Attended the Orchestra Noir event at Harris Theatre. The event was amazing; this needs to be about the theatre. Although Apple Maps says it's in millennium park it is adjacent to the park and you enter from the street (use the actual address when walking from train). When you enter there are friendly greeters to make sure you have tickets and the ticket booth was directly behind them. They showed us toward the elevators where another greeter scanned our tickets, go to floor 1, and we followed the notes on our tickets on which door to enter, row, seats. TBH, we purchased the tickets months ago; just picked 2 seats that I thought were in the mezzanine (I think). As we walked closer to the stage, I was worried we were not in the correct seats but the show was sold out and no one moved us. Long story short, orchestra level, last row, middle section, BEST seats! Ladies, there were so many attendees I didn't check out the bathroom situation but I heard a few say they were going and came back fairly quickly so hoping quite a few stalls. Enjoy your event! read more

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It's a very nice theater and it's a lot bigger than I imagined. They have great performances here. The seats are comfortable and there's an elevator as well. It's right in the heart of downtown and very close to the being and near Michigan Avenue. The building is modern. read more

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We were really excited to attend the SinduVee standup show, but the experience ended up being very disappointing. We planned ahead by reserving parking and even left two hours early so we could arrive on time and enjoy our Orchestra level seats. Unfortunately, we had a very difficult time locating the parking garage and drove around for quite a while before finally giving up and paying to park in a different garage. Ironically, the theater was directly across the street from where we finally parked. However, because we arrived late, we were told about a late seating policy that we were never made aware of and were moved from our Orchestra seats to the highest balcony, which honestly felt more like a punishment than a solution. What made it worse was the lack of compassion from the attendants. After such a frustrating experience just trying to get there, some understanding would have gone a long way. By the time we were seated, there were only about 15 minutes left in the show. read more

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I attended an event here with my son. It was video experience so unfortunately I didn't get to see any live performances here. I thought the theatre was lovely. It's on the smaller side, so all seats seemed like good seats. The staff was friendly and helpful. The theatre is located dtown, in within walking distance from many great hotels. read more

Harris Theater - Merch line for event we attended. Line moved quickly, well organized - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here for the brewfest this year (beer under glass). It wasn't actually inside, but outside in the lawn area. Its a small area so I think it was toned down compared to previous years at Union Station. Unfortunately, we didn't go inside the theatre, but the outside and areas around the building are nice. read more

Saw Jamie Allan's magic show here and it was super entertaining. We were sitting first row on the balcony, and we had a great view. One thing that sucks about balcony seats though is that I'm short, so I constantly have to bend over the railing to really get a good view of the stage. Wish places were able to make the seats higher from the ground to accommodate for us shorties! They did provide two large screens that showed parts of the show, specifically for his card tricks to be live and on camera. When we got here, they checked purses and bags. This went smoothly and I swear I saw someone who looked just like Ice Cube talking to security. I literally had to look up on Twitter to see if he was in town. He wasn't, hahaha BUT he was recently! Just very ironic. Anyways, I'm off task. We got to the theater a little early, so we had to wait on the 2nd floor in the lobby area. The lobbies on each floor had colored lighting, which was kind of tacky looking, but I still really liked it. Because the event was in the middle of the day and I really had a taste for coffee, I bought one of the bottled cold brew coffees in the lobby. Let me tell you, WORST. MISTAKE. EVER. Definitely don't buy this because it was absolutely disgusting, watery, and overpriced (but isnt everything at places like this?) A tiny bag of beef jerky, as big as my small hand, was $6 when normally a bigger size is $6 at a store. A soda can was $3. I didn't buy any alcohol here considering it was early and they were expensive, so I'm not sure how the bartender made drinks. Overall, this was a nice theater and I'll come back for an event. It's not super fancy and you don't need to dress in fancy clothes, so if you are looking for a super romantic, fancy date place, this isn't the right theater for you. read more

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Breathtaking | Clean | Fun Breathtaking: We went to the chicago philharmonic's performance with cirque du soleli. The Phil played a variety of movie titles from 1950-2000, mostly John Williams. The cirque du soleli has a variety of acts from silk dancers, to jugglers, to a human slinky. Everything was amazing! Absolutely one of the best performances I've been to in the city. I would go back in a heart beat. Clean: The theatre, parking, validation, and process was very clean and easy. The theatre physically is clean. The parking was integrated into the facility so you were right there in the hall once you parked. They have multiple validation machines, which makes validation easy. All in all a going to a performance at Harris is enjoyable and efficient! Fun: The performance was fun! My girlfriend and I had a smile on our face the whole time. There where people from all ages and socioeconomic demographics. Whether you are looking for something to do with the kids, for an anniversary (like we did) or just to explore a staple landmark of the city, this performance should be on your list. Pro Tip: validation only works for 6 hours and will cost you $20. Pro Tip: they have snacks and drinks but the mark yo is REAL... $4 dollar cookies, like 1 cookie for $4 dollars (smh). The best value is coffee for $3 because you get free refills. read more

