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    Steppenwolf Theater

    4.4 (217 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 6:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Leslie C.

    In its 50th year, this theatre is legendary for stellar productions. Multiple theatres within the complex, so it can accommodate large audiences and also more intimate experiences depending on the production. Excellent and friendly staff. Easy to get there on multiple train lines. I've seen several shows here over the years and they've all been top tier. I just saw "Feat" a few days ago with Chicago's own Cameron Esposito in the Ensemble Theatre, a smaller and lovely intimate space. Beautiful venues! Lovely bar area. If you haven't seen a show here, you really need to.

    Actors - Actors dressed in historical costumes perform a scene on a circular stage at Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. The stage has scattered papers and a bed, with audience members seated around it, watching attentively. The theater features ornate architectural details, arched windows, and chandeliers, creating an elegant ambiance.
    Candelario S.

    This theater has it all! It's modern, comfortable and has two full bars and a coffee shop where you can order food prior to the show. They have gender neutral bathrooms on both floors and gendered bathrooms as well for those who rather use those. It's truly a one of a kind theater and can't wait to go back for more shows and check out the other theater within the building.

    Exterior signage
    Azsure D.

    I love live theatre. Steppenwolf is a legend, and continues to deliver. There are a couple of stages, intimate and connected. One is in the round and offers excellent acoustics. Accessibility is well thought out. Nearby affordable parking. On site bar both ends of the lobby, plus snacks. Gender neutral bathrooms. Great merch available! Chicago's live theatre scene is thriving and Steppenwolf is at its heart. This is a must for locals and visitors alike!

    Lili H.

    Price: $ Recommend Level: 5/5 Bathroom: Gender Neutral Payment Options: Cash/Credit cart/Apple Pay/Online Parking : Street meter/parking lot *In my yelpions: I went to the Steppenwolf Theater for their recent show, small seating comparing to other Chicago Theaters, there's no way one could get lost, which I do appreciate the intimacy of the theater setting. The sound quality is great; their price points are below $50 per person each show. When going to their web page, there are different Discount options such as for Military, Student, Pay-What-You-Can Tuesdays, Rush tickets and Under 30 years old ticket bundle. For a medium production, is not bad at all. *The facility is really clean as well. The staff are also very friendly and helpful. One might found it strange is their bathroom system, it is gender neutral, but with this one, is any gender will be using a huge restroom where they combines the stalls and Urinals together. * Overall, my experience were great, I would come back again for more shows in the future.

    Jada C.

    When I lived in NYC, I heard about the Steppenwolf Theater. I heard of some famous actors who came from Chicago. Actors such as Gary Sinise, Joan Allen, Rondi Reed, Ericka Ratcliff, Jeff Perry, and Moira Harris performed here performed here to refine their craft. Steppenwolf has a history of attracting talented actors who devote themselves to theatre. When we moved to Chicago, we definitely needed to see a play. I love the energy, history, and plays from this theater. We first saw "The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington". Fantastic. The actors knew how to act as an ensemble and did not miss a cue. I loved their energy and their spirit. They will definitely go far with their careers. Tonight, we plan to see "Bald Sisters" to celebrate my birthday! Joseph got us amazing seats. One of the best birthdays presents I can ask for - Live Theater! Located near the Red line, The Steppenwolf Theater houses intimate theaters. People of all ages come to see first rate plays ans emerging talent. Come and watch aplay.

    "Purpose" (March 2024)
    Fancypants X.

    4.5 stars rounded up. Steppenwolf Theater had me at "Directed by Phylicia Rashad." We caught a preview performance of "Purpose," an emotionally charged, cleverly-written play about a fictional famous Black family. Each actor, many of whom have TV & movie credits to their name, brought a fire to the stage. What an absolute treat to witness their characters interact. The three hours (with one intermission) went by in a flash. Had second-row seats in the "Downstairs Theater" which is just intimate enough to have a great view from every seat. If "Purpose" isn't Broadway-bound, I'd be surprised because it deserves to be picked up. Street & paid lot parking nearby.

    Phil P.

    an evening of theater is still a great outing. This facility is very accommodating. I went to the small theater, not the main but yet comfortable. The bar for refreshments was right outside the door. Service was great.... Great area, so once you leave, you can walk to wonderful restaurants or just walk in a nice area that seems to never go to sleep!

