Beautiful building that holds a massive amount of people. They do a wonderful job on up keep…read more We saw to Operas this past weekend and the staging was amazing. I did think the sound could have been a bit better though.

::STORY TIME - LOCK IN::…read more I was 15 when Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness 2 disc set dropped. At the time I was in love with my best friend and we had a thing as teenagers often do. Anyway I got this album, listened to all 2 hours of it, and picked out the songs we'd make out to the following weekend lmaaooo Imagine my surprise shock and horror that on the appointed evening instead of being at my house booed up with me he was in the town next door canoodling with a girl he met at the arcade. Chillleeee. Anyway that was 30 years ago - I grew up to be amazing and he grew up to be a cop. :barf: Despite all of...that... this is still a top 5 album of all time for me - holding court with Third Eye Blind, Stevie Wonder, Bjork, and Snoop Dogg. I never dreamed I would get to hear any of it live. AND YET!! When I heard Billy Corgan was reimagining this as a rock opera - BABY!!! 30 years of memories came flooding back and I had to be there. I went to opening night last week and had a FANTASTIC experience! The seating was plush and comfortable, the sound quality was incredible, and the visuals were sumptuous. Ushers were so helpful and friendly, the bathrooms were busy yet spotless, and customer service was helpful and accommodating. I won't hesitate to return! Also Billy Corgan is larger than life. His voice is still his voice. As a 15yo I could never imagine the treat I would get to experience 30 years later. Fat Things The theatre underwent a seating revamp a few years ago but if you're concerned about width and space you can call customer service for accessible seating. I called and moved from an interior seat on the rear floor to an aisle seat with removable barrier in the same area. So don't be afraid to ask for what you need or think you may need. The arts are for EVERYBODY!!

Short but sweet review - the experiences we've had at the Chicago Theater have always been…read moreconsistently good. This time was no different. My last review still stands. We arrived on time, were seated, and the concert started on time. The acoustics are great and our seats were in a good spot. We used their concession stand to get water and snacks - because we bought our tickets and paid for the concessions using a Chase card, we were given a big discount - nice. We'll continue to go to the Chicago theater when they have shows we want to see. It's a great theater and a wonderful experience.

I have been to the Chicago Theatre several times for concerts and have had experiences in all of my…read morevisits. It's an iconic Chicago landmark for catching live events. I like its ornate décor, the stadium style seats set-up which offers good stage view, the acoustics, and the overall aesthetics of this venue which makes it an ideal place to watch live events. On my recent (late June 2026) visit to see The Human League, Soft Cell, and Alison Moyet for the Generations tour, overall, I had a good experience. There were couple of issues that we had such as lack of cool air circulation inside the auditorium (it was hot and sweaty) and a couple of people standing throughout the show to dance, blatantly blocking other peoples' view and not caring about being inconsiderate and uncourteous to people behind them to which the theatre ushers had no problem with it. Otherwise, I have not had issues at this venue. So, 4.5 stars but rounded up to five. I look forward to going back here.

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!

I'm not the biggest fan of theatrical opera, but it was pretty cool seeing Phantom of the Opera…read more The singing ranges and execution of the performers is crazy good. My rating is based on what my gf thought of it (she really liked it).

Weak cast the Phantom one of the worst that I have seen and christina very sweet but voice needs…read moremore I have seen each variation of Phantom of the opera And this one clearly was just to make money

The Cadillac Palace Theatre is stunning! I feel so lucky to have such a nice theatre in my city…read more This place runs like a well oiled machine. Once doors open, they get everyone in and to their seats quickly. I'm impressed by how clean everything is from the seats to the bathrooms. All of the employees are very courteous and knowledgeable. I enjoy arriving a little early just to take in the beautiful architecture. It is stunning inside! The seats are also comfortable with great sightlines.

