Such an adorable little community theater. Here recently for a Kokandy production of Amelie - the experience was smooth, nice little bar for concessions during intermission, good sound system, open seating, charming decor. Cast and crew did phenomenal - just not in love with the actual script/story. Props were used to creatively forward the story, no fancy technology. But will certainly return to Chopin for the rustic experience. read more

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Very cool, eclectic building with very interesting decorations. We saw the musical Amelie. The theater is small and very intimate. The cast interacted with the audience and it made the show come alive. The actors were excellent and most played an instrument in addition to singing and acting. Everyone there was kind and helpful. We just got a water, but they allowed drinks into the theater when you bought them which was nice. Really lovely theater and very talented cast. read more

Chopin Theatre - Theater space - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cute but small theatre. Does have a small bar area. Located on a busy stree but we did fond street parking. read more

Chopin Theatre - The jury experience - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A unique theater space in Wicker Park. It feel like a grandma's house with a variety of knick knacks everywhere. There is a small bar. The seating in the theater space is first come first served. I would say get there a little early because there are some seats that are not great. The space has a few large pillars that the shows have to work around. Near a bunch of public transit stops so the theater is relative easy to get to. read more

This is a very small, eclectic, and historic theater. Stairs as soon as you enter and there is 1 (one) bathroom stall located in each of the side rooms. I would think that city code requires more facilities (2) for about 300 people. You walk up the steps to get into the theater. There are 2 entrances, no assigned seating, so be prepared to climb over people to get to a seat if you are not one of the first to arrive. Also, I find it annoying that people will look at you as you look for a seat and if there are an appropriate number of seats available in that row, no one would move. We ended up splitting our group into 3 and 3. Since the theater is so small, there really is not a bad seat. No problem with the sound system. read more

We came to this theater for the first time to see Alice by Heart. Having seen other terrific Kokandy productions, we expected a nice production and talented cast. Instead this venue sucked and the show was poorly structured and nearly ridiculous. The stage at Chopin is in the basement of the building, in a space not much bigger than my house. The so-called "stage" is a linear string of ramps and platforms in the middle of the room with audience "chairs" on either side of the "stage." The chairs were a collection of refuse and refugee furniture likely from Goodwill; mine was a stool that was incredibly uncomfortable. The seat was the best part of the show because it had an obstructed view, as did many other chairs in the "theater," and I missed parts, both visually and audibly. My wife was able to see more so she got a migraine headache by the end. I think the show had a connection to the story of Alice in Wonderland but it was obviously written by someone on heroin. The props looked like they came from a trash dumpster out back and from a hoarder's attic. The script proceeded slowly and painfully and the cast was about as talented as those that put on the Wizard of Oz at my high school, back in the 1980s. At least in that other amateur show, in my youth, one of the leads was Toto, a singing dog. In Alice by Heart all of the leads were singing dogs but they were supposed to be humans. I could go on to describe the members of the audience that seemed to enjoy the show. Suffice to say that they were probably relatives of cast members or imbibing in the marijuana that I smelled on the street outside the theater. Hopefully you can imagine the absurdity of it all! read more

Love their downstairs open stage concept and they always hit it out the park with vocals and creativity.

I love this little theater! I've been to several shows here. All puppet shows in one form or another, despite the diverse showcase they offer. The stage is very intimate, but every show I've seen has made such a dramatic and inspired use of the limited space. Accessibility: Not easily accessible by wheelchair. There are about 3-4 outside stairs, followed by a set of 5 or 6 stairs inside. Some of the shows are performed in the basement. However, if you are in need of accessible SEATS, they do offer a limited number of armless folding chairs, which are a blessing to the larger bottomed audience such as myself. You will have to request them. There are a limited number of bench seats at the front of the stage that do not require any additional stair climbing, though the general admission seats DO require stairs and have the narrow seats with arms as most theaters do. Parking: Street parking in the area if you're lucky, but it is Wicker Park, so you'll want to leave time for that. If you're LUCKY you might find free parking 3-4 blocks away. Or you can go to a matinee like I did and potentially get a spot right out front. They have a small bar, which I've seen both open and closed, so there's no telling whether it will.be available or not. Masks are not required, but they do encourage them. It's a bit of a tight-quarters sort of place. I will definitely keep coming back! read more

