Well, here we are on Broadway. It's the icing on the cake.But always remember, Chicago is the cake
.~Bob Falls
Chicago has always had a fabulous theater scene and even more notorious comedy theater scene. I blame it on the hard winters, since hardship both inspires art, and requires good humor. On thing's certain; Chicagoans are funny and they love good theater.
The city's theaters are famous for producing a slew of actors who went on to grace the world’s stages and radiate from the silver screens. Downtowners have Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Company, The Goodman, Second City, Victory Garden, Royal George, Briar Street, Live Bait, Athenaeum, and more. Names of the famous actors trained in Chicago would fill a separate journal.
Many of those celebrity names and faces got their start on suburban stages.
As such, it’s unnecessary to fight traffic or pay outrageous parking fees to enjoy great theater, Chicago style. Here are three theater companies that cater to the suburban clientele with eclectic, sophisticated, and classic theater offerings; places where the famous love returning to their roots and up-and-coming thespians earn their wings.
EXTRA! Before you decide on a production, visit Hottix , which sells half-price tickets available the day of performance. Purchase your tickets at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Tues-Fri 10am-6pm,
Sat. 10am-6pm,
Sun. 12 Noon-5pm. Although you likely won’t score Lion King tickets or other sold out new openings, on the day I checked, tickets were available to at least a dozen critically acclaimed productions.
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1996 and is also home to three Resident Companies. Center East, , is the large state-of-the-art venue and host to headliners and international entertainers. Recently, Bill Maher, Capitol Steps, Corky Siegel, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band filled the bill. The Skokie Valley Symphony,
in its 44th year, has a new home at NSCPA as fabulous as its the performances it presents.
Northlight Theater, with a series of comedy, drama and musicals on an intimate stage, strives to offer meaningful, entertaining and eclectic theater to audiences.
Another note-worthy theater is Piven located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston. For 30 years Byrne and Joyce Piven have lead workshops that have inspired many a tall talent, including all the Cusack’s, Rosanna Arquette, Aiden Quinn, and so many others that they were recently honored at an Oscar-like star-studded fete. Who knows which current cast member will walk the red carpet in the future?
When the weather warms and the real stars appear, head to Starlight Theater in the Wallace Bowl in beautiful Gillson Park along Lake Michigan in Wilmette. Performances are free, but be sure to get a visitor’s parking pass ($5) in advance.
After visiting these suburban theaters you may find a visit to the downtown theater district unnecessary.