Chicago does not have an official designated “Broadway” theater district like New York City. However, Chicago does have a vibrant theater scene with a focus on Broadway-style musicals and plays. Some key facts about theater in Chicago:
- Chicago has over 250 theater companies and over 200 live performance venues.
- Major theaters include the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Goodman Theatre, and Oriental Theatre which host national touring productions of Broadway shows.
- Chicago premieres many Broadway-bound musicals before they open in New York.
- The Broadway In Chicago partnership produces and presents touring Broadway shows in downtown venues.
- Although not officially designated as “Broadway” theaters, the Loop theater district along State Street is sometimes referred to as Chicago’s Broadway.
- Chicago’s theater scene is sometimes called the “Second City” after New York.
So in summary, while Chicago does not have an official Broadway district, it does have a robust theater landscape that rivals Broadway in many ways. Keep reading for more details on theater in Chicago and how it compares to Broadway.
Theater Districts in Chicago
There are a few main theater districts and areas in Chicago:
Loop Theater District
This dense cluster of theaters in downtown Chicago’s Loop area includes the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, and Oriental Theatre as well as the Goodman Theatre. It is sometimes referred to as Chicago’s equivalent of Broadway.
North Loop Theater District
Just northwest of the Loop, this area has several large theaters such as the Bank of America Theatre, Broadway Playhouse, and Drury Lane Theatre.
West Loop Theater District
Home to the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, this area features smaller theater companies and venues.
South Loop Theater District
This newer district along S. State Street is home to the Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Opera Theater, and more.
North Side Theater District
In Lincoln Park and Old Town, this area has many small theater companies and venues.
So while Chicago lacks a clearly defined Theater District like New York’s Broadway, the city does have vibrant clusters of theaters throughout its downtown area.
Quantity of Theaters
Chicago has over 250 theater companies that utilize over 200 different venues:
- Over 15 Broadway-style venues with 2,000+ seat capacity
- Over 25 medium-sized venues with 500-1,000 seats
- Over 150 small “off-Loop” venues with less than 500 seats
For comparison, New York’s Broadway district has around 40 actual Broadway theaters.
So by the numbers, Chicago has many more total theaters and companies than Broadway, though Broadway theaters are generally larger venues.
Below is a table comparing the total number of theaters in Chicago versus Broadway:
City | Approx. # of Theaters |
---|---|
Chicago | Over 250 theaters |
Broadway | 40 theaters |
Noteworthy Theaters in Chicago
Here are some of the largest and most prominent theaters in Chicago:
Oriental Theatre
This ornate, 2,200-seat theater hosts long-running productions of Wicked and other touring Broadway shows.
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Opened in 1926, this opulent historic theater seats over 2,500 and presents Broadway shows.
CIBC Theatre
Formerly the Shubert Theatre, this large venue seats nearly 2,000 for Broadway productions.
Goodman Theatre
Home of the Goodman Theatre Company, this venue with 1,500 seats premieres new plays and musicals.
Bank of America Theatre
This large theater seats over 1,800 and presents Broadway musicals and plays.
Ford Center for the Performing Arts
This modern, flexible theater is home to the Oriental’s hit musical Hamilton.
So these major theaters host large-scale Broadway productions for extended runs, as Broadway theaters do.
Broadway Tours in Chicago
Many touring Broadway productions perform limited engagements at major Chicago theaters such as:
- Wicked
- The Lion King
- Hamilton
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Book of Mormon
- Aladdin
- Les Misérables
- My Fair Lady
- Jersey Boys
These long-running hit musicals from Broadway often have sit-down productions in Chicago for 6-12 month runs as part of national tours.
The Broadway In Chicago partnership produces and presents most major Broadway tour engagements in Chicago. They bring over 1.7 million audience members to productions each year.
Chicago Theater Companies
In addition to Broadway tours, Chicago has many renowned resident theater companies, such as:
Goodman Theatre Company
This eminent regional theater company produces new and revived works and premieres many shows before Broadway.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
This respected ensemble theater company originated works like August: Osage County.