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Very nice venue. Friendly and helpful staff. No reason I wouldn't go back again. And now here are some additional words to meet Yelp's minimum word count requirements so that I can actually post this review. read more

The theater is easy to get to and has validated parking (6 hours for $19) which allows time to go eat dinner before the show/wonder around Millennium Park. The seats are well arranged and makes it so that you are not staring at the head in front of you. We saw the Chicago Philharmonic with Cirque de Symphony which was AMAZING. Shout out to all the performers both musician and cirque. Everything was truly mesmerizing and well put together. Well worth it, especially since our tickets were discounted from TodayTix. read more

Harris Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The theater houses a great concert area five levels below ground. The seats are angled downward so there is a great view from the back. The acoustics are amazing so it doesnt sound too loud in front or too soft in back. I was able to see the Mozart Effect. Ithe music was enhanced with a screen showing cosmic views, the grandeur of earth, the oceans and waterfalls, nature and the animals, and people. The conductor had a sense of humor. I would come early to find your seat and go to the restroom or find refreshments. Dont bring too much with you. The seats are small with little leg room. read more

Harris Theater - The screen before the musical performance. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very nice and spacious inside. First time coming, but definitely will not be my last. Absolutely beautiful location!

Nice space my second time here and enjoyed the dance performance. The staff are very friendly and helpful.... overall a great indoor venue in the city! read more

Harris Theater - Natya is performing!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome venue! I saw The Bald Brothers tour here and it was fantastic! Great size and easy in and out access. Just another great place in this beautiful city of Chicago read more

So. Here at 6:54 and a NOT very busy security person said I cannot use the Ladies room. Here for the VIP Champagne reception. I would love to give no stars. Tons of restrooms and to lazy to let me use it. Looks very busy looking at himself in the glass. read more

Harris Theater - Very busy Not!!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a spacious theater that was very clean. It is easy to commute to and has parking directly in the millennium park garage so you won't get lost. The inside of the theater is simple, so the ambiance isn't much . It is still a very nice place to visit . read more

Harris Theater - Yelp event!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

For my first time inside of this location. I love the huge space and the ability to hear the dj no matter what floor you were on. Yelp always have a very interesting selection of vendors for this event. My 4 faves of last night for food items were #hakkabakka and the Lamb burgers. #shakeshack with ice cream. #monacococktail and the 2 new flavors that I tried (Tequlia & lime crush, and Citrus). And finally #deepeddysvodka keeps people coming back. read more

Harris Theater - This was the delicious lamb burger that we truly enjoyed. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is an exceptional concert hall with great sound and sight lines. Hopefully as they recover from the pandemic they will cease using a single entrance and be able to expand their programs. read more

