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Auditorium Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Performing Arts, Music Venues, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
50 E Congress Pkwy(between Dearborn St & Federal St)
Chicago, IL 60605
Neighborhood: South Loop
(800) 982-2782
- Nearest Transit:
-
Harrison (Red Line)
Harold Washington Library (Brown Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Jackson-red (Red Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
87 reviews for Auditorium Theatre
87 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa M.
Chicago, IL
12/4/2011
I couldn't say enough about the beauty of this truly spectacular theater. Every time the lights came up from the show, I was just stunned at the breathtaking interior! We had seats in the balcony and I was amazed at how great we could see and how comfortable and roomy the seats were for being in such an old theater. We saw 'Fiddler on the Roof' and I think I liked the theater as much as the show.
Only downside, when you are in the restrooms people can see you inside. Otherwise, A++ -
Review from Kairo C.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
pros: a beautiful venue no doubt! the acoustics are great - as it should fundamentally be for a theater. my old soul loves the idea of sitting for a concert. no body moshing for this cat. heels haven't massacred my lil piggies being that i sat down for a 3-hour concert. i've never encountered a theater with such great service. the ushers were very nice and helpful. every worker went out of there way to make sure we were taken care of. i half expected one of them would ask "would you like grey poupon with that?" also we were in the theater pretty fast - no cray cray lines tracing 3 city blocks before we got in - impressive for the number of peeps swarming in here.
cons: thing that was a downer was my back was hurting like an old lady being seated a sharp 90-degrees with the hard back of the chair digging into my shoulder blade. next time i'd bring a cushion for the arse too. and for some reason the air was so dry i had to peel out my contacts mid concert while my eyes were hurting and i forget my binoculars. also just don't by the wine. it's $8 for 4 oz of shitty wine in a plastic cup. i could by a whole bottle of shitty wine for $8. and $4 for a bottle of water. i mean it is almost standard in Chicago you need to get your drank on pre-concert unless you wanna spend your entire paycheck at the concert - it just makes me feel like a stupid consumer if i succumb to these outrageous markups. -
Review from Marc B.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Auditorium Theater is showing it's age, but it still is a beautiful gem in the crown of gilded age architecture in Chicago. It needs renovation and restoration but if they could start with all the upholstered surfaces, carpeting and painting they'd go a long way to making it sparkle.
That being said, I absolutely love the charm of this place. From the unbelievable acoustics (the stage performers can be heard whispering without microphones due to the design) to one of my favorite (but unfortunately named) architectural tricks: the vomitoria. The vomitoria isn't a place where people can express their displeasure with the stage production, but rather a small, enclosed tunnel through which patrons enter the main floor. Basically, a vomitoria forces people through a claustrophobic space for a few seconds so that they can be surprised by the soaring experience of walking into a huge room. -
Review from Chris B.
Revere, MA
5/9/2012
We had a great time at the Auditorium Theatre during our first visit to Chicago. An event celebrating the day which which would have been Ella Fitzgerald's 95th birthday was presented by the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra and four wonderful female vocalists. I've never heard jazz created by so many musicians (I believe 56 of them) and recommend anybody with a chance to see them perform to do so. All the singers were wonderful in their own way but I was especially smitten by Bobbi Wilsyn and her rendition of "A Tisket, A Tasket" with a petulant, racy and unexpectedly, seductive take. As some have remarked the theater shows its age a bit but who doesn't? I thought it was beautiful.
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Review from Anthony S.
Indianapolis, IN
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
When Adler and Sullivan designed this theatre they truly went all out! This is a Chicago treasure. Anyone who is an architecture or theatre enthusiast should put this theatre at the top of their list of must sees. Can you believe this theatre sat vacant for several years and was on the brink of being torn down?! What a loss that would have been.
From the stenciling, murals, mosaic tiling, exposed carbon filament lighting, to the plush seating on the lower floors anyone can appreciate this theatre as being a masterpiece.
As to be expected, the drinks are overpriced and the seats on the upper balconies aren't ideal. But anyone who is a regular theatre goer should know this innately. Also it's not an incredibly intimate theatre space as there are over 4000 seats.
