Saw Enemy of the People last night. Intense performance, superb acting, immersive set and sound design. Highly recommended. The theater is very intimate, with seats on three sides of the stage. Not a bad seat in the house. The facility, recently opened, is itself a thing of beauty. Sleek and modern, with a large bar and lounge area on the first floor. The theatre is on the second floor, accessible by stairs or a very large elevator. The staff is friendly and they are well organized; if your show has an intermission, you can order an intermission cocktail beforehand and it will be waiting for you outside the theatre - no need to hoof it to the bar. Restrooms are gender neutral and each stall is fully secure. Wheelchair accessible stalls have plenty of room to maneuver, and on the second floor it comes with a private sink. George Costanza would love it! There are many seats in the theatre that do not require steps to access, and certain seats can be removed to accommodate a wheelchair. Note that there is a lot of walking from the front door to your seat. For those driving, there is a parking garage just north of the theater and a surface lot on the other side of the Argyle station, a short 5 minute walk. read more

WOW, the new building is beatiful: modern, well designed, good sound system, multi-level with a nicely welcoming lounge and bar/restaurant at the base. Enemy of the People was a well acted/directed play, genius writing/translation. Engaging space wtih audience on 3 sides of stage. A few quirks to rule out: The directions to seats not quite clear and had to go back and ask usher; the bathroom doors don't seem to easily close/lock causing confusion; lines to bathroom are unclear and cause some confusion; concessions are almost all poor quality though the drinks are nice, hopefully they will upgrade with neighborhood partnerships. However you can't emphasize how amazing this space is, minor criticisms overriden by the strong addition to Chicago and the neighborhood. read more

I just saw Timeline Theater's production of Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People and it was wonderful! This is the inaugural play in their new location and it is just stunning. The new theater is beautifully done. Congratulations on the new home! I'm looking forward to many more exceptional works in the future. read more

Timeline Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to see Enemy of the People last night and it was a great performance and experience. The theatre is great because it's large enough to have a lively audience, but compact enough that it remains intimate without a bad seat in the building. Definitely look forward to attending more shows in the future. read more

I've been a subscriber for a while before the pandemic hits. Just went back for "Trouble In Mind" and I was reminded why I love this theater so much. While the space is small compared to other major theaters, the level of artistic and ingenuity is unparalleled. I personally enjoy a more intimate setting; each play felt like an immersive experience. I also like the level of polish in each play vs the more experimental/ grunge productions in similar-sized theaters. For example, the hang out area by the bathroom was brilliantly decorated as "the green room," which had layers of meaning that reinforced the themes in the play, "Trouble in Mind." I'm always entertained while learning something new when visiting this local gem of a theater. read more

Timeline Theater - Hangout area - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I visited Timeline Theatre for the first time in several years tonight (the last time I was here was at least a few years before the pandemic began, so it's probably been a minimum of five years since my prior visit). Tonight's show was Campaigns, Inc., a world premiere that was supposed to debut in the 2020-21 season about a couple of folks who started what is considered the first political consulting firm in the 1930s, and helped the incumbent governor of California win the gubernatorial election over the author Upton Sinclair. I had no idea this was ever a thing, but it's all true. The show wasn't bad. As I remember from prior visits, they have an anteroom display relevant to and evoking the show. The set was part of the audience in a way I hadn't seen before; I sat right next to the couch one of the characters lays upon when sleeping, and there was a desk across the room next to other patrons. My biggest problem with the production was how the set was laid out; it was down the center of the room with seating on opposite sides, and some of the scenes took place in the middle right in front--but others were at either end, so you had to crane your neck to see each end. That was pretty uncomfortable, so I hope other companies that out it on will stage it differently. Regardless, I appreciate the work they do here, and can't wait to dig into my Backstory magazine (their playbill) to learn more, even though I know it'll make me angry because this firm was pretty rage-inducing in the work they did. I found parking surprisingly easy this time. It was about $6 or so for two and a half hours. And I am immensely grateful that as of September 23, 2022, they are requiring all audience members wear a mask throughout the production and they require vaccination cards and check it against your identification at the door. It made me more comfortable attending at all. read more

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I reviewed this place 16 years ago!? I love it here. You don't expect much from the outside. My dad thought it was a "community theater" as we walked in. It has that vibe since it's a theater leased from what I believe is a school or community center. (But there's a new location coming! Sadly. :) I love this old location) But we've come to plays here constantly over the last 16 years and each and every time I'm moved by what they've created. They create such a unique and intimate environment. I find myself talking about the performance or story days later. Looking forward to the next time we get to come back. Timeline, going to miss you soon in this location, but you deserve all the success and extra seats and new fans your move is going to offer you. Thank you for doing what you do. read more

In all honesty, for some reason I wasn't expecting much from a small theater I've never heard of before... In fact, it turned out to be just an amazing time! The actors are so talented, You don't even get to see much of such talented people on the tv those days... The play itself was also very unusual (we watched "Boy") and inspiring! Would love to come back and see some other plays in this theater! Ps. There are no assigned seats, so if you need a seat somewhere up front, just make sure to come earlier. You can't be late or you won't be allowed in (there is no stage, the entire act happens right in front of you). Also, if you need to leave during the play you won't be allowed back either. read more

Timeline Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came here for a Sunday matinee of "The Audience" which depicted the personal relationships between the Queen and her cast of Prime Ministers. I don't think it'll be helpful to review the storyline, which was stupendous, since the show will not run forever. However, the acting and directing was simply spectacular. I also found the set design and utilization of the more intimate like space a pleasant experience. PROS: great artistic experience; happy staff; interesting patrons CONS: a lil tough to find on the side of the church; women's bathroom is very small; very strict on seating times so watch out! I felt it would be an ideal place for entertaining an older, more refined crowd (though not to the exclusion of youngsters) read more