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Focused on innovative productions, this company creates immersive theater experiences.
Writers Theatre
This company focuses on bringing the written word to life through classic and new plays.
Second City Theater
The famous comedy improv theater that launched comedians like Tina Fey.
Chicago’s vibrant theater scene goes far beyond just Broadway tours. These local theater companies also showcase Chicago’s status as a national theater hub.
Chicago Theater Scene vs. Broadway
While Chicago does not have an designated theater district named “Broadway,” here’s how it compares to New York’s Broadway scene:
Category | Chicago Theater Scene | Broadway |
---|---|---|
# of Theaters | Over 250 theaters | 40 theaters |
Size of Theaters | Mix of over 200 petite to grand venues | Mostly large, grand theaters |
Productions | National tours and Chicago-based theater | Mostly Broadway-originated productions |
Premieres | Premieres new musicals before Broadway | Where most new shows open first |
Annual Audience | Over 4 million annually | 14.7 million annually |
In summary, Chicago has a larger sheer number of theaters and productions than Broadway. However, Broadway theaters are generally larger and Broadway debuts more new shows. Broadway also draws a larger total audience due to New York’s higher population density.
But Chicago more than holds its own as a nationally-renowned theater destination, earning its “Second City” nickname. The quality and variety of theater rivals Broadway, from original works to touring blockbusters. Chicago treasures its history of landmark theaters while also incubating new talent before their Broadway breakouts. For these reasons, Chicago’s theater landscape truly earns its reputation as the nation’s hottest theater scene outside NYC.
Original Productions in Chicago Before Broadway
Many hit musicals premiere in Chicago for trial runs before opening on Broadway. Chicago has premiered many famous musicals before their Broadway debuts, including:
- Hamilton (Opened in Chicago in 2016 before Broadway)
- Dear Evan Hansen (Premiered in Chicago in 2016)
- Show Boat (Premiered in Chicago in 1927)
- Wicked (Premiered in Chicago in 2005)
- The Phantom of the Opera (Opened in Chicago in 1986)
Chicago allows producers to test and refine productions before bringing them to the big Broadway stage. If a show succeeds in Chicago, it’s a good indicator it will do well in NYC.
Some key advantages Chicago offers for pre-Broadway tryouts:
- Large theater district with robust infrastructure
- Sophisticated theatergoing audience
- Opportunity for tweaks and changes prior to NYC
- Lower costs than Broadway
- Less heavily scrutinized by critics than Broadway
So Chicago provides an ideal intermediate staging ground for shows destined for Broadway fame. It gives creators a chance to polish productions and build buzz before the Broadway spotlight.
Lottery and Rush Tickets in Chicago
Most Broadway musicals and plays offer lottery and rush tickets in Chicago to improve accessibility:
Lottery
Many shows sell $25-40 lottery seats by raffle drawing held 2-3 hours before showtime. Fans enter their names for a chance to win 1-2 discounted tickets.
Rush
Select shows sell a limited number of rush tickets at deep discounts only on the day of each performance. Generally $20-50 per seat depending on show.
Standing Room
Some long-running productions offer standing room spots for around $25-50. Limited standing room space is available at the back of theaters.
These flexible ticketing options make Chicago theater more affordable and accessible to budget-conscious fans. It increases opportunities for those eager to see smash hits on a deal.
Most Popular Shows in Chicago
According to Broadway in Chicago attendance data, the longest-running and most popular shows in recent years have included:
- Hamilton
- Wicked
- The Lion King
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Jersey Boys
- Book of Mormon
- Les Misérables
Many Chicagoans are willing to pay premium prices and wait months on ticket queues for a chance to see these record-breaking, award winning hits. Fans flock to both new hot musicals like Hamilton and enduring classics like Wicked and The Lion King.