LIGHTS CAMERA CURTAIN Shhh....the show started! No talking out loud, just read the review quietly! Recently we attended a benefit here with some good friends. The theme was orchestrations with American-Italian themes centered around piano. The Chicago Philharmonic was also conducted by an Italian conductor. My friend was a little upset with the first piece played because there was no piano. He loves piano! I told him don't worry, as I pointed to a giant piano siting in the wings. Sure enough 3 guys in black rolled out the piano for the second piece. This was a big production to get the piano out on the stage. Then a lady from Highland Park came out in her evening gown to bang on the keys. It was a very spirited piece of music. What always cracks me up is what happens after every piece is finished and we've all seen this if you've attended a classical orchestra show. The song finishes, crowd applauds, conductor points out important players, possibly shake hands, conductor leaves stage for 3 seconds, returns to conduct next piece. I just always find this humorous. I know the conductor is suppose to be collecting his thoughts off stage but only 3 seconds. I say milk it and wait like 5 minutes until the audience breaks out the lighters. Then surprise them and do a costume change too. Use that time wisely conductor man. I am only kidding but I figured I would offer some creative fun. Hey it's all a show so live it. I also must point out that drinks are expensive here. I think it may be cheaper to drink at a baseball game. In fact, at intermission they had a person walking around selling mini wine bottles. They need to teach this person on how to sell. She should have been yelling, "Get your VINO here!" or "There's a 20 minute liquor line in the lobby!" I'm thinking I may need to re-train the sales staff on the floor. Yeah the line at the bar was really that long...so lady selling wine from a bag was a faster option. The fastest option was to purchase "intermission drinks" at the bar before the show even started. Then simply arrive at the bar during intermission and your drinks were ready and you didn't have to wait in a long line. Who knew drinking at a classical concert was this complicated! The theater is beautiful. The front of the theater and box office is located off Randolph street. If you are sitting on the main floor you will have to make your way all the way down to the bottom using an elevator or stairs. You are basically heading down to the lower Columbus street level. This layout is unique because typically the main door isn't at the top of the theater. I also once had the opportunity to explore back stage. I was very fortunate to be offering support statewide for the premiere of Kevin Smith's movie "Red State" which premiered in Chicago at the Harris Theater. It's fun to feel like a rockstar for the day with an All Access Pass. I was amazed at the ability of the theater to do digital projection in here. Now if I was comparing these two events. Kevin Smith's movie premiere was sold out but the philharmonic had plenty of seats open. Kevin would probably say, "F***ING RIGHT!" I guess the reason I point this out is because it shows the versatility of this theater to host both classical art and modern art. It shows that no matter what age you are you can always enjoy a night at the theater. So if your looking for a night of culture then checkout what is happening at the Harris Theater. You may be surprise at what you might find. read more

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Some people think that the new Harris Theater is an eye sore, a waste of money, I say to these people... Pfft!!! What you talking about Willis!! Name me one theater building in this whole city that looks anything like it (And if you can, please keep it to yourself so I don't look like an ass which I can do just fine with that on my own), so if no other theater looks like it, then it is unique right?? RIGHT! I love that you can walk right by it and not even realize that inside is this ginormous theater. I will agree that the lobby and stairs are a little too metal modern in design and having each floor a different color is a little clubby for me but inside more then makes up for it. It is truly architecturally gorgeous! The seats are soooo comfortable too. I may have found a new favorite theater. But just to be sure, I think that YOU should take me to other performances here like the ballet or a concert. I went for the classic performance of Owen Wingrave and though I'm not used to Operas in English (I'm used to other languages, so it was a bit weird) it was a moving performance. The actors gave so much emotion to their parts, plus sitting in the 7th row helped to get that enveloped feeling. I would recommend this classic British tale to others. It's about a young man training to be a soldier and whose family has served the Queen generation after generation, so much so that they believe that each generation next has to follow suit. When Owen starts to have other ideas regarding his future, the family intervenes and comes down on him so harshly it gives you chills. It really makes you appreciate the freedom of choices we have during this day and age. read more

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Very nice Theater. All seats have a great view of the stage. Ushers are kind and helpful. They have a little bar for before show and intermission. The performances are unique from most other theaters in Chicago in that they don't have mainstream names, but you are definitely getting high quality performances. You'll see more ballets and classical music here. I've enjoyed every show I've attended. Parking can be a bit confusing so go early to navigate that. read more

I love going to the theater (pronounced theat-AH). I really do love the old, ornate theaters in the city, but I can also appreciate the new, modern ones, mostly because they've solved the problems that plague the old theaters--like more comfortable seating, more space, no obstructed views, acoustics, amenities (like bathrooms). Yes, bathrooms. Thank you Harris Theater for having enough stalls in the women's bathroom so that 200 women can all go to the bathroom at the same time and still get back to their seats before intermission is over. The street entrance of the theater is on level five, you have to trek down five flights of steps to get to the orchestra level of the theater, unless you want to wait for the slow elevators. But once you get in, you're amazed that there's such a large theater in what looks like such a small building from the outside. We had complimentary tickets (thank you Yelp!) to a show by the River North Dance Company. I would give the show three stars. Most of the acts were good, though I've realized that I feel the same way about modern dance as I do about modern art--I don't care for it much. One of the acts, the nine person precision ball passing, was obnoxious and long and made me want to almost get up and leave. I'd say that's movement and not dance, but I'm just being picky. My favorite dances were of course, the tango and milonga sequences--very talented dancers. Also enjoyed the tribute dance to Miles Davis at the end. All in all, a good night at the theat-AH and even ran into Mr. Theat-AH himself, the lovely and always gracious Nick M. read more