    Joe C.

    seats were terrible and uncomfortable. It's the biggest retraction from the performance to be honest. It felt kinda like metal bleacher seats with cheap foam padding. The ensemble theater E214, E215. I saw Miz Martha Washington in September in The theater downstairs and it was fine. But we saw Bald sisters this time around, the show itself was excellent and moving. I honestly saved the cast on IG. But other than the uncomfortable seats the productions they run for me have been top notch.

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    Great productions, but they've gotta hire more box office people. It's usually an hour on hold if you need to exchange a ticket.

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    Page 1 of 6

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    Cadillac Palace Theatre - Beautiful Cadillac Palace Theater

    Cadillac Palace Theatre

    (336 reviews)

    The Loop

    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.

    James M. Nederlander Theatre - Harry Potter Cursed Child cast

    James M. Nederlander Theatre

    (326 reviews)

    The Loop

    Absolutely Electrifying!!!…read more I just saw The Wiz at the James M. Nederlander Theatre and BABY... when I tell you this show is PURE JOY from start to finish!! The singing??? OUT OF THIS WORLD. Every single voice was powerful, soulful, and straight-up gave chills. You could feel the emotion in every note--gospel, R&B, soul... it was hitting on ALL levels. The costumes were a whole moment! Bright, bold, colorful, and creative--every scene felt like a visual celebration. Just beautiful to watch. And the dancing?? Whew! High-energy, sharp, and so fun. The choreography had the whole audience locked in--you can't help but move in your seat! This show is just FUN. It's vibrant, uplifting, and full of life. From the music to the movement to the storytelling, it pulls you in and doesn't let go. You walk out smiling, feeling good, and maybe even a little inspired. If you get the chance to see it--GO. Don't think about it, just go. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

    After our Thanksgiving dinner, we headed over to the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago to see…read moreAlicia Keys' Broadway show Hell's Kitchen -- and wow, what an experience! This was my first time at this theater and O. My. Gawd. The elegance hit me the second I walked in. The entire place is like stepping into a glamorous time capsule. Think ornate, gilded ceilings, rich and flamboyant architectural details, and walls that look like they were decorated for royalty. Massive, sparkling chandeliers hang overhead like they're showing off -- and honestly, they should. Everything felt extravagant in the best possible way. Now, a small downside: the women's bathroom on the second floor only has three stalls. During intermission the line was long, like "please don't let the curtain go up yet" long. I heard there's another restroom downstairs, so if you're a planner like me, maybe scope that out before the show starts. The staff and ushers were wonderful -- super attentive, helpful, and very observant. They kept everything running smoothly and made the whole experience feel welcoming. Definitely make sure you plan ahead for parking or valet, since downtown can get a little hectic, especially on show nights. Overall, this is a gorgeous, historic theater that knows how to make a night out feel magical. I can't wait to come back!

    Goodman Theatre - Curtain call for the young Tommy actors, age 4 and age 10.  7-06-2023 matinee performance.

    Goodman Theatre

    (234 reviews)

    The Loop

    I've long been a fan of the Goodman, and though I used to be a semi-regular, I've only been here…read moreonce since the pandemic. Until today! Somehow, I learned about a children's production presented through their educational wing. I'm not sure if their education & engagement was this strong in years past or perhaps I simply wasn't dialed into their offerings, but that's definitely changing now. We went to see Splish Splash. This was a 50 minute long story about a blue heron and friends who are seeking to repair the moon after it fell into Lake Michigan. There were songs, there was play, and it was highly interactive. The kids--fellow "sailors", along with three of the cast members--learned a song to sing along at various parts of the show. There were several times when the kids were invited onto the "stage" (it was in one of their lab/classroom spaces, so there wasn't a raised stage) to help or participate. It was so well done, and kept the kids engaged. I really loved how this experience was designed. Upon arrival we were checked in and pointed to one of the classroom spaces. I was surprised because I wasn't sure how actors could be safe there, but it was actually a room for the kids to color and read books or play with toys and stuff before we were taken into the room where the performance took place. I've only seen something that was meant to keep kids busy like that before showtime is at Filament Theatre, and we've gone to kids shows at two or three other theaters by now. It was a great touch. This production was specifically geared toward children aged 0-5, which is atypical and felt so special that it was written with the littlest theatergoers. One of the important pre-show reminders was for adults, reminding us that it's a no-shush zone! I'm so excited that one of the most important theaters in the city, and the oldest non-profit theater still in operation in Chicago, is so committed to developing young audiences in an exciting way and meeting them where they're at. We'll be regulars at their Theatre for the Very Young programs.

