Music Box Theatre

3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

Related:	city base movies
Related:	crestwood theater
Address:	3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Phone:	+1 773-871-6604
Site:	musicboxtheatre.com
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Pam Devendorf

I dont know why I have never visited the Music Box Theater before last weekend. Ive only lived in the area for 37 years! But, thank goodness I have 2 Millennial boys which introduce me to new attractions in Chicago ;) Last weekend the Music Box was showing a documentary of cats living on the streets in Istanbul. If you arrive a little early for a show, you can have a drink or snack at the adjoining lounge. You can purchase tickets online or queue up in the short line to buy tickets. I would recommend purchasing tickets online, since many of the movies get sold out. The theater was built in 1929 and resembles an Italian courtyard. It is rumored that the original manager of the theater, "Whitey" (from 1929 - 1977) wanders the theater as a friendly ghost. There are 2 theaters, one is the main screen and there is a 2nd smaller theater. The seats are not plush, rather they are the old red, velvet, fold down seats with NO cup holders. I recommend sitting in the front section, close to the screen. Upon entering the theater; give your eyes time to adjust to the lighting or lack of. If you dont want to wait for your eyes to adjust, you can be tacky and use your phones flashlight. Just dont accidentally sit in someones lap. YIKES! We saw a matinee film (2PM) of KEDI, which means "cat" in Turkish. We are cat lovers and was not disappointed with the films high quality. The director tracked several street cats wandering around the city of Istanbul. Which is amazing in itself, cause cats dont like to be followed. The director was able to share several stories about the street cats and the humans they interact with on a daily basis. Overall, a very compelling movie. On a personal note: I was stunned to see that the theater was at 90% capacity for a 2PM movie about cats!?

Jay Hawkinson

I cannot imagine Chicago without MBT. Not only is it a great original theater in Chicago, its often considered one of the best theaters in the country for its original and repertory programming. Having been to the theater 80+ times in the last 4 years I never tire of visiting because I know the experience will be exceptional every time. The little theater 2 was recently remodeled and now sports a much better and larger screen. Still a bit cramped in there but overall a better watch than it used to be. Last movie I saw in theater 2 was Act of Killing. Besides the awesome staff and reasonable pricing (the double feature deals are the best!), one of the great things about MBT is their series programming and special events like Noir City Chicago, Spaghetti Western Summer Series, Box of Horrors, French Film Fest, etc. etc. etc. Such incredible opportunities to see 35mm or restored DCP classics. MBT upholds a long tradition of quality in Chicago and Im thrilled to have this theater in the city.

thewidgetqueen

They have great special showings of films that havent been run in ages. This week it has been an ode to David Lynchs films and finally getting to see those up on the big screen is amazing. I love the decor of the theater which takes you back to the early days of cinema. They even have an old organ from the days of silent cinema! The larger theater especially grabs your eye with its starlit sky. Its an old theater so no if youre looking for recliner seating or the latest 3D action flick you will most likely not find it here. They do now have a bar and lounge newly attached with a very nice patio outside so you can enjoy a cocktail before your film starts. I find the staff knowledgeable and friendly, and they deserve a gold star for having to deal with cinéphile geeks all day pestering them about film questions, etc that I imagine theyve heard for years. Sigh. I will always be coming back to this theater!

Hannah Hickey

Rocky horror picture show was so bad. First they make you wait in a line outside until 5 ~ 10 minutes after the show is scheduled to start, then a lady digs around in everyones purses even if you have a tiny purse ((She also checked it in the dark, no table to put stuff on, and checked with her bare hands, so I still cant figure out what she was looking for)). Once I sat down it was maybe 40 minutes of just some drunk kid walking around the stage trying to hype the crowd and an occasional joke with the punchline being just the fact he said a swear word. Once it finally starts, they played the movie, while really really inexperienced actors try to act out exactly what is happening in the movie right in front of the screen. Per the hype mans instructions, people *scream* at the screen every single time it shows a certain person or a word is said in the movie. Also, the main theater smells like mold.

Amanda Obando

Loved it. Its accessible and for all ages. You can bring your beer into the screening too. Im big on finding theaters like these around the country and I was very thrilled when I walked into this one. They have an old school looking theaters with a red courtain. Apparently, this time around, thetr was a guy playing the organ. I dont know if he was just visiting or if he had been brought in by the business but it was a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere is great and it includes a bar (the music lounge). The service was great too. However, Im wondering about the movie selections - theyre intetesting but not some of the best out there. At least when I came about. Its definitely a nice place to get a good kick as a film nerd and they have showings till very late. I feel like they have very loyal customers as well as I came in and beard many who had a membership. Would recommend!

Stuart Conover

Chicagos smaller movie theatres have slowly been shrinking over the years. Honestly Music Box Theatre is one of the last of its kind and that really makes for a sad thought. However, lets wash the sadness aside and remember that Music Box DOES still exist and they are pretty amazing. Its rare to find a theatre that showcases primarily horror, independent, foreign, art, and cult classic films! Not only that but they consistently have great film fests and GREAT midnight showings of horror films from years past. If you are into what they show you are going to love the fact that they exist. The staff has always been friendly and their popcorn always tastes fresh. If you are looking for a different movie going experience and something they are playing catches your interest I strongly suggest making the trek out to see it here. Its always a good time!

Ryan A-P

For anyone who has an interest in movies, the Music Box is probably one of the coolest places in the country. Here you can see current indie (but not necessarily low-production value) and foreign films you wont easily find elsewhere, revisit classics from every cinema era, participate in special screenings with guided discussions, get detailed insight with cast and crew Q&A screenings, and even enjoy silent movies with a live score from the Music Boxs resident organist. The whole building is steeped in history and gorgeously decorated, with special mention for the main theater, which among other things presents each show with a slow draw of the enormous red velvet curtain. And the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious; casual moviegoers and dedicated film enthusiasts alike will feel at home.

Joseph Blewitt

I was just talking with a coworker about a small coffee shop in southern Illinois and somehow the Music Box came up. That speaks to how ingrained the MB can become in the psyche of a person, no matter how far removed in time and space that person is. Its a movie theater from the 20s. There isnt much more I can say about it (other than check out the movie schedule and go), so Ill leave you with this: The first time I went here was to see the original Conan the Barbarian. There was a compatibility problem with that film and the intended projector so the movie was moved to MBs smaller theater. In place of Conan on the larger screen was a feature listed on the marquee as "GAY SEX." I offer this illustration to show the wide array of movies that pass through these projectors.