Chopin Theatre - Oedipus rising in "Anywhere" by Theatre L'Entrovert - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A delightful venue to see a show or an event. Oozes character and quirk. The folks that run the place are a real class act. I'm always excited to see a show at the Chopin. read more

Amazing Theater! Best shows around, and I got to experience customer service with them for the first time when @Hottix screwed up my order. I spoke to a very nice person at the Chopin Theater who worked hard to make sure my situation was remedied. Go to the Chopin Theater....now :) read more

I recently had the opportunity to explore the Chopin Theatre as one stop on a Nelson Algren's Wicker Park Walking Tour. Located right across the street from Algren's memorial fountain, the Chopin has hosted the Nelson Algren Birthday bash in prior years. The storefront theater is centrally located, and I am kicking myself for not knowing about this performance venue sooner, as I am a fan of soaking in the city's culture and theatre scene. Lela Dyrkacz, the who co-owns the theatre with her husband Zygmunt, was gracious to give our group a guided tour of the space, primarily focusing on the downstairs Pregnant Buffalo Lounge. The Dyrkaczes spent three decades restoring the building since purchasing it in 1991, and it shows. The lobby features artwork and antique furnishings, plus a wine and coffee bar. I look forward to returning to take in a show or attend a special event. It is inspiring that this independent venue has been able to weather the pandemic shutdowns and stage innovative artistic offerings from around the country and internationally. Long live theatre! read more

The Jury experience was very good and certainly different than anything I have ever experienced. But the venue is nice, the atmosphere is friendly and it's just a very nice mix of people in Chicago. I plan to go again soon. read more

A lovely small theatre currently featuring ROYKO, the play.Go see it before it closes.

I saw Into the Woods during my last visit to Chicago and enjoyed it very much! The performances were excellent, every one, with several of the voices really outstanding. The two accompanists were center stage on pianos and were hilariously integrated into the action sometimes. Looking forward to returning! read more

How wonderfully quirky and delightfully strange experience on display at Chopin theater. House of the exquisite corpse is a horror puppet show playing at Chopin theatre and I'm really glad we got to see it. It truly is a unique experience and I wouldn't say that it was scary but it definitely had a creepy factor especially peeping through a peep hole at times. Definitely looking forward to next year's show. read more

Chopin Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've enjoyed two wildly disparate experiences at the Chopin. In both cases, hooray for fringe/storefront theater in Chicago! House Theater's Rose and the Rime, March 2009: This show was in the main theater (upstairs) which was fleshed out well beyond the bare-floor-and-risers canvas. They utilized the space very well, and all the sets, music, and lighting were well done. As a bonus, seats close to the action were actually IN the action. The play itself, a sort of fairy tale/allegory, was engaging and entertaining but ultimately a victim of its own personality disorder: it bounced in tone between twee whimsy and ominous moralism, and in style from folksy realism to stylized pantomime to beach-blanket musical and back again. Theater Oobleck's An Apology for the Course and Outcome of Certain Events Delivered by Doctor John Faustus on This His Final Evening, October 2009: This piece took place in the basement area, a bare, all-black room with six columns framing two opposing rows of seats, which formed a sort of narrow "stage"--succinctly representing Faust's psychological cage--which the main actor used very dynamically effectively. I can't imagine the show being performed in any other sort of space: it was a brilliant choice. I've been fascinated by the Faust story ever since I took a college class dealing entirely in various different versions throughout literature, from Marlowe to Goethe to Byron to Mann and several others. The Faustus of this show fits nicely into the tradition, and has a lot of wisdom to impart about the power of language and the importance of meaning; all of which is cloaked within his pathetic rants against the inscrutable silence of his servant, executioner, and foil Mephistopheles. Although the show is rife with humor, I found quite affecting Faust's attempts, on his last day of life, to claim some small bit of victory, some minute piece of territory that he could keep as his own as he faced death and eternal damnation. I also found it instructive that Faust decisively WALKED offstage, rather than being dragged off kicking and screaming, as in Marlowe and other versions. Faustus is playing on Friday and Saturday nights until October 24 and has been getting raves from every publication in town. It's $12, or "more if you've got it, less if you're broke." I highly recommend reservations (available online) as we saw walk-ins being turned away. There is also a kind of lounge downstairs with a curious vibe, sort of a cross between a shabby Parisian basement cabaret, an artsy hipster coffee shop, and your great-grandmother's living-room. read more

