Theatre in Chicago

[KJisgroovy]

It depends on the set design at Steppenwolf. Usually the far sides are fine if you're at least five rows back. They might be fine all the way up to the front row, depending on the show. The Balcony has great sight lines and it's very close... but somehow I always feel disconnected up there. 

[Blue207]

Hi all!  I'll be in Chicago for three nights in late September, already have Hamilton tickets, and will likely go to the Chicago Symphony also.  Looking for a play to see as well.  I've heard great things about Steppenwolf, so am thinking about The Rembrandt for the third day.  It looks like any seat would likely be fine in the Upstairs Theatre?  Their website is showing various ticket prices for each seat, some of which just say web and the discount, do you have to meet certain criteria to qualify for those discounts?  Also, any recommendations for restaurants for a light dinner nearby or if I should eat near my hotel in River North before I go up there would be great.  Thank you!

[broadwayindie]

When in September? If Moby Dick is still playing at the Lookingglass you need to see it!

If you are going to see a play at Steppenwolf, Balena and Summerhouse are my two favorites around there. If you are going to do Balena make sure you give your self a bit of time as it's more of an experience, but the food is fantastic! However, Lincoln Park has SO MANY good restaurants PLEASE do not eat around River North. It's like the equivalent of eating around Times Square when you can eat in The Village.

[MVintheheartland]

The Goodman has some great productions, too. "War Paint" debuted there, and they did a fantastic job of "Wonderful Town" (about a year ago). Furthermore, the theaters are super comfortable. They also have some more "experimental" productions, such as "2666" last year, which ran 5 and a half hours. It was great!

[Blue207]

Thanks for the responses!  Unfortunately Moby Dick closes September 3rd and I didn't see any other productions on the calendar for Lookingglass until October.  I've already seen A View From The Bridge, but will take a look to see if anything else is at the Goodman when I'm there.

I will definitely look up Balena and Summerhouse, thanks!  I avoid Times Square as much as possible when trying to get to the Broadway theaters and I would never eat there, so that is a helpful analogy for me!  I'm planning to stay at the new Conrad hotel which I got for a great rate with Hilton points, but am debating if I'd be better off changing to one of the Hilton family hotels in the north part of the Loop or even the Homewood Suites West Loop since I'm not really planning to do any shopping on the Mag Mile and it may be a noisy area, it is a pretty central location though and looks a really nice hotel.  Stayed at the Hampton Inn Majestic once for Book of Mormon, but I remember everything around the hotel being closed at night and mostly chain stores and restaurants.  Any thoughts on hotel locations?  Thanks again!

[Blue207]

The New Stages Festival will be happening at the Goodman while I am there, has anyone been to their readings before?  I think my options are either a reading there or The Rembrandt at Steppenwolf.