The Chicago theaters are experiencing a rebirth of sorts, and more and more visitors to the Midwest's largest city are choosing to take in a show on their visits. Several downtown theaters in Chicago have undergone renovations and are better than ever, and the revitalized downtown theater district is alive and well. In addition to looking for a theater in Chicago in the downtown area, you can also turn to some of the neighborhoods, where smaller venues can be found in relatively good number. In Lincoln Park, for example, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company puts on quality productions that most fans of the performing arts are bound to enjoy. Pick up some show tickets for the theaters in Chicago the next time you're in town, and see for yourself what all the buzz is about.

The Loop, which is a general term used to describe the central downtown area, is the best place to look for Chicago theaters. Among the theaters that can be found in the Loop are the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theater, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Bank of America Theatre, the Chicago Theatre, and the Goodman Theatre. While the bulk of these downtown Chicago theaters specialize in theater productions, the Chicago Theatre takes things a little further, also offering magic shows, concerts, comedic performances, and special speeches and debates. All of these downtown theaters are historic, which adds to their appeal, and admiring the period architecture and decor is part of the experience. The building in which the Bank of America Theatre is housed, for example, dates back to 1906. Rumors have it that for some time, it was the tallest building in the city.

Broadway in Chicago, which is the city's primary theater organization, has been credited with playing a key role in the rebirth of theater in Chicago. In addition to putting on shows at the Ford Center, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the Bank of America Theatre, the organization also puts on shows at the Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place and the Auditorium Theatre. Thanks to Broadway in Chicago, these theaters have helped to make Chicago the home of many pre-Broadway productions. Among the more notable ones that have graced the stages at the theaters in Chicago include The Producers, Mamma Mia!, and Spamalot, to name a few.

Chicago Map

Catching a Chicago live theater production during your visit shouldn't be hard, thanks to the number of theaters that can be found in the city. Unfortunately, you can no longer catch the production of Wicked, but that doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of great performances that you can add to your list of must-sees. Wicked, which ran here from June 2005 to January 2009, became the most popular stage production in the city's history, and many credit this production with helping to put theater in Chicago back on the map.

Whether you are thinking of exploring the options in the downtown Chicago Theater District or you want to escape to a neighborhood to see a more intimate production, the Chicago theater scene will keep you more than satisfied. Fans of Shakespeare can even find a theater that is ideal for them. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which is found on Navy Pier, has won many awards over the course of its life, so you can be sure that the experience will be a good one. There's never been a better time to see a theater show in Chicago, and adding one or more to your list of things to do on your vacation to the Windy City is sure to please.