While you're there make sure you get a chance to really admire this gem. Acoustically it's perfect and unless you're on the extreme sides you'll have a great view or as good of view one can have from the 4th or 5th balcony.
Anyone who gives this establishment less than 4 stars is not appreciating the historic value and understanding that this theatre was originally built to house the Grand Opera and not your rock shows or one man shows.
My recommendation when seeing a show here is to splurge a bit on the seats and get something on the main floor or one of the first two balconies. You'll enjoy your show way more. Any other seat you might feel a little bit uncomfortable but at least you'll be surrounded by it's splendor. :) -
Review from Kathleen M.
Frankfort, IL
8/9/2011
History and architecture are a definite five here - the lighting, walls and ceilings are all gorgeous. So if I was coming on a tour of old theatres, we'd be done, it's a five.
But it's a working theatre and I came here for over 20 years and then I just said, I'm done. I've brought student groups here, I've seen all the mega Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals here, Paul Simon and then the last group I saw here was The Indigo Girls up in the balcony. I just thought, nope, the sightlines, the incredibly lousy seats and the nightmarish trip to the basement (or wait for a 3 seater with the rest of the balcony) for the bathroom all add up to bad experiences for me.
Sorry, supposedly Grand Dame of Chicago theatres, you are just too darn uncomfortable for me to enjoy. But you are good looking.Listed in: Theater Time
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Review from Lorelei C.
Chicago, IL
7/6/2011
For Starters, this is one heck of a gloriously,
beautiful theater.
Oh, the Libra in me came out in full force tonight,
we Libra's do so love beautiful things and places, and tonight
was no disappointment..
I have been to many shows and concerts and don't think I
ever made it to the Auditorium before tonight.
This place is phenominal, elegant and extremely ornate,
I saw the Blues Brothers Tribute tonight and had a great seat,
a beautiful plush velvet chair, pretty comfy..:)
5 rows from the stage, leftcenter orchestra, could it get any better?
Well, yeah, things can always be better..
But anyway, the theaters interior, so stunning, lotsa gold schemed
interiors here, beautiful wall murals,
And this theater is beyond huge, lotsa balconies, so glad I
did'nt have my seat up there!
A huge stage where the "fake"Blues Brothers performed, they
may be fake but they were pretty cool imitations.
Okay, I did buy a Blues Brother T-Shirt in the lobby, kindda pricey
but I am a blues brothers junkie..:)
A bar was in the lobby too but I avoided the all forever dreaded
glass of $12.00 champagne.. Korbel at home..Hello..:)
So, I met this one nice usher and I specifically asked him if
I could take pictures inside the theater and he said no flash
was permitted so I took some pictures of Jake and Elwood
Imposters with no flash and then after the show this really
mean man comes up to me and says that I should have been
locked up for taking any pictures of the B.B. imposters...
Hey, I've never been to the Big House...
I would yelp the jail... but hopefully my friends would come
and bail me out before I had to yelp the jail..:(
So, good overall experience tonight at the Auditorium, beautiful interior,
a great seat for me, pretty good Blues Brothers imposters, a nice usher and one crabby old man!
But still, so glad my next Broadway show is at my very favorite
theater, West Side Story here I come..:) -
Review from Daniel L.
Naperville, IL
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a beautiful building!
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Review from Kim S.
Chicago, IL
12/23/2010
Best music venue ever.
Perfect sound. Gorgeous to look at. Truly as good as it gets.
I've even sat in those way up nose bleed scary seats in the ceiling.. but I could still see and hear perfectly.Listed in: Venues!
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Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/22/2009
Ok, first...Monty Python/Spamalot, whatever...was really quite enjoyable. I entered somewhat grouchy, with a headache, and not in the mood to be all "musical."
Then, by the time I left I was giggling and clapping and swaying back and forth to "Look on the Bright Side of Life."
Wow. Yes. Really.
Couple of other tips:
1. Do not be scared by the bathroom line. There are 8 million stalls. At intermission make a mad break for the women's room (plot it out on your way in) and you'll be in/out in no time.
