My wife, nephew and I came to the Mercury to see Spamalot, the Monty Python, Holy Grail play. This isn't a review of the play of course, but the actors did a great job in that! The theater is a classic old-school place. Seating is limited, but generally well-maintained. We sat in the balcony, which was great! Tight seats up there though - you've been warned. Drinks are typical theater types - small and somewhat over priced, but not as bad as I expected. Sound and lighting were great. And the staff was super nice and helpful. I'll definitely be back for future shows! read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Great seats! Box row A! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice theater, small and well managed. Went to watch young Frankenstein with our 15 year old which was a mistake. The musical should be 18-+ because of some content. If our daughter didn't tag along my husband and I would have enjoyed watching it to the end . We left in the interval because we didn't want our daughter feeling uncomfortable. So many wasted $$$ read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of my favorite mid sized theaters in the city. I've seen a number of shows here and they all have been excellent.

The staff was very friendly and the theater itself though small was very nice with comfortable seats. All the actors were great and the bar sold nice merch and had good orange juice. It wasn't even too expensive considering the quality! read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Jersey Boys stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As other reviewers have said, this is a pretty small theater - but truly no bad seat in the house! We have enjoyed a couple shows here before; the most recent being Avenue Q. Bartenders are quick, event hosts/ushers are polite and helpful. Would for sure not hesitate to get tickets to another show here. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Great show! So glad we made it down during their last few performances! Thank you, cast and crew! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

We took our grandchildren, 15 and 11 year old twins, to see BIG RIVER last Friday. There were too many empty seats for how wonderful this musical play is. The small community theater is very intimate, and the stage has limits but was maximized in various clever ways. The voices of the lead roles of Jim and Huck Finn were awesome, and the instrumentation superbly complimentary. This is an "old" story but with modern day application as emphasized in the beautiful duet "Worlds Apart." The box office personnel were so accommodating when an early performance had to be canceled and our tickets rescheduled/partially refunded. Gather friends and family and see it before it ends in June. Take advantage of valet parking in this busy neighborhood. read more

I have seen several shows at the Mercury Theater and this review is about Young Frankenstein The Musical. First though, let me say that the theater itself is wonderful. There is not a bad seat in the house, ordering tickets on their website is easy, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Now to the play. Every production I have seen at the Mercury has been pretty good to very good, but Young Frankenstein The Musical was amazing. The sets were clever and impressive. Each actor completely embodied their character and had great comedic timing, and the singing...the singing was incredible. From the very first number ("Brains") the singing was impressive, and it kept getting better. Every cast member had a remarkable voice, and they knew what to do with them. If you only see one play this year, this should be the one. read more

I saw Avenue Q the other night and enjoyed the show and venue very much. The staff are friendly and accommodating . They were helpful when I was deciding if I might want to change my seat location. The theater itself is small and cozy. All seats offer a great view, were quite comfortable and were elevated just enough for great sight lines - even if you're short. The bar area is a great idea. There is a lot of seating and the wine pours are fantastic. When we commented on it, the bartender said it was a "theater pour". HaHa!!! The restrooms were clean and pleasant. Street parking was plentiful. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Spent a wonderful week at the Venus Cabaret teaching some of Chicago's best young performers at Vocal Boot Camp America, at the end of June. Walter, Kristi, Carl, Allie and Abbie (along with all of the staff) were welcoming to all of the students and teachers. They helped create a wonderfully safe and intimate space to explore and grow with these young artists. The final performance was fantastic and the room was perfect for our needs in every way. Can't wait to work there again! read more