Cool theater experience. I give the theater five stars for the atmosphere, staff, and overall vibe. Beer and Wine are available, and prices so well you can afford to have a few. The show went to see, Harrow House, was not what we expecting, but it looked like the puppeteers put in a lot of hard work to make it happen, so I won't say anything bad about the show, it just wasn't for me. Again, this is a must visit, old school theater, so make your way to the Ukranian Village and check it out. read more

Chopin Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The Chopin Theater was quite the nice experience. I took my wife here for their latest show, "Death and Harry Houidini" for her birthday. My, my, my was this a spectacular show! The staff was really nice and accommodating. The website I purchased the tickets from urged me to make sure I brought a print out of tickets in order to get in. I left them in my car which was 15 minutes away at another restaurant because we decided to walk. We didn't make it there until 3:42 (the show started at 4) so I was worried that we might not get in. I got to the ticket booth and she just asked for my name and we were good to go. No hassle at all. The sound and setup make you feel apart of the show and it makes for an awesome experience. They have 2 unisex single use bathrooms. One is closer to the main theater and the other is slightly hidden behind the bar when you first enter the building. They serve some alcohol, water, and a few snacks. Things were a bit pricey but my wife did buy a Ginger Ale. We would definitely see a show here again! read more

The perfect venue for the perfect show "The Tennessee Williams Project" that runs till March 2. I hope the show continues till end of the year. The Hypocrites actors are superbly talented. Awesome stage design. Audience interaction/participation is fully integrated into the flow of the show. The audience becomes a part of the show. The photos speak for itself. read more

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Local theater -- and innovation-- are alive and well at the Chopin Theater. We started our evening at nearby Frontier. What's that? You can order an entire boar (lamb, alligator etc) ahead of time for your party? How very "Game of Thrones" of them. Picking up on the theme of team building things to do, 16 of us then walked over to Chopin. I didn't know what to expect-- but we were ushered into a "holding area" complete with flashing lights, and our badges-- to don orange jumpsuits (is it really the new black? I look horrible in orange). We went on to solve complex puzzles In a simulated "war game room". It was. Cool. As. Shit. They somehow took old technology (arcade video games, beepers, etc.) and stitched it all together seamlessly. A total blast. In the end we destroyed the world, but invigorated our friendships. A must do! read more

Chopin Theatre - We're solving the Cold War - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

building has a theater in the basement with zero elevator access or any wheelchair access at all. I believe I spoke to the owners and they were very apologetic, two stars because I did receive a full refund for the tickets but I was very disappointed as I have been looking forward to Sweeney Todd for a while now read more

We've been to a few performances at the Chopin and have never been disappointed. This time really took the cake: Hatfield & McCoy is an amazing performance. Great original music backs up a very committed cast. Nothing amateurish here at all, from the singing to the acting to the sets and staging. Gripping performance. I especially like the theatre itself; quirky foyer, with small rooms to the sides, seating areas, artwork everywhere of varying quality that just adds to the charm. Drinks and snacks are available during intermission. Seating in the small theatre is 3/4 round, but best seats face the stage. It's fine on the sides though if you are at all crowd-averse. The performances here are thoughtful and well crafted, well worth whatever you pay. read more

I've driven by at least one kabillion times (close proximity to my dysfunctional bank and my shoe obsession: Aldo Saleshop). Cutesy, kitsch exterior: white/blue, classic sort of architecture that looks fit for New England, and not the somewhat grimy intersection at Ashland/Division and Milwaukee. Upon entering, a cozy snackshop, fun little atrium, hole in the wall ticket office, and entrances to two theaters...funky, cool, well staged and plenty of seating. Indie theater sometimes throws me through a bit of a loop, but the Chopin is most definitely home to some very accessible shows (just saw the House Theater's Rose & Rime production)...and the comfy digs, surely help.... An oasis of performing arts...well done! Indie theater often read more

Wizard of Oz was fantastic. Loved the production, use of space and cast. Top quality fun show that everyone would like. This as a new twist on the classic with just the right amount of fun, scary and innovative. See this show. read more

