked my name, and gave me my tickets... No problem at all. My boyfriend and I headed up to the theater, put our jackets on seats, as recommended by the staff and investigated the cocktailness. Classy. After getting foodstuffs from concession (JALAPENO CHEESE STUFFED PRETZEL) and sat in our seats, waiting for the film panel. The theater filled up fast - maybe tickets were oversold. The panel and film were both wonderful and I would definitely go again. My advice: get there early, ask questions, be patient.

A very cute storefront theater, and intimate! seats about 50 people or so and allows for everyone…read moreto view. It's also very easy to connect with the actors because there isn't a bad seat in the house! It's a very small theater, and it's hard to find on the street, but look for the big "R" in their window. There is also street parking, so get there early to find your spot. I saw the play "I Call My Brothers" and it was fantastic. The actors and the plot had me immersed during the entire show. It was only about 1.5 hours long, and I was left invigorated. The stage isn't very large, and it's a minimalist style play (in regards to props), but if there were more props in the play, it would ruin it. The actors were fantastic and the play was amazing. This is a great spot to have a show. I do like this and am going to look forward to other plays at this theater.

Rivendell continues to be a powerhouse for women. Every show is astounding where you get to…read moreexperience up close some of the best acting in the city. Alias Grace, Something Clean, The Cake to name a few of the productions I've loved here. Always giving me new perspectives, truly impressive. I'd rather see a show here than at the big venues downtown. To me the fact they are letting women shine and lead is so important and empowering and challenging the status quo in theatre. I can't wait to see what they'll be putting on next.

I have been fortunate enough to see two Seanachai Theatre Company productions: DANCING AT LUGHNASA…read morein the spring, and more recently, THE WEIR. Seanachai's plays are all Irish-centric, from the playwrights to the settings, and fittingly, their home is the Irish American Heritage Center - the perfect venue for them. Not surprisingly, their productions are compelling in subject matter. Don't go expecting a "light" play; they tackle very thought-provoking material. Having said that, both plays I've seen are shot through with humor that the Irish are also known for. Most importantly, the artists of Seanachai are master craftsmen of character and storytelling, and their passion comes through strongly in THE WEIR. Set in modern-day Ireland, about rural barflies and a big-city visitor to their backwater "local," this production is a compact masterpiece of characters drawn and stories told (literally; each character but one tells a gripping tale) that does not end at all like one is led to believe. It's truly an ensemble piece with no weak links; you will find yourself wanting to reach for a beverage next to you, so strongly do you feel a part of this intimate pub evening on a blustery Irish heath. I look forward to attending many more productions in the future.If you enjoy live theater or are into Gaelic storytelling, do yourself a favor and check them out. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, you can stop for "a small one" after the show in the Fifth Province - the Irish pub on the first floor of the IAHC, and perhaps share your own stories with a cast member or two.

While you guys were all getting wasted at Yelp Summerfest '10, I was lucky enough to meet some of…read morethe cast members of the Seanachai Theater Company. Intrigued by the description of their latest play, The Weir, I decided to go back to the Irish American Heritage Center to see a preview performance. Oh, you didn't know there was a theater in the IAHC? Well, there is! It's very intimate and you feel like you're on the stage with Seanachai's talented ensemble cast. One of my biggest complaints about theater in Chicago is that it's so darn expensive. We don't have "off-broadway", or even "off, off-broadway." We have overpriced Ticketmaster fees and venues so big that you can barely tell if you're watching an actor or a muppet perform. The tickets to see Seanachai are extremely affordable and, on the particular night that I was there, included a Q & A with the director and cast. Since I went to a preview performance, I am interested in going back in a few weeks to see how the play has progressed and also plan on attending future performances.