Although the actual performance and show were great, what a horrible staff that works here (sans 1…read moreperson who actually helped). When we first arrived, upon checking our tickets, our tickets wouldn't scan/verify. The usher was getting frustrated with us for this, and made us go to the ticket booth to get our physical tickets. We showed the person the tickets on our phone, and she printed them out for us -- after several rounds of confusion on her part. She was so soft spoken (in a noisy theatre entrance) that it led to much confusion. After this, we had to "cut" back into the entrance line (the security guard was helpful here) and we got thru the gates, finally. Then this usher/ticket checker who scanned our tickets (the 2nd time) was literally yelling at us on which direction to go (not a yelling as in being loud, but yelling like we were stupid). I go the way he yells at me because he won't stop yelling at me to go the direction he points me in -- which is the wrong direction. We had orchestra seats and were headed there, but this usher/ticket checker was yelling at us to go up the stairs. Fine, maybe I'm wrong. We get upstairs, and the 2nd usher again points us in the wrong direction to go further upstairs. This is again incorrect. We are flustered and confused, and not sure what is going on. We finally reach the 3rd usher at the top of the stairs, and he finally points us in the correct direction. The ushers here (Sans the 3rd one) were incompetent and rude.

I had the great pleasure of joining Larry Axelrod for Opera Adventures in both Santa Fe, New Mexico…read moreand Munchen, Germany. I'll be honest - he had his work cut out for him with me; although I am a product of true opera nuts (My parents, who had been cult followers of Larry's from back in the Ghost Ranch days, followed him to his solo venture, and now my 91 year old Dad - in his solo venture - continues to join Larry's great group of enthusiasts when and where he is able), I was concerned I was adopted because I would not at all describe myself as an opera fan! However, such are Mr. Axelrod's personal charms and skills that he is able to entertain and make cohesive a very diverse group of people. He keeps his groups small enough that one doesn't feel overwhelmed but large enough to feel freedom. He is able to relate in his trademark intelligent, low key, and genuine way to each person as an individual. Example: In Santa Fe, i elected not to attend his very informative opera seminars (which my sister and father LOVE) and Larry knew I liked to hike, so he loaned my partner and I a book on local hikes. Who does that. That is exactly the kind of unassuming and thoughtful person he is. He is also an incredibly talented musician and composer and can interact with the most avid opera aficionado as well as a "lay person" like me (though I am an instrumentalist and also know something about music but...not in his league). Larry's presence is soothing - never overbearing or ostentatious, and it's such a pleasure to be around him that frankly I've left both trips feeling as if I spent it with a friend. The varied group he attracts is another part of his "opera adventures" charm - attendees I've had the pleasure to spend time with are all unique, substantive, and have great senses of humor, and many come back for repeat and new trips. Some of these are long time followers like my parents and celebrate a kind of reunion when they meet, and they also welcome newcomers like me with ease. I am so thankful for the experiences I've had on Larry's opera adventures, and even though (cover your ears Larry) I did a giant eye roll in my brain when my dad initially invited me on my first trip to Santa Fe, it changed my life and I am so glad Larry was our leader. Larry is a star in a world full of wannabes. I'm so glad I've shared music and broken bread with such a good soul.

Some opera tours make the most expensive arrangements and charge accordingly. By contrast, Opera…read moreAdventures costs less but delivers solid value - you get the operas and Larry's informed commentary. Larry also pulls in someone of added knowledge, once even the composer of a scheduled opera, and as a bonus attracts a likable group of opera fans. My wife and I are repeat customers.

This amazing troupe has been in existence for over sixty years, over thirty in their present…read morelocation in Rolling Meadows. A labor of love that is felt in every seat of the comfortable, cozy theater. The performances are a short combination of classical opera arias and a collection of popular musical selections. The backstage tour after the performance is the icing on the cake. Thank you Justin and crew for a fabulous experience. One I hope to repeat soon and often.

Hands down a MUST-see experience! I reached out to Opera in Focus months ago to plan a group outing…read morefor my wedding party. Justin, who was our main contact with Opera in Focus, helped me plan a completely custom experience. They let us schedule a private performance just for my group, on a date and time that they aren't normally open to the public. Having a performance only for my group made it extra special to me. We saw Phantom of the Opera and we loved every moment! The puppets, the music, the lighting and set design, were all works of art. Justin and the whole troupe were so talented and kind. This was the first activity my group did on our wedding day (Oct 18, 2025) and it will be something we will never forget. If we didn't live 5 hours away, I'd make this a monthly activity! They switch up their performances year-round. Don't hesitate, get your tickets to Opera in Focus and keep their magic alive for generations to come!