See all

I recently saw the production of The Producers at this neighborhood theater and it was my first time at this place. Due to the area, the parking can be a little tough to find. The lobby is on the smaller side, however, very well planned out. The ticket assistant will help you to find your seat(s) since the theater is not that large. The acoustics were great along with the view of the stage. I would recommend this theater. Looking forward to seeing another production here. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - The Producers tonight - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I'm very much used to larger venues, with cramped balcony seating and rude staffers who bark orders at the always-too-long women's bathroom line. This theater is intimate and way smaller. I like it. I saw Avenue Q here with a friend, and our seats were fantastic. We sat in the first row of the balcony (I was worried about orchestra seating and if it was a graduated angle or not, being vertically challenged!). The views were fantastic and not too far from the stage - nothing is too far from the stage, which makes for a wonderful theatergoing experience. The venue is right in the middle of a variety of fun restaurants and stores. The bathrooms are clean - and there are enough! I also found the ushers and staff to be nothing but polite and helpful. Go check out what's playing at this theatre; what are you waiting for? read more

Intimate venue, long-time favorite. I used to live down the street! Here is a theatre where I do believe (having sat in many areas,) that there truly is not a bad seat. The red velvet seating is quite comfortable too. Just saw and highly recommend "Bunny,Bunny" if you're so inclined. The spirit of Gilda Radner is channeled rather incredibly by Dana Tretta, Zwiebel is played with emotional-adeptness by Jackson Evans and you won't believe how many characters are pulled off by the talented Jason Grimm. In fact, I haven't gone to a performance that I'm inclined to see again within the same run, but this one... why, I'm going to see it again if my name's a-not Roseanne Roseannadanna! (Haha, couldn't resist!) Saw the CS Lewis-inspired one-man show "The Most Reluctant Convert" last summer and was taken on a spiritual journey by the magnificent performance of Max McLean. http://mercurytheaterchicago.com/cslewis.html If you're a C.S. Lewis fan, I cannot recommend this show highly enough, should it make its way back. Or, if you just want one man's theological perspective, perhaps you'd find this an interesting story. I enjoy smaller theatres like The Mercury for their overall character, the wealth of talent they showcase and their variety of subject matter. And when you walk out the front door, you just may meet the cast as was our opportunity this past Saturday. Currently, food/beverage isn't permitted in the venue but plans are in the works for an establishment adjacent and they'd then have a liquor license for the theatre. "Grassroots" currently shares the same vestibule as Mercury's ticket office so it's easy to pop in during intermission if you require a beverage. Also, when you phone Mercury, the phone is promptly answered, ticket desk has accommodating hours if you'd like to stop in and purchase, otherwise it's a modest $4 fee for over the phone / online ticket purchase. Spamalot is coming! read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I saw avenue Q here and loved it! The theater isn't very big so there's no bad seat in the house. It feels intimate with the stage and performers so close to you. Drinks are fairly priced. They had canned wine (375ml = half a bottle of wine) for like $10 if I remember correctly. Also, they have good customer service. Quicker response by phone than by email. My boyfriend had accidentally bought tickets for the wrong date, and they allowed us to change it to a different date with only a $4 change fee. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to see Ladyday on the 26th and it was a cozy setting, very clean older building and the show was awesome

Mercury Theatre is a small theatre located in the Southport Corridor. I've seen two shows here so far and not sure I'd go back for a third. Tango Sur, Coalfire or Grassroots are your best bets for dinner. Grassroots is right next door and gives you 20% AFTER the show if you present your ticket stub. I regret paying almost $20 more for orchestra seating. There really isn't a bad seat in the theatre. At intermission during the most recent show I saw, I went up to the balcony to see if the view was worse and I concluded it was not. In addition to choosing a balcony seat, I should have also checked Hottix.com (1/2 off theatre tickets) prior to seeing this most recent show which was disappointing. So I was not happy with the amount of money I spent for the particular show. The first show I saw here was not that good either but I had balcony seating for that one. read more

