Harris Theater

205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Address:	205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Phone:	+1 312-334-7777
Site:	harristheaterchicago.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Anthony Martorina

Recently we attended a benefit here with some good friends. The theme was orchestrations with American-Italian themes centered around piano. The Chicago Philharmonic was also conducted by an Italian conductor. My friend was a little upset with the first piece played because there was no piano. He loves piano! I told him dont worry, as I pointed to a giant piano siting in the wings. Sure enough 3 guys in black rolled out the piano for the second piece. This was a big production to get the piano out on the stage. Then a lady from Highland Park came out in her evening gown to bang on the keys. It was a very spirited piece of music. What always cracks me up is what happens after every piece is finished and weve all seen this if youve attended a classical orchestra show. The song finishes, crowd applauds, conductor points out important players, possibly shake hands, conductor leaves stage for 3 seconds, returns to conduct next piece. I just always find this humorous. I know the conductor is suppose to be collecting his thoughts off stage but only 3 seconds. I say milk it and wait like 5 minutes until the audience breaks out the lighters. Then surprise them and do a costume change too. Use that time wisely conductor man. I am only kidding but I figured I would offer some creative fun. Hey its all a show so live it. I also must point out that drinks are expensive here. I think it may be cheaper to drink at a baseball game. In fact, at intermission they had a person walking around selling mini wine bottles. They need to teach this person on how to sell. She should have been yelling, "Get your VINO here!" or "Theres a 20 minute liquor line in the lobby!" Im thinking I may need to re-train the sales staff on the floor. Yeah the line at the bar was really that long...so lady selling wine from a bag was a faster option. The fastest option was to purchase "intermission drinks" at the bar before the show even started. Then simply arrive at the bar during intermission and your drinks were ready and you didnt have to wait in a long line. Who knew drinking at a classical concert was this complicated! The theater is beautiful. The front of the theater and box office is located off Randolph street. If you are sitting on the main floor you will have to make your way all the way down to the bottom using an elevator or stairs. You are basically heading down to the lower Columbus street level. This layout is unique because typically the main door isnt at the top of the theater. I also once had the opportunity to explore back stage. I was very fortunate to be offering support statewide for the premiere of Kevin Smiths movie "Red State" which premiered in Chicago at the Harris Theater. Its fun to feel like a rockstar for the day with an All Access Pass. I was amazed at the ability of the theater to do digital projection in here. Now if I was comparing these two events. Kevin Smiths movie premiere was sold out but the philharmonic had plenty of seats open. Kevin would probably say, "F***ING RIGHT!" I guess the reason I point this out is because it shows the versatility of this theater to host both classical art and modern art. It shows that no matter what age you are you can always enjoy a night at the theater. So if your looking for a night of culture then checkout what is happening at the Harris Theater. You may be surprise at what you might find.

A Private User

I dont go downtown much because I like driving, but I dont like driving downtown. So this was my first trip to the Harris Theater, to see Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. I love their podcast and Ive wanted to see it live and when I heard they were coming to Chicago, I couldnt pass up the opportunity. Parking was a little difficult to find, but I eventually found underground parking near the theater. Parking was $16 validated, which I hear isnt too bad for downtown. Parking in enclosed spaces is always fun when you have a nice exhaust rumble coming from your car :) The auditorium was nice and clean and although the seating is a little crowded, how else are you going to get 1000+ people packed in? There were a lot of people around to help you get where you needed to go, which was nice because I didnt know where I was going. My biggest gripe about the theater was that they dont have a lot of food options. Luckily, I was early enough so that I walked a couple blocks and got food before the show. Overall, not a bad place and I hope they can offer more in terms of food.

William Steele

We saw the Russian State Ballet perform Tchaikovskys Swan Lake here and it was magical. The theater (which is actually underground) is large but not so much that I would worry about not being able to see the show. The establishment is not grandiose like some theaters, but it is certainly classy and the staff is professional. The lighting and sound are optimal (though I was disappointed that the ballet did not feature a live orchestra). I recommend buying tickets well in advance as it is a very popular venue.

Melissa Sanchez

Absolute breathtaking theater! They have really fantastic dancing here -- they perform many different types - classical, jazz, modern, etc. Really terrific! I loved my time there. Great dance performers and music. It would be the best couple of hours youve ever spent! Try to leave a bit earlier at the end because the elevators get swamped quick. There is, I believe, about 4 floors in this very modern, glass encased building.

Thongsy Singvongsa

L-O-V-E this place. I would come here every week if I could. Every performance Ive seen here was just amazing and uplifting. Its great that so many wonderful Chicago dance companies can showcase their amazing performers here. The place is always clean, well organized and the the theater seating is in a way that youll have a good view no matter where you sit. Theres also a cash bar.

Maria Paula Gutierrez

Super bonito teatro para asistir a presentaciones de todo tipo. Queda al aire libre y hay muchas y còmodas sillas para disfrutar del espectàculo. A veces hay actividades gratuitas

TJ Medel

This theater will make you want to love art. They always put on the best shows and have top quality performances. I recently went to Hubbard Street Spring Series and was blown away. They have Houston Ballet and Paul Taylor coming later in the season. Just a beautiful space to see dance and I recommended it for anyone whos into wanting a night of artistic culture.

Natalie Mayorga

This facility is great to see a show in. And even better to perform in. I had the pleasure of doing so a couple times and they have a rehearsal studio for the dancers downstairs. I love that the stage is underground and they built up. The acoustics are great. a lovely new facility. For a night of arts you wont be disappointed.

Brian Harley

On a good day you can come here and watch and listen to the orchestra practicing. This seems like one of those local things that many people do here and one that I can say I did as well when I was in the city. Even if theyre not practicing its still a nice venue to check out. Still try to go on a day while theyre practicing.