2. Bars are cash only.
3. The cheapest parking I've found is an outside lot for $8. (midweek). It is on Wabash just north of Congress. Cash only. Good til midnight. Ample time for a drink after the show.
4. If you only have a credit card...just south on Wabash is a Park Here lot, which is $14, and good til 2am. Ample time to have 4 drinks, dinner and make bad decisions on a Wednesday night. (bad decisions=drinking on a Wednesday, not drunk driving!) I always have a DD or take a cab, yo!
:)Listed in: Theater in Chicago!, Pretty Potty.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2009
My favorite large-scale theater in Chicago...
Elegant, yet accessible. Every seat is a pretty great… Read more »
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Review from Y M.
Chicago, IL
12/14/2008
I went here recently for a Smashing Pumpkins concert and it was fantastic. Although I've been to the Auditorium Theatre before for other performances, this was my first concert here.
The theatre is a sight to behold. You walk in and you're instantly transported to the past, with marble mosaic tile floors and colored art glass in the lobby. There is a beautiful mural above the stage, intricate gold leaf stenciling, decorative plasterwork, four arches with electric incandescent lights, and two side murals.
As noted in other reviews, the acoustics in this theatre is amazing. When you go here for a concert, you're enveloped in sound and music. You're a part of the experience, not just a spectator. We had seats in the main floor for the concert, but I've also sat in the balcony in the past. There really isn't a bad seat here.
The Auditorium Theatre has been around since 1889, with a rich history and acclaimed as one of the most beautiful theatres in the world. I definitely recommend this place for those who haven't been here yet, especially for concerts. A true Chicago gem.Listed in: You say soda, I say pop
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Review from David R.
1/7/2010
The Auditorium is my favorite of the august Chicago concert spaces, edging out the Chicago Theater. While the Chicago is perhaps a bit grander, at the Auditorium there is something magical about the way that the golden glow of the lights illuminates the murals and fixtures. By all means, sit in the balcony where you can take it all in.
It's also smaller and more intimately constructed than the Chicago, which works well for music shows. A personal lifetime concert highlight is R.E.M. here in 2004. The show was amazing, but also I unexpectedly got Peter Buck's autograph outside the alley and then unintentionally followed him for quite a ways walking back up Michigan Avenue. Well, that has nothing to do with the theater, but it's a great memory anyway.
I recently saw The Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker here, and it was the perfect venue for it. That magical glow is amplified during the holiday season. Sight lines from the third row of the balcony were just fine. I look forward to my next opportunity to see a show at the Auditorium. -
Review from Amanda Z.
1/25/2009
The Auditorium Theater is a fantastic place to see a show. I've been to the ballet and to a couple of musicals here and it never fails to disappoint.
Coming here feels like you are really going someplace special, down to the beauty of the building itself. Fun fact (thanks PBS!): In the 1950s, the building used to go straight to the street. When they widened Congress, they gutted the front of the building and put the sidewalks actually IN where the bar used to be. So when you're walking on the sidewalk, you're actually in the old bar. Interesting, huh?
The theater itself is just gorgeous. Breathtaking, really. You're always graciously ushered to your seats, and the seats are comfy, albeit old. And there really are no bad seats in the house. I was pretty far away both times I went to the Nutcracker, but the sound of the toe shoes on the stage was still there. Gives me chills!
Truly a wonderful experience for musicals and the ballet. I'll go back any chance I get.Listed in: No stupes or funhaters here.
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Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2009
"Always look on the bright side of life" *whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle*
And that's what I was trying to do at the Auditorium Theater last night during a production of Spam-a-Lot. The show itself was amazing and I'm happy that I got to explore a new theater. Richard Chamberlain was Arthur, and although not very good, still cool that he was in it.
My issue is this: they don't seem to treat the cheap seats very well. Now, normally I'll pay extra for decent seats, but this was a "Groupon" deal that I couldn't pass up! So we ended up in the balcony waaay up high. They had everyone scrunched up together in the center all tight with tons of coats and scarves. Not fun. We ended up moving to the far right hand side to get away from the congestion...and many others followed suit right after.