I can't think of a better venue for watching a show featuring racist potty-mouthed puppets. What I love about this place is that even the back seats feel like you're not in the nose bleeds - it's an intimate venue that affords you great views wherever you're seated. I also appreciated the relaxed feel of the place. You could bring your drinks in from the bar, and the ushers don't hassle you to see your ticket when you come back after intermission. I'd definitely see a show in this space again. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Intimate venue - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a wonderful venue to see a play in! This intimate theater seats only about 300 people in old fashioned style . . which basically means there is not a bad seat in the house! What opened in 1912 as a theater showing silent films, this neighborhood gem is just the place to experience a wonderful night of theater. On my recent visit- I saw Avenue Q was was fun and engaging and just the right kind of show to see in this theater as I felt I was almost on the stage with the actors! Attached to Cullens bar- you are also able to grab a drink before during or after the show. Or do as we did and grab dinner beforehand with some great servers and bartenders. Love that this place is within walking distance of everything in this fun neighborhood! A great historic gem that is still entertaining this generation of live entertainment enthusiasts! read more

Really a great little theater the staff here was so friendly and helpful and there is not a bad seat in the house and the acoustics were very good it was just really a nice enjoyable experience.... And even the valet Parker was a good guy it wasn't cheap it was $15 but in the city that's not too bad read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came to the Mercury Theater to see the Christmas Schooner. Never having been to this theater before, I did not know what to expect especially since my mom bought tickets in the balcony, however, I was pleasantly surprised as there is really no bad seat in the whole theater. The acoustics were great and you could hear everything. The play itself was fantastic so that made the experience all the better. The only bad part was the parking. Having never been to this theater, I did not know what to expect. In the end, I did use the Valet Parking but then found out later there is a lot nearby I could have used. Despite this, I will be going back to see other productions in the future. read more

We came to the Mercury for Avenue Q upon recommendation of friends. The show was cute and pretty good, but not the focus of this review. How did I not realize this gem was just down Southport from home?!? This is easily walkable from the brown line and a neat little theater with nearly every seat close with a good view. Will call is easy to use and located just inside the door to the left. Make sure to arrive a little early because the bar that is connected next door will sell you drinks in a to go cup. You can take your drinks into the theater with a lid and just drink through a straw!! Brilliant! read more

I love having a small, live theater space a block away from my apartment on Southport! And, what's even better is I really have no complaints about this theater. It's small yet comfy, and I've never had a difficult time getting tickets to shows--and have somehow always ended up front row center. I think it's helpful to go directly to the box office to get seats, though you can buy them online. They've had some great shows recently--Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors. I saw both shows and the casts were great and the set design was really impressive for such a small theater. I'm excited to return this fall to see Spam-a-lot. If you're looking to get dinner beforehand, there are tons of great options on the Corridor, but Grassroots is right next door and connect to the theater. It would be cool if there was some kind of discount there for those who are seeing the show, but I don't think there is at this time. They also offer drinks during intermission, but I haven't partaken myself. What is kind of fun, though, is at the end of each show you're able to take photos with the cast for a small donation--it makes for a great memory afterwards! read more

An amazing and intimate venue to watch Avenue Q at! The performers were amazing, and I loved that they came out and interacted with the audience so much! Boyfriend surprised me with tickets to the show and we were seated right along the balcony on the second floor. In all honesty though, I don't think there's a single bad seat in the house, even the ones along the sides of the balcony where you have to turn your head to watch (don't be scared away by the "obstructed view" warnings). I ADORED the show. I can't say enough about it. I'd been wanting to see this since it first came out a few years ago and had memorized a lot of the songs. The small venue made it even more perfect. Honestly, this current crew (there through October -- so go soon!!) was phenomenal. I loved their renditions more than the original soundtrack versions. Please, do yourself a favor and go buy yourselves some tickets to this show before they're gone! (Bonus fun: there's a bar and restaurant attached to the theater... so bring a drink in for yourself -- totally okay with a lid -- and bring it to a whole new level of enjoyment!) read more

See all

Mercury Theater is a wonderful, cozy theater with great views at most every seat and outgoing, friendly staff. It's located near many restaurants and connected to a lovely bar for before / after / intermission drinks. Had the pleasure to see Avenue Q here several years ago, and again last week. What a great experience! Highly recommend a visit to this theater. read more

