Riverfront Theater Opens in Chicago; Season Announced

Riverfront Theater, 650 W. Chicago Ave., will return to Chicago with its inaugural full season of programming. After the 2011 success of their 16-week engagement of Peter Pan, which attracted more than 110,000 attendees, Riverfront Theater brings several hit productions to Chicago, in a 70-foot tall, 22,000 square foot temperature-controlled tent along the scenic Chicago River, this summer.

The venue promises to be a destination for all of Chicagoland and tourists alike. In addition to the performance tent is the 13,500 square foot Pavilion tent and promenade area; where patrons are encouraged to enjoy refreshments while taking in the view from this urban garden oasis before or after each performance. For more information on Riverfront Theater visit www.RiverfrontTheater.com. 

“Riverfront Theater is delighted to be the newest addition to Chicago’s rich arts community. With an amazing location on the Chicago River, Riverfront provides Chicago with a unique and very programmable theatrical space. Our long-term vision is to develop relationships with local, national and international arts organizations and bring to Chicago shows that would not typically fit into a proscenium house. For example, this year we are bringing in La Soiree, a show that has had successful engagements in London and Australia and we feel should be seen by Chicagoans,” said Riverfront Theater Executive Director Robert Butters. 

“In addition, we are pleased in this first year to be able to welcome events such as Chicago Ideas Week who are utilizing the 22,000 square foot flexible space.  We are very lucky to be attached to the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center, which has a great history in the City and we aim to take advantage of the development of the culture center that is building up around the 27^th Ward on the beautiful Chicago River,” continued Butters. 

“The Tribune is thrilled to announce the opening of Chicago’s newest entertainment venue at the Freedom Center,” said Haley Carlson, Events & Sponsorships Manager, Tribune Events Group. “This location allows us the opportunity to showcase unique and exciting events in the heart of our great city, along the Chicago River. The Riverfront Theater allows us to build on and enhance our mission to deliver value to the city of Chicago and metropolitan area.” 

The 2012 Riverfront Theater inaugural season begins with The Twelve Tenors (May 30 - June 3); followed by Dancing Queen (June 6 - 24); Spirit of the Dance (June 27 - July 15), La Soiree (July 18 - August 5); Rocket Man (August 8 - 26) and Man in the Mirror (September 12 - 30). Tickets for The Twelve Tenors, Dancing Queen, Spirit of the Dance and La Soiree go on sale to the public April 20 at 10 a.m.  Tickets for Rocket Man and Man in the Mirror go on sale June 1 at 10 a.m.  All tickets may be purchased online, www.RiverfrontTheater.com, or by phone,888-556-9484.