We enjoyed the Korean Festival cultural show there this past Saturday night. It's a great theater with comfortable seats. It's located right by Millennium Park and it's easy to get to from where we live so it's a plus. I hope to check out more performances here in the future. read more

To me, "The Art of Falling" is a revolutionary, evolutionary advance in performing arts. In all my years, I've not seen anything quite like it. A collaboration between Hubbard Street Dance and Second City, it combines the creative choreography and deep talent of Hubbard Street with the brilliant comedic vision and execution of Second City. Together it delivers a best in class, hysterical entertaining night of R rated gut wrenching comedy and unique, amazing creative dance. Throw in audience interactive improv, Broadway style singers, great music, and what the heck, accordion playing and dancing ninjas, gypsies, let's call it a "contemporary love story" and, well, that's just the first act! Buckle up, I'm going back in! Today's world is all about fusion and so is this performance. Don't miss it. read more

Harris Theater - I think you can guess - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'll admit it. I'm an old theater snob. Something about the grandeur of a day gone by is lost on me when I enter these new fangled theaters. But Harris, even with it's minimalist design, delivered for me as it had good sight lines, good sound and comfortable seats (things you may not always find in a historic theater) I have seen a few shows here, from dance to music. I like the large theater with it's soaring ceilings and comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. I also like that if you park underground in the north Grant park garage- you are just a few steps away from the entrance and you need not go outside (perfect for those shows that happen in the Winter). They sell beverages in the lobby which they let you take into the theater. And on one of the nights I was there- I almost felt like I was at a ball game as they had drink vendors, before the show, hawking their wares up and down the aisles (a little off setting to me as I always like to think the theater is above that, but the people around me were appreciative!) The challenge I have every time that I come here, is trying to find friends that I am meeting up with. There are so many levels and entrances that invariably we are all at the same place- just two or three staircases from each other. So my hint to you is to pick a meeting spot or you will be like all the others on their cell phones trying to find each other. I, for one, still prefer the old theaters, but for functionality, location and ease, Harris does a nice job. read more

This theater is a very minimalist building on the north edge of the great Millennium Park. It was designed by Thomas Beeby, the same architect who designed the more flamboyant Harold Washington Library at the other end of downtown. read more

Harris Theater - Joan and Irving Harris Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First let me start by saying I interned here in their development department over the summer, but that in no way influences my review. I know technically we're not supposed to write reviews for employers, but I feel it's important to review this place. As a dance major, we see a lot of shows downtown. Up until this fall, however, I had not yet seen anything at the Harris (pretty astounding considered I worked for them for 2 months, right?) I saw Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago in October 2008, which was amazing. The show was a tribute to Gus Giordano, who passed away in March. They had a huge video projection screen come down between pieces with video clips of Gus and the company in the 80s, which was a really cool addition to already great dancing. I also saw Hubbard Street last weekend at the Harris. They were equally impressive. The stage really worked well for the pieces they were doing, even with all the crazy set changes. Overall, there isn't really a bad seat in the house. For Giordano we sat in row Y I believe in the center, which is one of the first rows a few steps higher than the normal floor. I loved those seats. For Hubbard we got tickets a bit late, and were off to the side but still could see everything clearly. They have a variety of performances, which is nice, so there's something for everyone. In general the ticket prices are comparable to other venues in the city, and the location of the theater is great. Parking is definitely convenient being attached to the theater, and if you validate your ticket in the lobby you can park for $14. Yeah it's expensive, but it's no more than any other parking garage in the city. Having worked there over the summer, I also love their mission: they're non profit and use their grants and sponsorship money to underwrite the costs for the performing companies, so that more artists have opportunities to perform there instead of having to pay crazy expensive rental costs to perform. read more

Despite the other reviewers I'm a big fan of this place: love the minimalist exterior, the underground approach to the stage, the surprisingly big space underground with pretty good views everywhere, the large number of free public events and great organizations sharing this space. MUSIC NOW is the best! read more

Came here for the Yelp event and it was SO MUCH FUN! You wouldn't think there are as many levels as there are but it's a great venue that apparently will be getting a facelift! Can't wait to see the better and brighter. read more

This is my first play and it was nice. I saw Shen Yun it had a slow start, but that's because I don't understand Chinese culture. So as they continue to explain it. Then I understood it and then it became amazing. It was absolutely amazing and we definitely go and see it again. read more