The theater was WARM! So warm I was getting nauseous. I couldn't read my program because the lights were so dark up there - and I can read in the dark! I use to sneakily do it as a kid reading books past my bedtime! And the chairs made me rather stand during the performance rather than hurt my back like it was.
Then the bathrooms. Our level didn't even have any! Seriously. We had to go down a level and then there were two *tiny* rooms with 3 stalls each. At the end of the show I went downstairs to the BIG bathrooms that everyone else got to use. Complete with benches and stuff...much better!
BUT thank you to the very nice lady who was so kind in showing everyone their seats and telling me that half that balcony was going to be empty so go wherever I want. She was a doll and a treasure to be there. The theater itself is gorgeous, simply stunning. I could walk around there for hours.
All in all it was a good night with a few irritations. It won't deter me from going to see a production that I want to see anywhere down the line...but I'll make sure to get seats on the floor. This theater needs a tad bit of updating, and nicer treatment of the people in the balcony. They paid their hard earned money too! Make it worth it!Listed in: Livin' it up with theater
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Review from Disillusioned X.
Chicago, IL
12/17/2006
Beautiful space! I can't really add anything useful in general because if something you want to see is playing here, I don't think a review is going to change your mind or at least won't factor in too much but I'll add this about seating
It seems like the general seating on the main level is all good. But I ended up having to buy box seat tickets (yea the ridiculous ones that are curtained off) because we waited to get tickets to the Nutcracker until less than a week in advance (couldn't be done ahead of time sadly). Now on one hand I would highly recommend splurging on these seats every once in a while (or even just once!) for special occasions. The chairs are extra comfortable, and its nice to not have to squeeze into a little row. You have lots of legroom and can position the chair to your comfort.
HOWEVER - if you are going to do this, don't bother unless you can either get into the first few boxes closest to the stage, or at least can get the first row of the box. We unfortunately had the second row in the 6th box and the view of the stage was blocked pretty badly by people sitting in the neighboring boxes. Especially when parents wouldn't keep their kids in their seats and let them hang over the balcony (why kids need $115 tickets is beyond me!)
Otherwise I would just generally recommend checking this place out, it definitely has a very special feel to it!Listed in: My Grownup Chrismas List- take…
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Review from Simone G.
Northbrook, IL
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I only gave it 5 stars because I think the Theatre itself is beautiful I would have gave it 4 because all of the drinks and food is completely over priced.
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Review from Kiarash Z.
Lima, OH
11/6/2007 1 photo
I've gotta echo Daniel T.'s and Samantha S.'s reviews. I'm glad the richness of this venue isn't lost on my fellow Yelpers.
I saw Tori Amos play the Auditorium last night, and I arrived 90 minutes early so I could really explore the building.
IT IS GORGEOUS. If the Auditorium Theatre were a woman, I'd buy her a rock the size of a baby's head and beg her to marry me. If I could rent a cot in the gallery of the place to sleep and wake in, I'd have a wonderful day for the rest of my life.
And yeah, I bought a cheap seat for the show. I was in the gallery, which is the SEVENTH FLOOR, and the sound and view were still top notch. Going back to what Daniel T. said, during Tori Amos' rock tunes, the sound was a bit muffled. But her more intricate piano work and ballads were dead perfect in sound.
About four songs into her set, a kind Englishman came up to my seat and asked if I would like to sit in the front. I was ushered to the fourth row of the entire venue and got to see the rest of the show from a completely different viewpoint. Both were magnificent.
I want to spend night after night here. I wish tickets weren't so expensive.
Also, it's really easy to reach by the el, very close to Grant Park and near the Harold Washington Library. So I recommend going very early and making an afternoon of it. -
Review from Amy H.
7/6/2006
A gorgeous theater!! I saw Movin' Out at the Auditorium Theater last night and was glad to get there a few minutes early to take in the richness of the interior...and to climb all of the stairs up to the cheap seats!
Even though we were sitting in the balcony we had a great view. It seemed as though there was not a bad seat. I loved the big lighted art deco arch that you could see from the balcony. When they would lower the house lights, the little light bulbs looked like stars.