Chopin Theatre - The wonderful scarecrow and Laura. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After my first visit to the Chopin, I have to say that I'm hooked!! What is not to like... people are friendly, the funky European 19th century decor, and that warm feeling of being at home after a long trip. They have all that you need, a snack counter, a small box office, a lounge area, and two stages. There is absolutely nothing dull about this place either, with antique couches and art work on the walls, your eyes are never bored. The upstairs stage is larger then you would expect. Stadium style seating which the seats are really comfortable (it helps sitting in between two lovely ladies and surrounded by some of my favorite yelpers), a huge stage that they can do wonders with set design. The lighting and acoustics are pleasing as well. Take the steps down stairs and it will seem like you are walking into a scene out of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Filled with antique couches and more 19th century odds and ends, I really think they try to make you feel like you aren't in a basement but you are. I cannot wait to go back for another visit, the performance of "Rose and the Rime" (review to follow) in my opinion was what one of my top 10 plays of all times and the theatre itself can only be described as an experience onto it's own. read more

Had an opportunity to visit this place not too long ago after years of walking or driving past it without a second thought. Who knew of the calm spirits that haunt this place decorated deep in dust and story collector items? In the basement I found a comforting parlor with a stage and a small bar in the back. Initimate french tongue style seating and lap dancing style staging where the performer's moist sweat can easily stain your favorite top. Come alone, come with friends and find a secret passageway into another place and time filled with artists in pursuit of the perfect syncopated beat. Clean and funky water closets too! read more

I saw the Provision Theater's rendition of A Christmas Carol here a few years ago and loved it! The show itself was wonderful. They had a great cast, who were both powerful and entertaining. The stage was small, which made this theater experience quite intimate. The Chopin Theatre has been around for 90 years, and it looks like it. In a good way, of course. It's a venue for theater performances, as well as poetry readings, film, visual & performance art, and music. It's conveniently located across the street from the Division Blue Line Stop, too. If you haven't gone here yet, what are you waiting for? read more

This is one of the hidden gems of Chicago theaters. Its such a beautiful and intimate theater with its downstairs bar and small theater to their upstairs main theater, they even have a small coffee shop attached. I worked here one year when the Chicago Underground Film Festival used their space several years ago. At the time I thought it was the perfect theater for the festival as it was able to accommodate the type of crowd the festival attracts. Zygmunt and Lela where the owners then and they were so very nice and helpful and were a joy to work with. The theater is also very versatile as it can host events such as movies to plays and even poetry readings. If you ever get a chance to see something at the Chopin I highly suggest you plan to do so. read more

Chopin Theater is a really cute local theater. Art work adorns the walls, the cafe has a distinctly European feel to it, and everyone who works here was really nice and very helpful. I saw Girls vs Boys, as a free yelp event last night, and thought it was well done. I stood in the pit with about ten other people and I must admit it was the best place in the house! So, here's how it works. You stand in the middle between the front and back stages and all the action unfolds right in front and behind you, so you have to constantly turn around, but it gives you a chance to be up close, personal, and participate in the play, if you want. The music, singing and choreography was simply amazing! I could tell many many hours of practice had taken place. The story was good, although a bit depressing at times. They almost made me cry in two parts and I don't cry easily. However, I would certainly recommend checking out this show, especially in the pit because it's a fist-pumping good time. The summery of the play goes a little something like this. It's about teenagers full of love, hurt and anger dealing with real life issues. The unfolding of the play shows how each character deals with their issues in his or her own ways and how words and feelings can get misinterpreted, with dire consequences attached to their actions that they never fully intended. So, if you like theater, good music and are looking for something that will keep you entertained, look no further and go see Girls vs Boys. read more

Home of the House Theater company, this little theater has a charming little set of rooms for a lobby and snack area. And of course the shows are outstanding and the staff is super not very and welcoming. Please support them. We need this kind of theater. read more

Gorgeous space, especially the downstairs waiting room which looks like an 18th century French salon. (Or would it be 19th century?) The point is, it looks old and classy. Saw the House Theatre production, Rose and the Rime, as a free yelp event and love, love, loved it. Would highly recommend checking out a show here and planning to come a bit early to enjoy the ambiance. read more

The theater itself is a great space, and really easy to get to if you live off the Blue Line. I look forward to seeing more productions there. My girl and I caught the preview performance of Girls vs. Boys last night, courtesy of Yelp-arranged free tickets. Thank god, because it was dreck. Ok, so the acting was fairly solid, the lighting effects were interesting and the use of multiple stages was creative. But the story was typical hack teenage melodrama laden with two-dimensional sex and drugs plots. The singing was more wannabe than original, and some of the songs were incredibly lame. And seriously guys--what was up with the guns and rose petals? Cringeworthy, that. And don't even get me started on The Pit. Let's put it this way: some folks will see it as a "great way to get up close and personal with the actors!", while others--like me--will describe it as awkwardly standing in front of the real audience, properly seated in chairs, until your feet are killing you and you just want to skip out early. read more