    The theatre is beautiful, modern yet classic. No bad seats, main floor is nicely inclined. Warning,…read more1st 5 rows requires a lot of stepping over others, no center aisle. Saved a ton on parking directly across street.

    CIBC Theatre - Lottery tickets with an obstructed view.  If the speakers were smaller or floating, we would have seen more

    CIBC Theatre

    (454 reviews)

    The Loop

    Won lottery tickets to Hamilton. Once we picked up the tickets at will call, we saw our seat…read moreassignments. Unfortunately it came with an obstructed view. If the speakers were smaller or floating, we would have seen more. Outside of the fabulous performance, I would say I was just meh on the theater itself.

    After experiencing the Hamilton sit-down Chicago production 9 years ago (whoa), it was back to this…read moresame theatre for its national tour. I was reminded of the same issues I mentioned in my earlier review, issues that persist after almost a decade. Like many theatres, they make you wait outside (in this case, in the cold), while they get the theatre ready. Maybe they don't want to pay for the workers to be there for too long beforehand? It makes for a crappy experience. You are then funneled inside while security guards bark orders at you, even when all you're doing is trying to find your way inside in a polite manner. Luckily, the guard in our line was nice enough and joked around with the kids. The lobby is tiny, unlike the other major theatres downtown, so that is something to be aware of. There's really zero room to breathe, and the intermission bathroom line snakes up from the basement into the bar line. Luckily, I got there earlier on, but that's a bad experience. The bathrooms aren't that nice, sadly, and they could use extra care. There are a lot of stalls that don't lock, don't have purse hooks attached anymore, etc. Worse yet, the attendants are on a power trip, though they're not quite as mean as others in similar theatres, and the line moves quickly. I just don't appreciate them yelling "up against the wall!" It's a bit much. The orchestra seats were pretty comfortable and even have good sight lines for short people! From what I saw, the snacks weren't as expensive as one might imagine, though not cheap. Frustratingly, there is no public wifi here. What year is it?

    Broadway In Chicago - Great Scott!!

    Broadway In Chicago

    (56 reviews)

    The Loop

    Sharing a letter that I wrote to Broadway in Chicago and the Cadillac Theatre for which I never…read morereceived a response: I am writing to share a concern regarding audience management during performances at your theatre (Cadillac). I attended The Phantom of the Opera last night and unfortunately, the experience was significantly disrupted by a visibly intoxicated family seated nearby. They spoke throughout the performance and, most notably, sang very loudly during the final song--directly over the performer during what is meant to be a pinnacle and emotionally powerful moment of the production. This behavior was disruptive and diminished the experience for many audience members in the surrounding area. This was not an isolated incident. Last year, while attending Moulin Rouge at your theatre, I experienced a similar situation involving two belligerent and intoxicated audience members who talked, sang, danced, and cried audibly through much of Act I and part of Act II before finally being escorted out. I paid $250 for my ticket last night to see one of my favorite musicals, and it is deeply disappointing to have that experience compromised by behavior that should be unacceptable in a professional theatre setting. Audience etiquette is essential to preserving the integrity of live performance, and more proactive intervention would go a long way in protecting both patrons and performers. I want to emphasize that the theatre itself is beautiful, and the productions you host are outstanding. It is precisely because of the quality of your programming that I feel compelled to raise this concern. I strongly encourage you to consider stronger audience management practices to ensure that future performances can be enjoyed as intended.

    Joined Broadway in Chicago subscription plan in 2021. I have signed up for three different seasons…read more The plan is not required to attend shows but does offer a very good discount and ensures that you will get a seat at each of the 6 performances playing that season. For instance, I wanted to see Tina and MJ. I knew those could be hard to get, so I paid for the plan. Each ticket came via Ticketmaster and the plan allows you to change dates. Broadway in Chicago does a great job of brining diverse plays, musicals and dance performances to Chicago. I truly enjoy supporting the arts and visiting different theaters. Chicago is home to some of the oldest auditoriums and it very neat to visit all of the different venues. Many of the performances are Pre-Broadway so the talent is amazing. Tip: Join their social media page and every 25th of the month they have discount tickets. This is a good option if trying to be economical but also want to catch a last minute show.

    Steppenwolf Theater - theater - Updated May 2026

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