Steel Beam Theatre

111 W Main St, St Charles, IL 60174, USA

Address:	111 W Main St, St Charles, IL 60174, USA
Phone:	+1 630-587-8521
Site:	steelbeamtheatre.com
Rating:	4.1

Location

Photos 54

Reviews 8

CoolOne

I enjoy writing unbiased Google reviews, and have no affiliation with the Steel Beam Theatre, located on Route 64 in downtown St Charles. The theater was founded in 2001 by Donna Steel, and my wife and I—sometimes with friends, often alone—have attended seven performances there. There is a new play about every other month. Parking is plentiful in the city garage conveniently located directly behind the theater; the walk from the four story, free parking garage to the theater is 100 yards. The tickets can be bought online from the main website, and although there is a small handling charge, the website ordering is simple and convenient as it permits you to select your actual seat on a chart. When you purchase, your name is at the theater on a list, so you just say your name and are shown to your seats. This theater is small and quaint, with exposed bricks and the namesake steel beam above the stage. The seats are padded theater style chairs in about 10 rows only—everyone gets a great view! The front row, typically too close in most theaters, is a wonderful favorite of my wife and I. You will see every bead of sweat and vibrating tongue for the musicals from these seats. The performers are, in a word, exceptional. Although this is a community theater, the actors and with a long list of prior performances, in general, as noted in the playbill. It’s a credit to the reputation of this fine theater that it can attract such talent. The plays range from two-person, intimate, one setting performances, to multi-character musicals. The website is up-to-date. There are so many places to eat locally, that you can park and have a lovely meal (ZaZa’s Trattoria in the same block is a favorite, as is McNally’s Pub) and wander up to the Steel Beam on the fourth floor and enjoy a performance, all in a fraction of the time and expense to see a Chicago play. Highly recommended.

A Private User

I am so sorry..I simply dont agree with the other reviewers..I chose 1 star because there was no lower scale to rate this awful theater on.I was drawn in by the wonderful description on the Steel Beam Website and decided to go to a production called "Au Pair Man". This turned out to be a total waste of time. ATTENTION Steel Beam Theater Management: Its sure not very impressive for a patron to walk into a "historical" building and find garbage cans all over the lobby collecting dripping water from your ceiling. The carpet was FILTHY and had water stains all over it.I attempted to ignore the EXTREME smallness of the venue and the cramped, uncomfortable seating because my money was already spent.I was equally disgusted by the blatant racism that was on display disguised as a theatrical performance at this theater. FYI-I am a seasoned theater patron.I have been to MANY theater productions of several types from Broadway to small town theater all over the country.I have NEVER felt moved to actually walk out of a theater mid show before this production (which I did at intermission ).The continual negative references to "dusky people" as well as insulting comments about people of color, especially women was disturbing to say the least. The final insult was that the acting in this production was mediocre AT BEST. This was my first (and final) visit to your theater.I will advise everyone I know not to waste their hard earned money on this theater- was truly the WORST $27.50 I have ever spent for ANYTHING. BEWARE! GO AT YOUR OWN RISK

George Florea

Great local place for plays and other entertaining productions. The venue is a bit small and can get cramped at full booking. The stage is small. Of course, this also means you are always right on top of everything which can be fun if your enjoying the entertainment. The theater is right in the middle of down town st. Charles and there is lots to do locally. Go there and enjoy yourself!!!

Mary D

This was the first performance I have attended here. The play was well written and superbly acted. I really liked the smaller setting so the performance felt very close. I am looking forward to attending another performance.

Sharon Glassman

This is a great local theatre they have great shows. Go and support them.

Jen R

Great plays and loved the theater design and style.

Jeff Heider

Not worth the cost of the ticket

Bija

Fun intimate setting