Harris Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The performance was excellent. The venue is an example of Chicago at it's worst. The website does not provide clear information on how to get from the garage to the theater. Once you get to level 2.5 you can enter there. But we made the mistake of arriving early. There were no signs indicating there was a box office on this level. So we went up to the street level and entered there. There is not enough seating to accommodate those who are waiting. The ambience in the lobby is poor. Concrete floors with white walls and weird color lighting. The concessions were overpriced. 4 dollars for a small cup of soda. The seating was brutal. Absolutely no legroom. My father's feet and legs were numb. He is 5'11. I am 6 ft tall. My legs and back were sore by intermission. My gf who is the shortest was cold throughout the performance because of drafts of cold air. We paid 100 dollars per seat. This is abysmal customer service. read more

We experienced Pilobolus here in Jan. 2011. What a great venue for dance! The show was sold out and we were in the front, just behind the orchestra seats. While our vantage point for the show was excellent, getting out of the place took patience. Still, from this first experience, the sound was great, the stage was perfect for dance. I was a bit surprised to get a phone call the day before the show from the Theater's fundraising department. I hadn't even been to the Harris yet and already I was on their prospective donor list? Eager much? read more

Came here for a Sunday Matinee performance. Located in Millennium Park, there is ample parking in the Millennium Park garage and easy access to the theater from the garage. The day we went the posted rate was $27 for 0-3 hours. We used Spothero though and got a significantly discounted rate. The theater itself is very large and not particularly pretty. There did seem to be some problems with our tickets though and the lady sent us down to the box office because our tickets were scanning as invalid. Box office said they were fine so we trudged back up the stairs. Still invalid but she did let us in. We had front row, center, lower balcony seats that I can highly recommend. read more

I stumbled up to the box office, panting, sweating, merely 5 minutes before curtain for the Peking Opera, only to find out that my tickets were for the night before. Disappointment, embarrassment. Being a weathered visitor to the Harris, this is a first for me and while shuffling through my emails on the mobile, the box office attendant, whose smile was more than professional, gave a cheery "let me see what I can do for you", printed two replacement tickets, "with an upgrade!", and sent us in. Well, we made it before curtain, placed 5 rows in front of centre stage--close enough to admire the beautiful costuming, close enough to catch every scream. The horror stories of "wrongly assigned seats", the "incompetent staff?" What'evs. You guys rock! read more

I went here last night for the first time ever to the Harris Theatre, to see Wait Wait Don't Tell Me's return to a live taping of the show in Chicago and also in an indoor theatre in 20 months, they did two tapings this past August through neither one was in Chicago. To get into shows you have to show proof of either a negative covid test, or proof that you got vaccine for covid, and you have to have them scan your tickets as well, as the theatre was full with audience members that more seating opened this week. You can parking right in the Millennium Park parking garage, which you can take an elevator, but don't push the button that says level 2.5 as that leads to some part of the theatre that don't want patrons to be at as they requested to enter at tree level back to the elevator and 3rd floor. The theatre is due, got all checked in as the seats were on orchestral level which you enter at the very top of the lobby and you have to go down a lot of flight of stairs and they do have an elevator as well. And you see door with a alerted on them, and the door for row M which the seats were in, is door D. Still of course early enough to wait for the theatre doors did, as pretty much guess who the panelists for this show are. An announcement came that the house was opened and ushers opened the doors, and guess what depending on which row you had more stairs you go down and to get to and of course got up after the show. The panelists sit at a table, as always when they tape in the same room together, the panelists for this show are Bobcat Goldthwait, Negin Farsad, and Brian Babylon. And of course Chance the Rapper made his return as the Not My Job guest after appearing on as the Not My Job guest in 2015 at a taping in Jay Pritzker Pavilion. And Chance the Rapper was on stage for a good half hour or so, as the show start taping late at 8:01, and the whole show took 1 hour and 59 minutes to tape the entire show, which will heard as an edited show on member NPR stations which includes WBEZ this weekend, that will also can hear as a podcast as well. And interesting if you heard the show last week that Negin Farsad, filled in for Peter Sagal last week as he took off, and back this week as a panelist. And of course you have Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis. And they now have another taping date that tickets will be for sale soon, the date for their next show is December 9th. read more

Visited for Yelp's Glow in the Park ever 1/29/2015. Huge concrete finished interior with wide huge staircases and corridors. Nothing to break up mountains of echoing sound if there is a crowd. Probably a very nice venue for performances, but the lobby areas brought back memories of herds of cattle being driven into narrow chutes for loading into transport trains or trucks. read more

