Extravagant Historic Chicago Theatres

Chicago is often called Second City, for its relationship to the more famous New York and the Broadway theater scene. The Windy City has a history of excellent theater in grand venues. Historic theaters in the Windy City include Cadillac Palace, Lyric Opera House, Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Theatre and Ford Center for Performing Arts Oriental Theatre. The historic theatres of Chicago offers modern entertainment production in extravagant environments to be enjoyed by people who love the arts.

Cadillac Palace Theatre

Cadillac Palace opened in 1926 on Randolph Street. The splendid interior was a vision inspired by the palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles in France. The majestic theatre opened as a vaudeville venue. As vaudeville's popularity waned the palace became a movie place and later a crock concert venue. The theatre was renovated and restored and reopened in 1999. Since reopening, Cadillac Palace has been home to Pre Broadway hits including "The Produces - The New Mel Brooks Musical," and Momma Mia!" Broadway in Chicago hits that have shown at Cadillac Palace include "Aida" by Elton John and Tim Rice, and "Disney's The Lion King."

Upcoming performances include Behind the Emerald Curtain, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Idina Menzel, Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Xanadu, Monty Python's Spamalot, RAIN: The Beatles Experience, A Bronx Tale, Mary Poppins, A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde and Spring Awakening.

Cadillac Palace Theatre is at 151 West Randolph, Chicago, IL. 1-312-986-5854.The Interpark is at Lake and Wells Street and offers a parking discount with a ticket stub.

Lyric Opera Chicago.

Lyric Opera House is a lavish theatre that houses one of the great opera companies of our time. Lyric Opera is an internationally recognized opera company that was founded in 1954. The Civic Opera House was the vision of utility magnate Samuel Insull, the president of the Chicago Civic Opera Association. The Civic Opera Building is a majestic limestone skyscraper with a 45 story office tower and two 22 story wings. The building is shaped like a gigantic throne facing the Chicago River, between Washington and Madison Streets. The decor of the building is called a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Civic Opera opened in 1929, just six days after the stock market crash.

Lyric Opera was founded in 1954. The Civic Opera House was home to the several Chicago Opera companies over the years. In 1993, the Lyric Opera purchased the entire theater and backstage space in the Civic Opera Building. A massive $100 million renovation of the backstage area took place from 1993 and 1996, during the off season. Every seat of the auditorium was refurbished, the mezzanine level boxes were rebuild and a new main stage curtain of heavy red velour was installed. Lyric Opera is an elegant theater in in the city, treasured for the experience of the theatre ambiance and the acclaimed performances on stage.

Scheduled performances for the 2008 to 2009 season include Manon, The Peral fishers, Lulu, Porgy and Bess, Madam Butterfly, Tristan und Isolde, Cavaleria Rusticana & Pagliacci and the Abduction from the Saraglio.

Lyric Opera is at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. 1-312-332-2244.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

The Auditorium Theatre is a grand, historic structure that first opened in 1889. The theater was the first home on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Opera company. Social functions, concerts, recitals, charity balls and sporting events all took place during the heyday of the grand theater. AS new, more modern structures were built in the city, the Auditorium became less popular to the elite guests. The Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Opera Company moved to new venues. In the early 1930's, demolition was considered, but the cost was more than the land was worth. The Auditorium went bankrupt in 1941. The building was subsequently taken over by the city of Chicago to be used as a World War II servicemen's center. During this period, much of the lavish stenciling, plasterwork and art glass was painted over.

Roosevelt University took over the Auditorium in 1946, but the theatre was neglected for many years. Eventually a dedicated group of civic leaders raised over three million dollars. The ornamentation that had been painted over and covered during the World War Ii years was uncovered. Beautiful Murals, art glass and stencils were revealed. The Auditorium Theater reopened in 1967.

The 2008 - 2009 Season includes: The Kirov's Gislees, Nederlands Dans Theater, Israel's Batsheva Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Toni Morrison's Opera Margaret Garner, Too Hot to Handel, The Auditorium Theater hosts the annual Christmas classic "The Nutcracker Ballet."

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University is located at 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60605. The Auditorium is on Congress, between Wabash and Michigan Avenue. 1-312-922-2110.

Chicago Theatre

Chicago Theatre is a landmark in the theatre district located. downtown. The grand building was called "The Wonder Theatre of the World" when it opened in 1921. The theater was the first large, lavish movie palace in America. The theater was built in French Baroque style, with an exterior that was a replica of the Paris Arc de Triomphe. The five story lobby was styled after the Royal Chapel at Versailles. The exterior sign, spelling out Chicago, is a six story landmark in itself.

The theater became obsolete and was closed in 1985. A multi million dollar renovation restored the building, which was reopened in 1986 with a gala performance by Frank Sinatra.

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State ST., Chicago, IL 60601. 1-312-462-6200.

Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre

Oriental Theatre, one of the first motion picture palaces, has decor inspired by the Far East,

Oriental Theatre , 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago,IL 60601. 1-312-977-1700.

Information is subject to change. Contact the theatres for additional information about performances, dates, times and ticket prices.

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