Theatre in Chicago

Chicago’s theatre scene may not get lumped in with London’s and New York’s, but it’s quality is just as good. The city boasts hundreds of independent theatres, over a dozen of which are located in the Loop. Some produce independent plays, traveling performances from around the world or Broadway shows (sometimes even before they hit Broadway). Here’s the rundown on the city’s best places to see a play or opera performance.

Steppenwolf Theatre
The Steppenwolf Theatre has been around for 50 years and was formed, in part, by Gary Sinise. Over the years, its stage has been graced by actors like John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, and Joan Allen. The 2026/27 season includes Topdog/Underdog, The Comeuppance and Ellen B.

Goodman Theatre
The Goodman Theatre has been producing original and classic plays in Chicago for over 100 years. The 2026/27 season includes John Proctor Is the Villain, ’night, Mother and a revival of American Idiot. A recipient of the Special Tony Away for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the Goodman is consistently recognized as one to the best theatres in Chicago.

James M. Nederlander Theatre (the Oriental Theatre)
The Nederlander is one of the theatres that regularly hosts traveling Broadway shows in Chicago. The theatre opened in 1926 as a movie palace called the Oriental, was restored and reopened as a playhouse in 1998, and took its current name in 2019. Wicked played here for several years.

Lookingglass Theatre
The Lookingglass Theatre presents many original plays and original adaptations. Past productions include Around the World in 80 Days, Our Town, and Arabian Nights, and the 2026-27 season includes Kowalski, Prince Hal and The Yearling. The company was co-founded in 1988 by a group of Northwestern University graduates that included David Schwimmer (of Friends fame).

Shakespeare Theatre
The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre puts on works by…you guessed it….Shakespeare. They do all the classics – The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet – as well as lesser-known pieces. They also perform some great traveling non-Shakespeare productions and even funny takes on the Bard’s works, like MacHomer: The Simpson’s Do Macbeth.

Cadillac Palace
The Cadiallac Place is another large theatre specializing in Broadway plays that come to Chicago. Originally opened in the 1920’s, it is believed that stars such as Bob Hope, Jack Benny and Mae West once performed here. Past productions have included The Lion King, The Producers, and The Color Purple. The 2026-27 lineup includes The Book of Mormon, The Who’s Tommy and a return visit from The Lion King.

Lyric Opera
The Lyric Opera House produces mostly operas, based on both international operas and Shakespearean plays, plus the occasional Broadway musical. The 2026/27 season includes Don Giovanni, La traviata, Omar and a new production of Guys and Dolls. Considered one of the best opera houses in the world, the Lyric has been in operation since 1954.

CIBC Theatre
Formerly the LaSalle Bank, Bank of America and PrivateBank Theatre, the CIBC Theatre opened in 1906 as the Majestic Theatre, inside the 20-story Majestic Building. Past Broadway productions have included Monty Python’s Spamalot and Rent.

Photo by ambimb