Most Famous Theaters in Chicago
Some of the most renowned and legendary theaters in Chicago include:
Cadillac Palace Theatre
This spectacular 1926 former vaudeville palace is a Chicago icon. Its French Baroque architecture and ornate details transport audiences.
CIBC Theatre
Originally the Shubert Theatre, this theater hosted over 300 Broadway tryouts and the original Chicago productions of hits like A Chorus Line.
Goodman Theatre
The current Goodman building opened in 2000, but the theater dates back to the 1920s. It drives Chicago’s cutting-edge theater scene.
Oriental Theatre
This elaborate 1920s movie palace transports audiences to the Far East with its lavish Asian design.
Ford Center for the Performing Arts
Originally the Oriental Theatre’s sister theater, this renovated, modern venue now hosts the smash hit Hamilton.
From historic 1920s theaters to state-of-the-art new venues, Chicago’s theaters contribute as much to its identity as the city’s skyscrapers. These theaters have achieved their own fame for their beauty, history, and ability to bring magical productions to life.
Annual Audience and Revenue
Key stats on Chicago’s theater scene size and economic impact:
- Over 4 million theater tickets sold annually in Chicagoland area
- 2017 theater attendance hit a high of 4.4 million
- Broadway In Chicago productions grossed over $380 million in 2017
- Total estimated economic impact over $700 million annually
For comparison, Broadway draws 14.7 million audience members annually and grosses over $1.8 billion.
So while Chicago’s theater industry is smaller than Broadway in terms of economics and audience, it still generates major revenue and attracts millions of dedicated theatergoers. Its economic impact approaches $1 billion annually.
Below is a table comparing the estimated annual audience and gross revenue of Chicago theater vs. Broadway:
City | Annual Audience | Annual Gross Revenue |
---|---|---|
Chicago | 4 million | $700+ million |
Broadway | 14.7 million | Over $1.8 billion |
This quantifies how Chicago’s theater scene drives significant economic activity and sustains a vibrant cultural energy despite being smaller than Broadway in scale. The massive audiences and revenue make theater integral to Chicago’s economy and identity.
History of Chicago Theater
Chicago has a rich theater history:
- 1800s – Early theaters host melodramas and vaudeville shows.
- 1900s – Grand movie palaces like the Chicago Theatre open during theater construction boom.
- 1920s – Iconic venues like the Oriental and Cadillac Palace open.
- 1930s – Productions suffer during Great Depression then rebound as a distraction from hardship.
- 1940s – Theater District hotels cater to out-of-town tryouts before Broadway.
- 1970s – Many historic theaters are revived and restored.
- Now – Chicago theater continues to thrive and evolve for modern audiences.
Despite downturns during periods like the Depression, Chicagoans have always been ardent supporters of theater. Today, Chicago theater stands on the shoulders of past pioneers while moving confidently into the future.
Future Outlook
Chicago’s theater scene appears poised for ongoing success:
- Many blockbuster musicals plan ongoing Chicago runs like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen.
- Several productions postponed by Covid-19 plan triumphant returns.
- New major musicals and plays will continue pre-Broadway tryouts.
- Theater renovations modernize historic venues like the Oriental Theater.
- Chicago continues developing fresh theater talent and new works.
Buzzed-about upcoming shows include Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge, and Six the Musical. Chicago’s devoted audiences and world-class theater infrastructure will sustain its future as a top American theater city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Chicago does not have an official theater district named “Broadway,” its 250+ theater companies and venues create a dynamic scene on par with Broadway’s renown. Chicago premieres exciting new works, hosts touring blockbusters, sustains iconic historic theaters, and delights over 4 million annual audience members. Though smaller in scale than NYC, Chicago’s theater industry drives major economic activity and burnishes its status as America’s premier theater city outside New York. For theater fans, Chicago stands toe-to-toe with Broadway for its electric performing arts scene. The Windy City is truly a theater capital in its own right.