Went to The Last Supper at Chopin and wow, haha. Theatre's right off Blue line, it's cosy, informal (you can sip some booze while chillaxin') and best of all, if you go on Sundays, it's pay-what-you-can, or not-very-much. Hit 'er up, support this wonderful endeavor. read more

It is easy to get to by public transportation (Blue Line, Division bus, Milwaukee bus and Ashland Bus stop within 1/2 block). There are several restaurants within 5 block walking distance (seems fast food places are closer). There are two theaters at Chopin, one in the basement and one on the main floor. Box office and bar staff are very nice. We were able to bring items purchased at their bar into the theater space. Lobby has an eclectic collection of artwork. They have a couple unisex bathrooms. We saw 'Death and Harry Houdini' and was disappointed with the production. It was OK but did not live up to the hype for us. Definitely not worth $50 a ticket but you might be able to find a Groupon. I wanted to see more magic and less dancing/singing parts. Also, too much about relationship with mother. It's about 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15 minutes intermission. I plan to go back and see another production at the Chopin Theater. read more

I know I have no acting skills, but can I just live here? Pretty please!!! I always find the interior lovely. There is just something warm and homey about the place. There is a lot of interesting furniture and art in here, but it isn't overcrowded or overwhelming. Just means there a nice, plush chairs to sit in and chat with friends before the show! They sell snacks and drinks, they can also be taken into the theatre which I think is a nice touch. I have never been disappointed by any show I've seen here. Most recently, I have seen the Nutcracker (Finally put my Grinch heart into the Christmas spirit!). I absolutely am in love with this cast! The actors were all really good with impromptu acting when they would have their little human klutzy moments or go a long with whatever was going on in the audience. The actors have always been extremely nice and outgoing. For the Nutcracker, during intermission when the actors finally get a chance to rest, they were walking around the audience and talking to all the kids. I was also sitting on the end and they were even chatting with me up until the moment they had to run on stage. I love how they really utilize the stage. Every show I have gone to, I feel like I am walking into a completely different stage. I am also a student so can't really beat their 10 USD tickets! Some shows i have seen there are honestly worth beyond even 50. It is also really easy to get to. As soon as you step off of the Division stop on the blue line and look left, there it is! I always find it amusing that this place is right next to the Evil Olive, home of the porn and chicken Mondays XD read more

Well a lot of your experience at a theatre is the quality of the play you see. I was lucky enough to see the Magnificients by The House theatre company which was awesome. The theatre was sold out but everything went really smoothly, from picking up the will call ticket to getting a decent seat. Lobby indeed is interesting and charming. The staff had a great customer service attitude. Overall a great experience and I'll be happy to come back for another play and support this theatre. read more

You gotta love the Chopin Theatre - both as a renter and as an audience member. They are clearly selective about the kinds of shows they represent in their space and it shows in the passionate and talented performers who are showcased within. An incredibly beautiful space! read more

This is a funky, eclectic space with an upstairs reception and bar, and then a larger parlor in the basement, all a preview to a basement theatre that's low on frills but very professional. The show we saw had excellent talent and first rate stagecraft. Definitely a good (and surprising) place to see some creative theatre. read more

I've been a member at the House Theatre for several years now. Their staff is always pleasant and they are super nice. On top of that, the shows that they put on are innovative and usually feature something interesting whether it be some visual art magic or music. I always have a great time at the Chopin Theatre. read more

Located on Division, you'd never think this place would be beautiful inside....this establishment has 2 levels with the downstairs waiting room looks very elegant. The upstairs venue was both large in size and well suited to both house a medium sized production, yet allowing a significant number of patrons to view the production. The cast for the show I watched performed was done very well and they made a point of getting the audience involved which I always find a plus in theater. I'd never have guessed this place had been around for 90 years, but as venues go, it is very accessible via the Blueline, so no matter where you are in the city, this is one venue you should make an effort to partonize in the near future. FYI....if you are going to see a show upstairs just be aware there are limited bathrooms...go down the stairs on the right and on the right side there is another set of bathrooms....less waiting read more