Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Address:	800 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Phone:	+1 312-595-5600
Site:	chicagoshakes.com
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 19

David Biller

I keep coming back to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, time and time again, as much for its world-class theatre productions as much as its location in the heart of Navy Pier. The glass structure of the house lobby affords incredible views out to the lake, the Crystal Gardens and the Ferris Wheel. There are two primary stages within the CST - the downstairs thrust stage and the upstairs, intimate attic theater. The thrust stage is an excellent space for the Sondheim musicals Ive had the good fortune to see. For the past three years, some incredible shows have been presented by the company under the direction of Gary Griffin. Classics such as Follies, Sunday in the Park with George, Gypsy and the upcoming Road Show. Each production is a fully-immersive, forget that youre merely in the audience and devour the show production. Also, pro-tip for those theater-goers under 35: Be sure to check the CST website for their young theater program, with tickets for as low as $20 to these incredible productions, along with, fittingly enough, productions of the Bards classic plays.

Brooke Hutchison

This theater is at Navy Pier, which is not always the easiest to get to, but this theater is worth a trip out there. If you dont know much about Shakespeare, his first plays were in a small, courtyard style theater in London called The Globe. The play I saw was in a theater that mimicked The Globe is style and size, giving the plays a more authentic touch. The space is small and intimate, which is perfect since the actors dont wear microphones. The costumes, make-up, props, lighting, and performance were extremely well done, and the entire experience was very impressive. If youre looking for a deal, they often offer half priced tickets for really good seats.

Jackie Keen

It wouldve been okay, but they called me a few days after I saw a show to "suggest" that I purchase a PAIR of season tickets for over $600. I know companies try to sell you things all the time, but the manner in which they "asked" was completely absurd. "If I have my favorite credit card available, I should go ahead and purchase these season tickets right now."? Where did these guys learn their sales tactics? Ive been so completely turned off by this phone call that I couldnt recommend this place to anyone. At the very least, give them a fake phone number.

Martha Geppert

Outstanding Theater - Chicago Shakespeare Theater produces consistently high quality and entertaining plays, Shakespeare and other, with many creative productions. The courtyard theater is a beautiful Shakespearean space with no bad seats, and the upstairs space is an intimate smaller space. The staff are very helpful and the amenities are good. I always enjoy my visits. I am very excited for the opening of their new space The Yard, which will provide numerous options for configuring theater space. And the view from the lobby space is beautiful Chicago.

Mary Biancalana

Love this Theater! The actors are top-notch and the venue, in the honor of true Shakespearian form, is just like the Rose Theater might have been found back in the day of Shakespeare himself. Our seats were great and we could see the whole show. It was chilly, so be sure to bring a sweater. I highly recommend this theater for families, couples, singles, seniors and anyone wanting a professional theater experience for a reasonable price, in our great city of Chicago!

Alejandro Garcia

Lots of fun memories of this place. The lay out is meant to mimick the original Globe Theater in London (except in this iteration, the groundlings have seats.) Very cool, intimate space with good acoustics. Although its called the Shakespeare Theater, they do not exclusively do plays by The Bard, but also works by Christopher Marlowe and other contemporaries, as well as new, avant-garde productions and dramatic readings.

Amy Avona

This was the second time we attended a play here. The actors, set, and music were all amazing. Before the show started an actor came into stage to help set the tone and explain how to watch and listen to Shakespeare. Then after the play, the actors remained on stage to take questions from the audience. I would recommend the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to anyone, but particularly those with children.

Joseph Lancaster

I cannot rave about this venue enough. I have never been disappointed here; they consistently devise excellent productions, which include both classic settings and more modern interpretations, as well as a few things each season that arent from The Bard. This is the one Chicago theater ticket i refuse to give up, regardless of what is going on in my life.

Aimee Dewante

I deal with Navy Pier just to go to the Shakespeare Theater. The plays are great, the sets are well done, and I loved how the orchestra was behind the stage, just barely visible. The theater is nice too - intimate without being too small. I would take a date here, my grandmother, or a friend! Good for all occasions.

Sydney Alyssa

Great actors. Very well put together. Staging allows for theater fans to surround the stage and feel like you are part of the action. Actors and writers make productions very accessible to all ages, which was a huge plus for us. A bit of an undiscovered gem and well worth your money over other Navy Pier options.

Nadira Saip

First time ever been to this place and I loved it! For everyone under 35 years old they offer special discounts. I paid only $20 for my ticket instead of $53 . Actors played very well. I have read Romeo & Juliet for several times. Watching the actual play with an English accent was very enjoyable to me♥️

Marcus Hamilton

Chicago Shakes is my favorite place in the city... and there are a lot of great places. I go as often as I can. Its world-class Shakespeare in my city. Season passes are absolutely worth it, and if you know someone under 35 they have a discount program for two tickets. Absolutely worth every penny.

Joshua Newkirk

Shakespearean art is a form that is dying within the Chicago community, but this establishment offers a wide variety of his works in such a beautiful location on the Pier. Talent that is held in this theatre is paramount to any other "competitors" and will be there for quite some time.

Anurag Verma

Excellent shows, very entertaining not just for the Shakespeare fans but for everyone in general. We went to an Othello remix that entertained the young and old equally. Great script, acting and energy. Added bonus is the terrific night time views of the Chicago city itself.

Dane Holmes

A very nice and small theater. The plays I have gone to have all been very well done and fantastic. The sets are creative and the casts are great. Even if you dont like Shakespeare or are unsure if you would understand, I would still recommend a visit.

Jose Simbulan

Chicago "Shakes" features Shakespeare to Sondheim. The thrust stage basically insures that each seat is a good seat, just from different perspectives. Just be sure to leave enough time to navigate to and thru Navy Pier before your curtain time.

Danielle Tombolato

The Shakespeare Theater is such an excellent place to watch a very good play. The atmosphere is unbelievable and expect a very fun time after you watch the play. Navy Pier is the place to be in Chicago if it is your first time here!

Lara Robeznieks

Very entertaining experience for both lovers of Shakespeare and those that only read his works for English class. The actors are energetic and bring life to Shakespeares words. I cannot wait to see what they come out with next!

Cheryl Hague

Consistently fabulous theater! I take my university-level Shakespeare class to a performance every year. Ive been to The Globe in London. The performances at Chicago Shakes are every bit as good. Truly a world-class theater!