Finally, the overall determination of whether I like a theater or not...leg room!! I'm a long legged gal so leg room is very important to me. There was just enough. And the padded seats were very comfortable. I would definitely go back to see another show here. -
Review from Rick F.
1/16/2009
Atmosphere: Classic
Service: Excellent
Concession: Friendly, Quick
Beautiful, great place to see a show! Every seat in the house is good! Of course it helps if your in the third row center! -
Review from Dennis S.
10/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
It's big. It's beautiful. It's restored.
Going to the Auditorium Theatre early before a performance is the best way to savor it. Everything about it is remarkable, on a grand scale. Seeing the Auditorium Theatre is part of the experience.
Fabulous acoustics. If you want full details and history, read Michael S's review. He's much more eloquent than I would be. -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
12/31/2007
Frank Lloyd Wright called the Auditorium Theatre "The greatest room for music and opera in the world - bar none." He may have said so when he worked for the architects who designed it, Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, but his remark is probably as true now as it was then. Wright was likely referring to the perfection of the acoustics. (The place was built before PA systems were invented). But, there is so much more to the Auditorium than its amazing acoustics.
The architecture is gorgeous. So is the extensive art here. You realize from places like this that we don't see such structures built anymore because they are too expensive to build, and the artisans required to create such places don't exist anymore to any commercial extent.
The many pristine wall and floor mosaics are striking for their simplicity of design. The arced proscenium mural atop the stage is striking; it's many characters are discernable from anywhere in the house. The pastoral murals on each side of the interior at the balcony levels are both superb in their clarity and quiet grandeur.
When the lights are up in the house, the 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches give the interior an autmnal, amber hue that is soothing and majestic.
The esthetics of this historic living museum mollified my displeasure with yesterday's show. The Nutcracker was a bust, I thought. The costumes were spectacular, but the music....maybe I've heard it one too many times... and the dancing were stiff in many ways. The stage at times resembled a crowded football field; there were too many dancers on the stage and it made it hard to appreciate the dancing or the story. I thought the Nutcracker story could have been told without so many dancers to make the point; I hate to say that about the Joffrey; one would think them incapable of jumbled choreography, but that's what I thought.
Still worth it? Well, the memory lane trip was fun. My mother taught high school when I was a kid in the 60's, and there were a handful of her students whom she trusted to take me to see Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin (before I was 10!). In the 70's my mother dragged me and my sisters here several times to see Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and my progressive Grandmother took me to see Jesus Christ Superstar. Aretha Franklin was spectacular here; the towering room was made for her voice (contrasted to her show at the Chicago Theater in 1987, where the sound is mediocre), and one of my favorite Auditorium performances was The Band in November 1983; they were a delightful and needed reprieve from the shock of my first semester in law school, and they stayed on stage so long it was a tremendous treat.
If you haven't been here, you needn't buy a ticket for a show to come inside and look around. There are daily tours for $8.00.
This place is a must see whether you see a show here or not. It's part of Chicago's history and not to be missed.Listed in: Excellence, I Love Chicago!, Cool Places But Not…
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Review from sarah b.
Denver, CO
4/23/2007
Yes, it is a beautiful theater. But who cares if you can hardly see/hear the performance? I went here for Modest Mouse and ended up in a balcony. I was seated higher than the tip-top of the stage. The sound was distorted and the band looked like ants.
I avoid amphitheaters like the plague and inadvertently ended up in an in-door amphitheater equivalent.
I would only go back if I could sit on the floor. Note: there is no general admission, it is all seats, make sure you use all of your tickets because resale is difficult. -
Review from Sheila Y.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2007
This place strait up rocks. I saw Erasure, Cyndi Lauper, Dresden Dolls, and other 80's greats back in June. I was up in the nosebleeds but it was still an all around awesome experience. Also, a big plus is the fact that you can bring drinks into the seating area (which you basically can't do in Seattle theaters (sucks so bad!!)). The building is a historical masterpiece and I felt special just being able to sit there and marvel at the architecture.
I love the location right next to Michigan Ave. and so close to the Metra station, which allowed me to go out after work for a concert and still get home for work the next day. There is also great restaurants and bars in the vicinity for pre or post concert celebrations. Can't wait to get back to Chicago and see my next Auditorium show! -
Review from Kathryn M.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2008
This theater is absolutely gorgeous. A classically beautiful building all the way around.