What a stunning and underrated theater! I'm a Broadway in Chicago regular and have gone to the main…read more3 venues more times than I can count but I've only been to the Auditorium twice! I wish they used it more because it's beautiful and spacious; much more leg room than the Cadillac. They also have an enormous dress circle which I highly recommend for reasonably priced tickets. I will hopefully be back sometime soon for another show!

Watched & Juliet here and the theater is truly stunning. The beautiful gold carvings and details…read morethroughout the theater make it such a fun place to see a show, and the seats were great. My only complaint is that I wish there were bathrooms on every level instead of only on the bottom and third floors. Besides that, it was a great experience!

This was our first visit to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and wonder why we never went before. We…read moresaw a musical based called Play On which was based on Shakespeare's The Twelfth Night to the music of Duke Ellington. The play was fantastic. The stage was decorated beautifully. The actors were amazing. The music was wonderful. We had front row center seats so had a great view of the stage and the actors. Unlike other theaters I've been to, the view from the front row was not obstructed. I think we'll be watching for what's playing there and go again soon.

We saw the best production of the Merry Wives of Windsor at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater! (May…read more2026). We've seen two other excellent versions in other cities, and this one was spectacular. They brought the action into the 20th century.  The words stayed the same, but the jokes took on new meaning for the modern audience.  They also had the best Falstaff ever.  He was always our favorite character, but this one takes keg.  Er, I mean takes the cake :-) The acting was particularly engaging, and the audience really responded to it.  At one point, a drink tray sailed off the stage and into the audience, no harm no foul, and as if it was scripted, an audience member slid the tray back onto the stage amidst much cheering and applause.   The staging was great, with two trap doors (and sound effects of falling bodies!). The stage was complete with a very modern doorbell!  And, yes, it did "ring". As an added bonus, one of the two characters who rode bikes onto the stage was brandishing a sword. Shakespeare meets Cirque? It was a hugely fun production in a lovely comfortable multi-tiered theater. Every seat has a good view of the stage. Chicago Shakespeare Theater is out on Navy pier, past the colorful cartoon-like statue of Flyboy, "The Great Debate", by Hebru Brantley!

Thank the Sultans of Groupon, and the Board of the Chicago Phiharmonic Orchestra, who allowed me to…read morepurchase a ticket for Sunday's concert at Pick-Staiger Hall. Called "Going for Baroque", it featured (no surprise here, from the title) mostly music of the Baroque period. The concert consisted of Baroque masters J.S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handl, and the almost-classical but mostly baroque Carl Phillip Emanuel Bach. The orchestra, according to the website, draws many of its members from the Lyric Opera Orchestra, as well as other career musicians from the Chicago area. If you are a true Baroque purist, you should be aware that this concert was performed on modern instruments. Some people apparently think that period pieces should be performed on period instruments, so that the modern audience can get closer to hearing what Antonio Vivaldi heard. For example, an absolutely wonderful piccolo player named Alyce Johnson performed pieces that were originally written for the sopranino recorder. It ain't what Vivaldi heard, not exactly, but who cares? I like hearing original instruments, but this was really good, too. I enjoyed this group, and the musical selections, very much. While some compositions from this group of Baroque composers are familiar, the Chicago Philharmonic dug a little deeper into the repertoire for Sunday's concert. The guest conductor and harpsichorist was David Schrader. Along with his musical duties, he also offered a brief history and background of the selected compositions, and I liked that, too. While I really enjoy Baroque and classical music, I am most definitely not a scholar. Getting a little more information broadened my knowledge and enriched the musical experience. And for you Groupon-aholics, I had absolutely no problem redeeming my Groupon. It was a delightful evening. I highly recommend the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra. Even if you have to pay full price.

Breathtaking and Spectacular performance. The audience was enthralled with the orchestra for their…read moreinnovation!