Timeline Theater - Circular set up - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had never had the pleasure of visiting this intimate theatre before so I was a little nervous. Would it be too small for quality? I was delighted with the theatre and the production. We saw To Master the Art and it was sheer pleasure - the French, the actors, the play and the staging. Every line was perfect, every prop was exactly what was needed and the furniture used and changed to perfection. The Childs were portrayed magnificently by Karen Janes Woditsch and Craig Spidle. I am eager to see these talents again sometime in the future and will definitely attend another play at this unique facility. Bravo! read more

Timeline Theater - To Master the Art - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kill Dead Paradise is the most boring and poorly written play that I have ever seen at Timeline Theater. The message is real, actors tried their best but the plot and writing is really bad. Yes, it is beyond horrible that innocent people are killed by police. But, certainly not at the same level, it is disgusting that Timeline steals from their patrons by charging them to see a play that causes people to walk out or have second thoughts about renewing their membership. Yes, the actors did a good job of intimidating their audience and trying to make us feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, a developed plot offering suggestions and hope for the future would have been received well. DON'T WASTE OUR TIME AND MONEY. Sid Mitchell read more

I went to see Pitman Painters at the Time Line theater over the weekend, and it was fantastic. The acting was fantastic and the play well written. The company describes itself as "Yesterday's stories. Today's topics", which is an apt description. The space is intimate but charming. As someone else mentions, there is not a bad seat in the house. They serve a few concessions, but also offer a complimentary water dispenser, which is nice. read more

I saw Blood and Gifts over the summer and fell in love. The Timeline is a cozy, intimate black box theater. As you walk in you literally walk through a timeline that you gives you some history revolving around the play you're about to see. I felt this really got you in the mood and gave important information. The only issue I had was that Blood and Gifts' timeline was a bit congested. It felt like it was overloaded with a lot of information and it was hard to absorb some of it although I do understand. The only negative is that it didn't appear like they had an elevator anywhere, so if you have a hard time with stairs or are in a wheelchair it looks like you wouldn't be able to go. Also, coming from the southside was quite difficult with the traffic and trying to get parking, however, I felt it was worth it. I definitely plan on coming back. read more

I saw RAISIN IN THE SUN and was blown away. Ruth Younger owned the stage. This play was staged a such a close-on manner, I literally felt like I was the Younger's crowded, walk-up apartment. I wanted them to move to a better place and they did. I loved RAISIN so much, I took a chance on Timeline's production of THE NORMAL HEART. That too was a totally amazing production. I did not know the Larry Kramer story, nor about the courage of the early activists in the gay community who were fighting the scourge of AIDS. This production was just marvelous. Tonight, I am going to see JUNO! There is no question in my mind now. If Timeline Theater stages it, I will be there to see it. read more

I haven't been to Timeline in about a year, but I've seen at least 4 shows here and the casts' performances have always been fantastic. The layout makes for an intimate but comfortable viewing experience. One of my favorite Chicago theaters! read more

LOVE this! I've attended about 15 shows in the past few years and every single one has been excellent. The acting is top-notch and the stories -- based on real-life events -- inspire great conversations. Timeline keeps winning awards and it's easy to see why. You can feel the dedication of the company in every performance. read more

I really wanted to like Timeline due to its small venue and struggling performers, but it was not all I had hoped for. First of all, they messed up our tickets even though the person who ordered them had called TWICE to confirm. Out of six people, only four could go in once the play began. Secondly, it was so, so hot in the theatre itself! I could barely breathe. Until they at least put some fans or something near the audience I will not be returning. I swear I lost 5 lbs. sitting through a play-who knew that could happen, haha! Good thing I wasn't on a date because it would have been terribly embarassing. Thirdly, the acting was decent & the play was mildly interesting. I don't think I'll be returning unless there's a show I am absolutely dying to see. read more

Still a five - just wanted to add that I love the flex pass subscription. And their box office is amazingly helpful - whether you leave a message or email, they always get back to you quickly and accomodate your needs. read more

I like Timeline and have seen several good plays there, however I just saw Enron and found it to be horrible. I was with three other people and we all walked out at the intermission. Terrible cast too. read more

This theatre is a gem. We live in the neighborhood and had no idea it was there, as it's a bit hidden off the street. What a delight! There are no bad seats in the theatre (87 seats or so). Went to see Farnsworth Invention last year. Production was amazing, cast, sets, story, we enjoyed it much more than anything we've seen at Steppenwolf in the lsast few years. We plan to subscribe to their upcoming season. read more

I was so impressed with Timeline Theater from start to finish. Their website is great, but if you prefer a "real person", the people who answer the phones and answer the questions are fantastic. I had a special situation, and they were extremely helpful. Then I brought my group to see The History Boys, and what an incredible performance. From walking through the boys "rooms" (where they were reading, sleeping, listening to music) to get to my seat, to the unique staging, using multi-levels and minimal but effective props, to the great performances, it was a wonderful evening. The cast was large, but the performances were so strong that I knew (and cared about) each of the students before the evening was over. Thank you, Timeline. Like the Terminator, I'll be back! read more

Not flexible at all regarding their late seating and re-entry into the theater. The large monitor outside of the theater to continue watching in the event you have to leave out for an emergency does not work. There were several breaks in between sets that if someone left out they could have easily been reseated. The excuse that was given was very poor. The headset they gave me required replacement 3 times, it seem like someone should have checked the batteries. Considering how other theaters operate, there is a big opportunity for improvement! read more