I took my boyfriend here to see the Joffrey ballet, his first ballet ever, and it was the perfect venue for it. We were both in awe of the interior, and after reading all the concert reviews, I'm dying to check out a show here.
Our seats were way up in the balcony, but to be honest we had a great view, albeit a pretty distant one (and at intermission we snuck down to the first row of the balcony, which was even better!). Despite the fact that I had scored some really cheap tickets (through school) and had what appeared to be not so great seats, the whole thing totally blew my expectations.
To think that I have been taking classes in this building where lots of cheap ticket options abound, and had never actually taken advantage of the Theater until now? No excuse! If you have the opportunity - go!! It's worth far more than the $20/ticket I paid. -
Review from Tara R.
Chattanooga, TN
12/20/2009
I'm a theater geek, meaning, I love theaters. I used to work at a fully restored movie palace. I've seen numerous restored theaters. This one is the most beautiful.
I went to the Auditorium Theatre for a Roosevelt University commencement ceremony. I'll admit that I was excited to see it only because I'm excited to see any theater, whether it's in a major city's theater district or in an elementary school. I love them all. But I had no idea what I was getting into here - plush burgundy carpeting, soft ivory seats, arches etched in warm light and gold leaf. They have opera boxes! I spent most of the ceremony trying to take in the magnificent architectural detail, like the fan-shaped grilles that flank each side of the stage or the dramatic murals (the two in the balcony depict winter and spring, while the one along the proscenium shows all manner of classically painted naked people with their arms stretched to the heavens - ooh la la!).
Any trip to this theater would be worthwhile, because you'll never tire of just looking at the place. I can only imagine what it would be like to see a great musical performance here. I only got a hint at the commencement, but I can genuinely say it was the best operatic performance of our nation's underwhelming national anthem that I've ever heard.Listed in: Hark! - itecture
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Review from Caitlin S.
Oakland, CA
12/5/2009
Hands down the most beautiful venue I've had the pleasure to visit. When you walk inside the lobby, it's easy to feel like you're stepping back in time. The theatre itself is so gorgeous and visually interesting that I felt motivated enough to visit each floor.
I saw The Swell Season, and their music sounded better here than in any other location or mode. The band led some audience sing-alongs that also sounded fantastic.
I definitely plan to visit this venue again, it was such a memorable experience. -
Review from Johnny T.
12/29/2010
Since I saw one of the gayest stage productions ever here, it makes sense to quote Bette Davis: What a dump!
WTH, Yelp? I came here expecting a revelation in grand old buildings. Before I set foot inside, people favorably compared the Chicago Theatre to the Auditorium Theatre. No. Chicago Theatre is a classy broad. Auditorium Theatre is a reform school girl.
Perhaps if one sits in the first few rows, he might have a different opinion. I did not have that experience. I sat waaay atop the twisted spoke that is their loge section. Since this isn't a proper theatre, I shall call it the lage (lege? lige?). If you have the misfortune of sitting this high up, be prepared to get your Suzanne Sommers on. It's a work out to troll up the approx. 15000 flights of gigantor cement steps. And, the kicker is since this is such an old building, the construction is old and you'll feel it the higher you go. What am I talking about? Rather than being built around a central frame, the theatre was built around an external one. This means the inside is sinking. The stairs are uneven and you'll walk at a slant. As I climbed the stairs, I felt like I was drunk and failing a field sobriety test. The overwhelming sensation of vertigo almost knocked me on my butt a few times. And, speaking of my perky bottom...
