Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dance performances. Even if you don't catch a show here, stop by for a tour (for
more details, see p. 176).
The city's other great historic theaters are concentrated in the North Loop. The
Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theater,
at 24 W. Randolph St.
(
&
312/782-2004
), and the
Cadillac Palace Theater,
at 151 W. Randolph St.
(
&
312/384-1510
), book major touring shows and are well worth a visit for arts
buffs. The Oriental's fantastical Asian look includes elaborate carvings almost
everywhere you look; dragons, elephants, and griffins peer down at the audience
from the gilded ceiling. The Palace features a profusion of Italian marble surfaces
and columns, gold-leaf accents à la Versailles, huge decorative mirrors, and crys-
tal chandeliers.
The
Shubert Theatre,
22 W. Monroe St. (
&
312/977-1700
), was built in
1906 as a home for vaudeville; today it books mostly big-name musicals and
sometimes comedy performers. The
Chicago Theatre,
175 N. State St., at Lake
Street (
&
312/443-1130
), is a 1920s music palace reborn as an all-purpose
entertainment venue, hosting everything from pop acts and magicians to stand-
up comedy.
Arie Crown Theater,
in the McCormick Place convention center at
23rd Street and Lake Shore Drive (
&
312/791-6190
), books musicals and pop
acts; a renovation has improved what were terrible acoustics (Elton John once
interrupted a performance to complain about the sound), but this is still a mas-
sive, somewhat impersonal hall. Since all these theaters are quite large, the
cheaper seats are in nosebleed territory.
Symphony Center,
220 S. Michigan Ave., between Adams Street and Jack-
son Boulevard (
&
312/294-3000
), is the building that encompasses Orchestra
Hall, home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO). Expanded and reno-
vated a few years back, the building now includes a six-story skylit arcade, recital
spaces, and the fine-dining restaurant Rhapsody (p. 115). While the CSO is the
main attraction, the Symphony Center hosts a series of piano recitals, classical
and chamber music concerts, a family matinee series, and the occasional jazz or
pop artist.
Chicago has a few other major venues for traveling shows, but they are not as
convenient for visitors. The
Rosemont Theatre,
5400 River Rd. in Rosemont,
near O'Hare Airport (
&
847/671-5100
), is a top suburban stop for musicals
and concerts. The
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie,
9501 Skokie Blvd. in the northern suburb of Skokie (
&
847/673-6300
), is
home to the well-respected Northlight Theater, the Skokie Valley Symphony
Orchestra, and a series of touring acts, including comics, dance troupes, and
children's programs.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
For current listings of classical music concerts and opera, call the
Chicago
Dance and Music Alliance
(
&
312/987-1123
).
Finding a Better Seat
Most of Chicago's grand old theaters have balconies that go way, way up
toward the ceiling—and if you're stuck in the cheap seats, you'll be strain-
ing to see what's happening on stage. While theaters are very strict about
checking tickets when you arrive, the ushers relax during intermission. So
scope out empty seats during the first act, and then move down to better
(and much pricier) spots for the rest of the show.
Tips
