The Most Extravagant Chicago Theatres

It is impossible to use the words "extravagant," "lavish" and "theatre" in one sentence without discussing the movie "theatre palaces" of the early 20^th century. These pre-depression movie houses were created when the Hollywood movie was the social event. The palaces were designed to dazzle, to usher patrons into a world of fantasy beginning with their lobbies.

In Chicago, the names of these palaces are lost to time. Places like the Paradise, Marbro and the United Artists theatres were razed while the Oriental, Chicago and the CadillacPalace remain in renaissance. The latter three serve as theatres for Broadway productions and live music/entertainment venues.

According to its web site, the Chicago Theatre was the first movie palace in America. The grand lobby was modeled after the Royal Chapel at Versailles; its staircase was fashioned from the Paris Opera House. The space is so vast and ornate, it can leave you breathless. Back stage tours of the theatre are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during summer months. Cost is $10 per person. Check out www.thechicagotheatre.com for additional information.

Presently the Chicago Theatre operates to live venues. Upcoming artists include Earth, Wind and Fire, Melissa Etheridge and Bill Maher. Ticket prices vary by venue. You may purchase tickets at the web site or through Ticketmaster. Chicago Theatre is located at 175 N. State Street.

The Cadillac Palace and the Oriental Theatre, formally renamed the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, serve as theatres for Broadway productions. On the web, you may locate them at www.broadwayinchicago.com.

The Cadillac Palace opened its doors at the corner of Randolph and LaSalle in October, 1926. The Palace originally operated as a stage theatre for vaudeville's Orpheum Circuit until movies gradually replaced vaudeville. This theatre offered patrons a lavish lobby of decorative mirrors, breche violet and white marble. The theatre walls still gleam with gold leaf as new generations enjoy its plush, roomy seating from a complete restoration in 1999.

On September 28th, 2008, the Cadillac Palace will be home to the United States premiere of "Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage". Tickets may be purchased online or through any Ticketmaster location. Prices range from $32.50 to $147.50; combo packages are available.

The Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre has been referred to a "virtual museum for Asian art" from its opening of May, 1926. Originally, turbaned ushers would sit patrons for both movie and on-stage performances. Threatened to demolition, the theatre finished restoration in 1998.

The "Oriental" as it is still known by the locals, has served as the home for "Wicked," a musical based on the Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Performance days are Tuesday through Saturday with a Sunday matinee. Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $122.50 available online or by Ticketmaster. The theatre is located at 24 West Randolph within the city's Theatre District.

Broadway in Chicago offers theatre tours on Saturdays, beginning at 11 a.m. Cost is $10 per person.

Still, it is impossible to name one of these historic theaters as queen over such well-accomplished rivals. Each theatre reigns as a unique icon of craftsmanship and artistic energy. They are irreplaceable. Hopefully you will say the same after time spent within their wonderfully extravagant walls.

Sources:

Newman, Scott A., "Movie Theatres," from Jazz Age Chicago. Produced on-line on 7/1/2000. viewable at http://chicago.urban-history.org/sites/theaters/theaters.htm.

"History of Chicago Theatre." Viewable at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about/history.html

"Theatre History." Viewable at http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/theatreinfo_history.php

"Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." Viewable at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(novel)

All records retrieved on 7/20/2008 for use in this document.