The.seats.are.filthy. They were orange, ratty and visibly soiled. They are also quite itchy. I felt as though I had bed bugs crawling all over me here (silly me, they wouldn't step foot in this place) and I couldn't wait to rush home to burn my clothes and take a Silkwood shower. I was extremely uncomfortable for the entire show and frequently looked at my watch to see when I could leave. I sat far up in my seat so as not to expose any skin to the fabric, but the hair on my ass itched almost all evening. Blame the Auditorium for that mental image. The only connection to 1889 I felt was the knowledge that it must have been the last time it was cleaned. Far be it from me to needlessly trash a place. I am a nice guy. Beyonce can see my halo (halo. Halo. HALO. HALO!!! *werewolf howl*). But, I have to call it as I saw it. And, what I saw was a hot mess.Listed in: In the Mean Time, In Between…, Funny, Cultcha Vulcha, Just Plain Loopy, Arts & Entertainment
Comment from Joe H. of Auditorium Theatre 1/7/2011
Thanks for your feedback. As the caretakers of Chicago's… More » -
Review from Samantha H.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2007
The old-world feel and the beautiful architecture make your night at this theater that much more special.
Came here for the first time on Saturday for a night with the Joffrey Ballet to see Giselle, and I just fell in love with the building. The best part is that we were both worried that our seats would be sub par because we got the "cheap seats," but in the orchestra section, there is NOT a bad seat in the house. The seats that were closer to the stage actually seemed to have worse views because the floor doesn't slope up like a movie theater until you get to the rows toward the back. So we were slightly elevated and had a completely unobstructed view even with people sitting right in front of us.
The bar in the middle of the main lobby was well-stocked with wines, champagne and snacks (the over-sized cookie looked amazing, but I refrained after a huge dinner at the Rosebud). The staff was friendly and overall, I just had so much fun walking around and taking it all in.
We'll be back in December for The Nutcracker, and we have the fancy-looking box seats, which I'm really looking forward to. I can't wait to go back. -
Review from jennifer b.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2006
Gorgeous theatre, but I don't recommend getting gallery seats - the view is kind of pointless and the sound is pretty poor up there (you'd think they'd install a second set of speakers, maybe?) Was just there for Tom Waits last week, however, and he did not disappoint.
Also, 0 stars for the price of a bottle of water - $5. The same as a chardonnay. A big middle finger to the concessions stand!! -
Review from angela n.
11/12/2007
Important architecturally because it was one of the first "mixed use" buildings, with office space, performance space, and hotel rooms all in one structure. We stopped in during a Chicago Architecture Foundation tour and the lobby details were quite beautiful. We didn't go into the theater space itself, but our tour guide assured us that the acoustics were impeccable.
Ranked 147th on the American Institute of Architects' Favorite Architecture list: http://favoritearchite... -
Review from Ariel L.
12/4/2009
The good, the bad and the ugly.
The Good: This is a stunningly beautiful theater. They did some restoration and it looks marvelous. The acoustics are amazing and the stage is nice and large.
The Bad: But why oh why didn't they spend money on new seats? The seats, especially in the upper levels are so uncomfortable, i chose to stand for half of the show i was at. Viewing angles from the balconies are good, unless you get stuck next to, or behind a column.
The Ugly: And if you end up on the 5th or 6th floor, bring climbing gear because it feels like you are ascending mount everest on the way up. And as someone else said, when the light go out, good luck finding your seats. They are poorly marked and there is little light to see by. Last night i saw man trip on the way down the aisle. He was lucky someone partially caught him, otherwise it would have been a 100 foot fall to his death.
I'll go back, but only if i don't have to climb to the 6th balcony again. -
Review from Katie P.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2009
This is one of the coolest buildings I've been in in a long time. Walking in I was immediately transported back to the roarin' 20s. The lobby alone is worth seeing.
We saw a small production with all seating on the stage and it was fantastic to look out into the strikingly beautiful house that clearly seats about 1/4 of Chicago at a time.
If you ever have a chance to check this place out--do it. Even if the show you're seeing ends up being sketchy, your trip here will be absolutely memorable. -
Review from Kourtney L.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2009
This place is absolutely beautiful! It's really strange that a place can host a ballet one night and a rock show the next but this place pulls it off well. Thanks to the incredible lighting, gold detailing and arches you just get this awesome sense of warmth from the decor.
The place could have 5 stars on the building alone but the fact that the bathrooms are plentiful and the employees are great makes it even better! -
Review from Anastasia K.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2009
Saw the Beatles tribute show RAIN here last month... what a gorgeous setting for the show. This theatre makes you long for a renaissance of art and live shows. Be careful, though. You may stare at all the architecture instead of chatting with your party while the curtains are still down.