This theater was great for Avenue Q! It holds about 290 seats, so it is small and intimate and really a nice space for a show. I liked the original details that still remain from it's start as a 1912 silent film theater. The stage isn't huge, but the sets were done really nicely. Sound was great - with music and also the songs/discussions on stage being easily heard by all. The staff was super super friendly and don't try to use the Walletini app to show your tickets as it won't work (they don't have barcode readers as you enter). However, the will call desk will nicely print your tickets for you - just leave a little extra time. You can bring in drinks from Deleece next door (wine in plastic cups with tops and straws!), which I thought was a nice touch, though I didn't partake. It gets a bit chilly in the theater, so bring a sweater if you get cold easily. read more

Absolutely hilarious. Awesome cast as well. Very very talented. Definitely will see again. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Historic theater (est. over 100 yrs ago!). Intimate, every seat is good. Saw 'Bunny Bunny Gilda Radner' & it was excellent! Will follow future shows for sure. Great choices for dining nearby- Grassroots, Tango Sur, Bodega Sur and a Latino grocery store at the corner with amazing empanadas perfect to tide you over till dinner post theater! read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Amazing place staffed with amazing people and very talented people on stage, off stage and in production all supporting a cool, tight little theater with refurbished seats and an old-school, artsy vibe. I had purchased four tickets for the performance of "The Christmas Schooner", which was excellent. More about that later... However, life interrupted our plans to attend the show on December 21 when I had to undergo emergency oral surgery. Since the tickets are pricey and the show was sold out for the 21st, my friend, whose daughter was one of the actors in the play, suggested I contact the Mercury staff and let them know what happened. I did. The staff responded by calling me and assuring me they would swap out the tickets for a future performance and to just let them know when we'd like to go. I was soooooo happy and relieved. I hope Mercury was able to sell the original four tickets I had purchased. After the healing had commenced, my daughters, me and the love of my life decided on the 27th to try to attend the play last night on the 28th. So on the morning of the 27th, I phoned the Mercury, filled them in on the backstory. Kate, the woman who answered the phone, located my purchase and assured us we could attend on the 28th. She had to work the system while placing me on hold to get the computer to do what she needed it to. Rather than keep me on hold, Kate hopped back on the line, told me what she was up to and asked if she could just phone me when she accomplished her task. I said sure. And ten minutes later, Kate called me back with the process for getting the tickets. What a great way to take care of a customer. Our night was ready to roll. I've seen a couple of reviews on here that unfairly criticize Mercury. One was regarding parking. If there is a Cubs game, parking restrictions rule. That's not the responsibility of Mercury or any of the other locales there. Use SpotHero or any other parking app and take responsibility for your parking. Or just cab or Uber it. Another unfair criticism of the play was the song "Speak American." The title itself is an irony because there is no American idiom. It's English. But that's the point. The song, and that particular scene and others in the play, capture the natural ethnic pride and conflict that comes with any group trying to assimilate its 'old world ways' into the new world they live in and it did so beautifully. I thought it was clever, creative and realistic, too. I appreciated the insight the playwright and musical director brought to the scene. As for The Christmas Schooner itself, the play was delightful. It's based on a true story and had some really interesting characters that I would like to go have a beer with sometime and talk about sailing and such. I thought the actors were first rate, the original songs were catchy and interesting and some of the singing was mind-blowing, especially in the second act. The lively dance number with the sailing crew in the first act was fun. The play is a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I got teary-eyed. Mostly I smiled and the ending was very touching, too. The Mercury offers a yearlong plan that delivers great value to the customer. The stage is intimate, every seat in the place is great and the vibe is very cool. Yeah, it's not the Cadillac Theatre, but then again a Mini Cooper isn't a Cadillac Escalade either. But both are fun. read more

