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.

TL; DR: Beautiful building and great performance…read more Went to see Cosí Fan Tutte and it was an amazing experience. The staff who work there are a delight and the performance itself was a knockout. The building is stunning, so if you have never been, I would suggest seeing it at least once in your life!

HORRIBLE, UNPROFESSIONAL AND RUDE PERSONNEL!!!!!…read more I am incredibly disappointed with my recent experience with the Civic Opera and Joffrey Ballet. I purchased tickets directly from the Joffrey Ballet website for my mom and my two daughters (ages 5 and 12) for over $200 each for a ticket to make the best experience for my family. The tickets were sent to me, everything seemed fine -- yet when we arrived, the tickets did not work. Because of this system failure, my mom and children missed an entire hour of the show. What should have been a magical, memorable holiday experience turned into confusion, stress, and disappointment for all of us. No one knew what was going on and when they finally called the manager ( she said her name was Lana?), my family missed an hour already and were seated at the intermission. To make matters worse, the manager was shockingly disrespectful and condescending. Instead of offering solutions or support, I was met with a dismissive attitude that made it clear my concerns were not taken seriously. For an organization with the prestige and reputation of the Joffrey Ballet, this level of service is unacceptable. Not only were the tickets they issued unusable at the door, but the way my situation was handled afterward showed a complete lack of professionalism and empathy. I genuinely hope the Joffrey reviews their ticketing process and retrains their customer service staff, because no family should go through an experience like this -- especially after paying full price (more than $600) and trusting the official website.

I think I last came here 2 years ago for an opera about a boxer. This time I saw Carmen, the…read moreballet! It was very good, and we had decent seats. Not very many bad seats here, and the ushers were helpful getting us to our seats. We appreciated the live music in the lobby and the way we were ushered to free stalls in the bathroom during intermissions. I was confused about the lack of merchandise in the lobby. I was looking forward to at least browsing the Carmen shirts, fans, mugs, or whatever but they had nothing to buy but overpriced drinks.

Beautiful building, been here for several performances. Friendly staff. Usually use SpotHero to…read morefind a decent priced parking nearby. Holds about 3,500 people I believe, so the lines for drinks etc can get very crowded. The trick for entry is to use the side entrance which has 3 security lines and moves fairly quickly.

The Chicago Theater is a beautiful landmark to see a show. The inside is inspired by French…read morearchitecture with crystal chandelier, several murals and a grand staircase. 5/5 stars for the entry process! Security and bag check moved incredibly fast and were very well-organized. We had seats on the main floor and they were surprisingly roomy, and even from the side, the view of the stage was great. This is a great venue to see a show.

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

Back to 4 stars but still recommended!…read more What you'd want - great sight lines, comfortable seating (at least in the orchestra section), and a good sound system - are all there. It is a fitting venue for touring and other musical productions. The grandeur has been kept up tremendously, with marble everywhere you look, yet it doesn't feel tacky or OTT. The restroom lines are still a prison yard spectacle, and it's a bummer. It's fine to keep things moving and have a somewhat intense system for doing so. But I really dislike the power trip and lack of coordination. I was there early on in the intermission, thank goodness, and one woman told me to stand alongside the wall. Sure! Then about 20 seconds later, another woman working there told me to stand against a different wall while I waited. As I was in the stall, I heard one woman shouting directions at everyone - the crazy thing was that she didn't seem mad or rude, but she was at such an obnoxious volume with extremely repetitive shouts! It was honestly annoying, between that and literally being told "up against the wall" like we're criminals. It's also downright stupid that there's no wifi here. What year is it?

The Cadillac Palace Theatre is truly one of Chicago's classic theater experiences and a real…read moreChicago staple. I used to live in the city, so getting the chance to come back and see a show there always feels special. Last December we went to see Phantom of the Opera with our daughter, my mom, and my godfather, and it was such a memorable night for all of us. From the moment you walk in, the theater itself is stunning. The architecture, the ornate details, and the overall atmosphere make it feel grand and historic in the best possible way. The theater is also very well run. Everything from entering the venue to finding seats and getting settled felt smooth and organized, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Seeing a show like Phantom of the Opera in such a beautiful space made the evening feel even more magical. It's the kind of place that reminds you why live theater is so special. Whenever I visit Chicago, I love finding reasons to return to the Cadillac Palace Theatre. It's an iconic part of the city's theater scene and always makes for a wonderful night out.

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.

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!

I went with groups from the Rolling Meadows and Itasca Park Districts to see the opera "Hansel and…read moreGretel," written by the German composer Engelbert Humperdinck in 1892. There's a twist, though, and not just in the plot. All the actors are puppets! And not marionettes - they are uniquely articulated rod puppets; the only puppets in the world of their kind. I've wanted to do this for 30 years (they are celebrating their 67th anniversary!) and finally did. You have to see this - it is incredible! Their repertoire is extensive. They even have a maestro for the "orchestra" and a hidden "phantom of the opera" in one of the boxes. The backstage tour was cool, too. And we got gingerbread cookies (not made out of children)! Performances are weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays and tickets start at only $14!

I would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Auditorium theater for their assistance in keeping…read moreme safe at the Lily Allen concert on 4/4/2026. Xylan, Rayna, and Giesla made every attempt to get me back to my home after I was left alone at the concert in an unsafe situation. If it wasn't for them, I don't know what would have happened, but I was able to get home safely. I extend my deepest apologies for the disruption that I caused. Those three people may have saved my life that night, and for that I am eternally grateful. If a raise is available, all 3 of them deserve it, or some other form of recognition. They were respectful and tolerant, the ambiance and environment were supportive and exciting, and I feel truly blessed to have received their assistance. God bless you. Sincerely, Kate

Built in 1889, this is an absolutely stunning theatre. We attended a Raye concert and was not only…read moresurprised by the sheer size of the space but it is both visually stunning as well as acoustically amazing. It is 5 stories with balconies cantilevered over the main floor. Just a heads up that drinks/booze isn't available on every floor. The line moved quickly and the number of attendants available make quick work of guests trying to find their seats. The stairs are steep so hold off on the 4th or 5th beverage! A great place to watch a show.

I've been seeing plays at Shakespeare theater for decades and they're always brilliantly directed…read moreand acted. This time we saw Merry Wives of Windsor and none of us expected it to be almost rolling in the aisles funny. The audience was in stitches. The sets and costumes helped add context. But what really made it beyond 5 stars was a very helpful and gracious manager. My elderly mother was seated across the aisle from me and took out her hearing aids. She didn't realize that by holding them on one hand, their closeness would create feedback. I couldn't tell what the eerie sound was and assumed it was someone else's phone. Luckily the experienced manager figured it out and quietly asked her to put the hearing aids away without shaming her nor causing any disruption. We appreciated his grace in this embarrassing situation.

My first time coming here. I saw online the tickets $30 under 30 years deal they had for selected…read moreshows. I purchased a ticket for the show Rome Sweet Rome. A very nice theatre every seat in this place had a good view. There were no selective seating. First come First seated. I was one of the first in line and was seated near the stage area. I had a perfect view of the stage. The seats were comfortable and plush. The production and audio was was good. I really enjoyed the show, the singing and the performance. I was happy that I purchased tickets to this show. There is a bar in the back area that serves non alcoholic drinks, special cocktail drinks and snacks. If you come for a show and park your car in the garbage. They validate your parking at the Box Office. You also can get discounts at restaurants and parking with your ticket to your play. The ushers were helpful and friendly. I will be back to see another show. FYI there are quite a bit of stairs to walk. But there is an elevator on the side to ride up. .