The ushers are friendly, seats are comfy (although legroom is a little short), and sightlines are all great.
Because of the age of the building, there are NO elevators, so if you're sitting in a balcony, be prepared to walk up LOTS of stairs.
Parking is a little tedious across the street, so you may want to park in an "unofficial" lot a block or two away and walk over. -
Review from Andrea c.
2/2/2011
absolutely gorgeous. bf and i bought a groupon to see a ballet there and we loved it! we felt elegant just walking into the expansive lobby...and when we actually entered the auditorium, it took our breath away. guilded ceilings, comfy velvety chairs, champagne and ballet. pretty high brow, eh?
honestly, though, it's a lovely space and we were certainly impressed. a fun chicago place for an evening out.Listed in: where i gets my culture on
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Review from Miriam O.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2009
Yeah, I don't know.
First thing's first. When the lights are on, the place is g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. When the lights are off, good luck trying to find your seat. Or aisle, or row, or balcony. There were one or two ushers who were on the ball. The rest pointed us in the wrong direction 10 or 12 times. Once (the royal) we found our seats, we witnessed several people arrive at their seats only to find others sitting there...not because they were trying to scam better seats, but because they were totally confused on where to go. So that's a bummer to have to shuffle over to another area trying to balance your coat, bag, beers, and water...or what have you.
The lines for the bars and bathrooms were long. Maybe that's the charm of an old concert hall, but I don't think the beautiful atmosphere quite makes up for all the quirks. -
Review from Andrea R.
Updated - 9/19/2008
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life....
Those Dancing Queen lyrics have been in my head ever since seeing Mamma Mia at the Auditorium Theatre on Wednesday night. I've seen this show so many times now that I could probably play the main character, Sophie. Never mind that minor detail that I can't sing. And for all you Mamma Mia fans out there it's playing at the Auditorium Theatre thru 9/28/08...go, go, go!!
Now a bit about this beautiful theater...
It feels smaller and more intimate that the other theaters in Chicagoland. The acoustics are a little too good. May have been just this particular show, but it was SO LOUD that my pregnant friend's twins were kicking up a storm throughout the entire show. They are either future actors or they were just asking us to shut up...
It is difficult to get a cab here late at night, but we walked to Michigan and had one in about 30 minutes. We didn't mind since it was a nice night, but I'd probably drive and pay for parking in the winter.
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen...
Broadway, here I come!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/28/2006
I saw Moving Out tonight at this Theatre, which I highly recommend if you are a Billy Joel fan and… Read more »
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Review from Mark W.
2/1/2009
I spent a lot of time in this theater over the past 40 years, most of it probably in the 70's at rock concerts, but have also been to a graduation here and a Broadway show or two. And have even worked backstage on a couple of conferences.
Basically, you can't go wrong with the Auditorium Theater for almost any event. Beautiful, comfortable and great sound from main floor to balcony. -
Review from Jeanie P.
12/13/2009
This place is just magnificent. It brings you back to the feeling of the early 1900s where society came to be seen. It is a beautifully majestic theater. I just watched the Joffrey ballet Nutcracker performance here (highly recommend! Student rush tickets are 15 dollars yay).
That being said, I think your experience in this theater really depends on where you sit. It's not one of those theaters where every seat is a good seat. Once you get past level 4, you are in the nosebleeds. I remember my dad bought us tickets to the Nutcracker when I was little, and our family just had a good laugh b/c the cheap tickets he bought were SO HIGH we could barely see anything. I mean like you really need binoculars or something. Anyway, very majestic beautiful theater overall. -
Review from Jon J.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2007
A beautiful space, but far more conducive to opera, musicals, and ballet than a live band. Even with decent seats, you're quite far removed from the stage and can't really see what's going on all that well.
Sound quality was excellent - they claim to be "acoustically perfect".
My one and only show at the Auditorium was Wilco in October of 2005 - they did a great set but again, the whole show felt pretty sterile due to the distance between the band and the fans.