I came here to see the Harry Potter parody "Potted". The Harris theater is very new. The view was good from each seat, even in the orchestra rear where I sat. The seats were also very comfortable. What I found odd was that the orchestra area was four floors down from the ground level--which meant everyone in an orchestra seat had to walk up four flights of stairs to exit the theater. I guess it doesnt pay to pay for better seats here! read more

I've been here a few times for student performances. I work at a high school that has formed a partnership with the Harris Theater, so we often participate in events here and I'm lucky enough to see them for free (or cheap). Parking isn't *too* expensive here, which works for me considering it's more expensive across the street at the Michigan Ave. lot. It's a bit difficult to find the entrance to this lot since it's partially underground and weird, but you'll make it eventually (it's off Randolph). This theater is pretty unique (at least in terms of theaters I've visited in Chicago and elsewhere) since it's mostly under the street level and the stage and curtains (and catwalk and such) rise up to essentially be at street level. Sitting in a sunken theater is a pretty cool experience and most of the seats give a nice, clear view of the stage. The school where I work was also lucky enough to be able to host its first ever graduation here, which worked out because we had a packed house. Many high schools are never able to reserve a space like this that has the capacity to hold high numbers of faculty, staff, students and families. Overall, it's a fun place to attend a show. Each year, the Harris Theater also hosts a series of performances called "Eat to the Beat" so people in Chicago can eat lunch and see a show for $5 (from 12-1 p.m.). Many of the performances are high school students or smaller troupes. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Loop (or surrounding area) and want to see a show for a bit. read more

Bravo, Harris Theater! Bravo! Here's why you get 5 stars from me: 1. Delightful staff - As soon as we walked in, one of the guys told us that we could validate our parking ticket. AND, the parking was good for 6 hours. Thank you for saving us money! 2. Charming ushers - These ushers are volunteers and mostly over the age of 65. They are super cute. They're very helpful, quick to guide you to your seat AND informed me that only water and coffee were allowed in the theater. But, here's the big plus - they let us move to closer seats during intermission! How nice of them! 3. Great seating - For $25, my fam and I scored seats to see Cinderella - ballet style. BUT it was in the last row of the theater. To our delight, there really isn't a bad seat in the theater! It's smaller than most other places, so we didn't really have trouble seeing! (But, we still wanted to move closer. Who wouldn't?) 4. Amazing bathrooms - It's HUGE. I don't see there being a long wait during intermission EVER, so that's awesome. 5. Convenient location - If you're driving, the theater is practically adjacent to the Millennium Park garage, so you don't have to walk a billion miles (in heels). Afterwards, you might want to take your time and stroll around the park. And, if you opt for public trans, the Metra is close by, as are multiple buses and the el. This was a great way to spend a Saturday night - taking in something cultural, hanging with the fam - as opposed to drinking my life away. We had a great time and can't wait to see what other shows come here! read more

You might call the Harris Theater of Music and Dance, the "Performance Bunker," since most of the actual theater is deep underground inside this concrete hulk. The upper stories are mostly offices (or a big air shaft). The big plus with this arrangement is that if you park in the underground Millennium Park public garage (also used for Bears games) and stay way to the north of that lot (on levels 2 or 3), you can basically stroll from you car into the lobby of the Harris without encountering the elements. That lobby is my least favorite part of the theater. If they didn't turn on those horrible bare florescent lights (in various acid colors, not complementary to skin), you'd be in a vast extension of that concrete garage. There is a huge Louise Nevelson sculpture which decorates the front facade (a stage curtain for the opera, Orfeo and Euridice, 1984). But you cannot view it comfortably from the lobby. There are "pop up" concessions for some of the shows that tend to be mostly portable wet bars. So don't expect to find snacks or food to buy when you are in the lobby. All of this, main lobby, garage access, concessions, and restrooms are from the "orchestra" seating level. While you can walk or elevator up to other levels from there, except for the street entrance level (two flights above "orchestra" level), there's not much going on. From attending productions of Luna Negra Dance and Hubbard Street Dance here, the acoustics and sight lines are excellent and the seating very comfortable. read more

Great sound. I heard Music of the Baroque perform Mozart's Requiem. Minimalist design, when speaking of the decor while in your assigned seat. Sort of clusterfucky in the lobby, with the crazy neon colors, but they don't seem to incite public violence. My date and I had a little trouble finding one another, what with the second floor and the second-and-a-half floor set-up, so be advised. Parking wasn't too crazy expensive after ticket validation - I believe it was $14. read more