Apollo Theatre Chicago
Boasting a dramatic glass and concrete design conceived by Chicagoan Michael Lustig, Apollo Theater is a small but a very intimate venue in Chicago, USA. Over a period of time it has been home to numerous famous productions. In the 80s the Apollo Theater was home to plays produced by the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, including Balm in Gilead with John Malkovich and Gary Sinise, Cloud Nine, Secret Rapture, Harvey, Wrong Turn at Lungfish, and Sam Shepard's True West. Then Michael Leavitt and Fox Theatricals took over in 1991 and brought stars John Astin and Jamie Farr for Lend Me a Tenor. After 5 years Rob Kolson Creative Productions occupied the Apollo. Since then, the theater has quite successfully maintained its reputation for showing acclaimed hits including smash hit The Vagina Monologues that made its Midwest premiere at the Apollo in 2000. Currently, the theater is also home to Chicago's largest Children's Theater Company called Emerald City Theatre Company.
Apart from this cozy 400-or-more-seat theater, Apollo Theater also has a small 50 seat second stage located at the basement level called the Apollo Theater Studio. It opened to the public in June, 2005 with the interactive comedy, Auditions Tonight. Certainly a nice place as audiences can get beverage service prior to, and even occasionally during, performances.
If you have the guts to boo somebody off the stage as he raps about some agonizing life changing event, Apollo Theater Chicago is the place for you. Events at the Apollo Theater Chicago are hands down best evenings out in Chicago.
Enjoyable entertainment, audience participation and heart-warming events...the Theater has it all. It is one of the best places to escape from the mundane and to have a good time.
Luxurious and cavernous, Apollo Theater Chicago has been home to some of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. The Venue has so much to offer that you would love visiting the place over and over again right in the heart of Chicago.
Located in the heart of Chicago"s modern Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Apollo Theater has a rich theatrical history. This lush venue is noted for its prestigious reputation. The history of Apollo Theater dates back to 1978 when theatre producers Jason Brett and Stuart Oken led foundation of the theater.
Stephen Wade's subsequent production Banjo Dancing established a trend of long-running hits at the Venue. It was followed by Harry Chapin: Lies and Legends, Steel Magnolias, and Pump Boys and Dinettes, Pump Boys and Dinettes set a Chicago longevity record for a musical by running five years.
In 1991, Michael Leavitt and Fox Theatricals took over operation of the Apollo Theater Chicago. Together they brought stars John Astin and Jamie Farr for Lend Me a Tenor.
Four years later, producer Rob Kolson and his company Rob Kolson Creative Productions took over control of the Venue. Remained unblemished for featuring acclaimed hits, the Apollo played host to two phenomenally popular musicals, Always...Patsy Cline and Buddy...The Buddy Holly Story.
The Venue once again was packed with audience when the hilarious comedy If You Ever Leave Me, I'm Going With You was presented in the summer of 1999.
On July 25, 2003, the Smash Hit "Menopause the Musical" made its Chicago Debut on the Apollo Theater. Entertaining nearly a quarter of a million people from Chicago and surrounding states, Menopause the Musical became the highest grossing show in Apollo history.
During the summer of 2005, the 50 seat Apollo Studio was born which quickly became one of the most sought after venues for comedy, sketch and upstart theater companies.
The Apollo Theater Chicago has been taken over several times and the Venue has undergone renovation twice. The present Apollo Theater boasts a dramatic glass and concrete design conceived by Chicagoan Michael Lustig.
In addition to putting up on stage nationally acclaimed musicals and events, the Apollo Theater Chicago also became home to many plays produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, including Balm in Gilead with John Malkovich and Gary Sinise, Cloud Nine, Secret Rapture, Harvey, Wrong Turn at Lungfish, and Sam Shepard"s True West.
The Venue also houses the City's largest Children's Theater Company, Emerald City Theatre Company. It is dedicated solely to families.
Check-out for the ongoing and upcoming events scheduled at Apollo Theater Chicago and let your hearts laugh aloud. Also, outside the Apollo Theater Chicago, you may cross street vendors, good restaurants and other interesting attractions.