Saw Henry Rollins perform here and had a great time. I've lived in the area and always wondered what it was like inside the theater. It's very sparse and very intimate. It's a small space but isn't crowded. Think of your favorite lecture hall when you were in school. It has a comforting sense of familiarity. I really don't think there is a bad seat in the house. The fact that there aren't many seats possibly helps the math. When I saw Henry speak, I was seated upstairs and never felt removed from the performance. I had a perfect sight to the stage and had no problems hearing everything that was said. Would the acoustics hold up for a bigger production? I'd like to think so. I'd like to come here more often. For pre, post and during the show drinking activities, patrons can easily flow in and out of Cullen's next door. read more

I have probably seen 4 or 5 shows at the Mercury, most recently Avenue Q, and it's always a fantastic experience. I'm definitely not an expert on theater, but love to see live performances here. The Mercury has incredible talented actors, staff and musicians. There's not a bad seat in the house on account of the theater's size; it's a small so you can see and hear everything from any seat; I even sat way up close in the 3rd row and was worried about being too close but have no complaints. Middle of the main floor is prime though. Another plus, if your someone who enjoys theater with a glass of wine or a cold brew. There are 2 restaurants/bars connected to the Mercury, Deleece and Cullens. And you can bring a drink from the bar into the show with you! Skip the movies, treat yourself to a real show! read more

My partner and I took my MIL here last night to celebrate her "graduation" from physical rehab-- to see the Hypocrites production of Sondheim's "Into the Woods". I must confess, my expectations were low for local theater-- both the venue and the talent. But a new bar was set-- and it's high. Let's start with the talent, which is the right word in every sense. These players-- starting with the multi-faceted Hillary Marren-- were flawless. In fact, I need to name each and every one of them, since they were all in perfect pitch and acting form (it got surprisingly emotional at the end): Joel Ewing, Kate Harris, Allison Hendrix, Aubrey McGrath, Blake Montgomery, Will Skrip, Sarah Bockel, Michael Brown, and Hannah Dawe. The music was so good, I really thought it was a recording, but turned around to see a full band. The set design, while sparse, was imaginative. It was a unanimous standing O. The venue is great--- intimate and comfortable. Playing through 3/30, I strongly recommend grabbing a pre or post bite at the attached Deleece and making a memorable night of it! read more

My husband and I went to see "The Christmas Schooner" with his parents at The Mercury Theater. I didn't know what to expect because I couldn't remember The Mercury Theater for the life of me. I knew of The Music Box which is just a block down but I couldn't place The Mercury Theater at all. We walked in and I was pleasantly surprised. The theater is small and clean with the stage up close and personal. Also, the theater is attached to Cullen's, a bar next door, so you can hang out there beforehand for a few beers or stroll in afterwards which is super convenient - especially now with Winter rolling in. We paid more for seats on the ground level vs. the balcony and to be honest - I don't know if it was necessarily worth it because the theater is so small - you could probably have good seats anywhere in there and still be able to see the show perfectly. On to the show! Again, I did no research so I went in completely blind of what to expect. The show was amazing! It was a great Christmas story of a German family, traditions, and the Christmas tree. The actors/musicians were incredible - they all did a great job and they were believable. It's a touching story and it definitely brought tears to my eyes. I would highly recommend this show to anybody - in fact - I will more than likely be going to see it a second time! Check it out - you won't be disappointed! read more

Little Shop was a great production with a great cast. My whole family had an amazing time. Totally impressive and worth the time!

This theatre is everything that makes me think of a theatre - intimate, historic, warm, small. I saw "a twist of water" on a Thrusday. It's the first time I've been to his theatre, even though i pass it frequently. I always think that I should find a performance and make my way here, but that thought is always filed away in the back of my mind. It still would reside there if I didn't get a email from Gilt saying that there were tickets to this play for half off. I jumped at the chance and used it yesterday. Its a great threatre, people are friendly, and you can bring drinks from the bar to your seats (just request a plastic cup). The place seats 290 people, but it was only 60% full. Too bad. I like when places aren't packed, but for this theatre, I wished more people were able to experience the play and venue. Groupon, Gilt and their ilk is great for theatres and performances where there's a large fixed costs and selling seats at a portion of retail still brings money in where otherwise it would be burned away. Plus, at least for me, it incentivized me in finally checking out the Mercury Theater, and I'm all the more grateful. Now I'll be more apt to choose this venue over others, mainly because its so close, but also, because its just great. read more

