Chicago Theater Fun
 

Heading to Chicago with husband and 2 teens <BR>(ages 18 & 16) the weekend of 12/10. Would like to take in a performance and wanted to <BR>get some recommendations--we heard "Shear Madness" was good; how 'bout "Too Much Light <BR>Makes the Baby Go Blind"? Any suggestions much appreciated. We're staying at the Hyatt <BR>Regency. Thank You! Diane

I've heard wonderful things about Blue Man Group. Someone at work recommended it to me, as well as several others recommendations here on the forum, so we're going on 10/15. There's a fair amount of audience participation for the people in the front rows (the first several rows are poncho seats) which I think your kids might enjoy. There's a web site at www.blueman.com if you want to see what it is.

Diane-definately go to see "Shear Madness", and the Blue Man Group is wonderful (according to my sister-in-law) haven't heard a lot about "Too Much....". I live in Chicago, e-mail me directly if you want to talk. <BR>

Cleo, I'm curious. Is there a place in Chicago (similar to the several in NYC) where reduced rate tickets are purchased the day of a performance? We'll be in Chicago 10/6 for several days, and that's something for us to consider too. Thanks.

Kathy, there are Hot Tix booths in Chicago for day of performance tickets. You won't get tickets to "Rent" or to "Fosse", but they do have a lot of the smaller production tickets. Go to www.theaterchicago.org/hot-tix.html for locations, hours, etc. <BR> <BR>I did see Blue Man Group tickets there a couple of weekends ago but the seats were probably not so good.

I think there's still a HotTix on State Street, between Washington and Randolph (across from Marshall Field's). <BR> <BR>The Oriental Theatre is something to see even if you don't go to see 'Fosse.' And I don't know anyone who hasn't loved Blue Man Group. <BR>

Thanks Kristi and Pam.

Diane, <BR> <BR>Absolutely do not miss Blue Man...we took our 4 kids plus a foreign exchange student from Spain (ages 10 to 17) and it was the highlight of her trip to America and my kids are begging to go back! Make sure you get tix in advance as it is enormously popular. Don't be deterred if tix are not up front...the theatre is small enough and there is lots of action all over. Also, since your kids are older, they would probably enjoy the improv at Second City which is more sophisticated (Mature) than some of my kids could manage. For dining out, we always enjoy Ed Debevics where the food and decor are from the 50's and the wait staff is hilarious and abusive but memorable...good luck! Maria

"Too much..." can be a lot of fun. I often take friends there when they visit because it is offbeat. You neve know what you will get though. It's 30 plays in 60 minutes. They can be funny, sad, thought provoking, or weird - it's a real mixture. The whole thing changes about every month. I don't remember seeing anything too risque for 16 and 18 year olds - but, like I said, it's always changing. Also, if it matters, it could be more economical. Cost of the ticket is $4 plus the roll of a die - so anywhere from $5 to $10.

Thanks to everyone who responded; great recommendations! Wish we were staying for more than a couple of nights... <BR>we'll just have to save a couple of suggestions for our next trip back! <BR>Diane

This might be a bit pricey for your budget, but the Shubert is showing "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" from Dec 8-19, a pre-broadway engagement with Patrick Cassidy and Deborah Gibson. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, but they weren't available yet on their web site. I called direct at (312)902-1500.