Mercury Theater, where have you been all my life?? This is a great way to see intimate performances of Broadway shows and is much more affordable for good seats. Avenue Q is currently playing here and the cast is great! We were in Row E which I actually thought was too close (hellloooo first world problems). I would recommend sitting further back or even on the balcony for this show. Seriously though, there is not a bad seat in the house. This isn't really a spoiler, but if you're familiar w/ the show, they have different puppets for the Bad Idea Bears. That makes me SAAAAAAD. But seriously, if you haven't seen this show, it's a barrel of fun and is playing through the end of June. read more

I went and saw "The Color Purple" and I must say I was beyond pleased with the performance. The theater is small on the outside but the productions put on are wonderful. The cast was quite engaging and it was by far one of the best plays I have ever seen. Parking isn't bad outside and there is restaurant/bar next door where you can bring food in from. Very nice experience, You won't regret visiting! read more

This is a classic older theatre building that's been rehabed. It's a smaller building so the plays are set in a more intimate setting. I prefer it this way for plays or other dramatic readings. There are a few nice places to dine right down the street and of course the Music Box is not far either. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - The Mercury - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came here to see 'Freud's Last Sessions" a couple weeks ago and had a wonderful time. The theatre is really intimate, and you feel like you're right up in front, no matter where you are in the theatre. It didn't seem like there were any bad seats. The staff working there was very nice and helpful in getting everyone to their seats. We picked up our tickets from will call and had no problems at all with it. The theatre is attached to Deleece, a place I've wanted to try for a while now. Plus, the neighborhood is really cute and after the show, we finished our date by walking down Southport toward Addison and had some tea at Julious Mienl. I had a great time. read more

Love this space!! I saw a reading of The Guys here, by TimeLine Theatre on 9/12/11. The space is LOVELY! Such charm and warm colors. It has the feel of an edgy/vintage building and ample seating for a smaller show. Balcony is where it's at- sit above the crowd and have a little bit more leg room. Bat next door is great as well for a quick drink or bite to eat! Can't wait to see another show here! read more

It's a small theater so no seat is really a bad seat. The 6 of us were seated centered in row M (2nd to last low) Came here with friends on Sunday to see Avenue Q. Everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. This was actually my 2nd time seeing the show since I first saw it in NYC 6 years ago. I liked it that much to go again. Highly recommend it! It was convenient that it was attached to a bar where you can order a drink and bring it into the show. It made for a good meeting place to gather people before the show started (or even after). read more

It was my 1st time at the Mercury Theater and I gotta say it was a wonderful experience. Pre-ordered tickets on Goldstar which stated our seats would be in the 1st 10 rows, which we were in row I (row#9), in the middle. The theater is not large but, rather intimate. There is no bar service but, that's totally fine cause there is a connecting door to the bar next door if you really want a drink. We had just come from dinner so, we were fine. We saw: "The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes" which was based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional character; Sherlock Holmes. Or was he fictional? If your a fan of the great crime detective like me, you'll enjoy this musical. The play is based on real life events which transpired during Doyle's quandary with either maintaining or eliminating Sherlock Holmes. Yes, it is a musical but only about 1/2, the characters sing the story vs talking. Not only is the play a mystery but, it has delightful humor which will leave your smiling. The actors who portrayed the characters had the appropriate costumes, hair and make-up. Though the theater is small, the sets were well constructed and impressive. Really a well thought out production, I appreciated the details of this play. I recommend if your a fan of Doyle & Homes, you will enjoy this play. read more

Mercury Theater Chicago - Sherlock Holmes & Sir Arthur Conan Doyle come to Chicago. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois