The soul of Chicago can be found on the city’s stages. Our dynamic theatre scene is home to cutting-edge storefronts, Tony Award-winning companies, exciting pre-Broadway debuts, and beyond — making a trip to the theatre an essential part of any visit to Chicago.
We chatted with Marissa Lynn Jones, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres, about can’t-miss theatrical experiences and what makes Chicago’s theatre scene special.
What brought you to the theatre industry?
I grew up in performance and watching performance. When I was younger, we would do Black history plays in church as a way to learn about our culture, our ancestors, and each other. From there, I grew to have a deep love for theatre and the performing arts. I knew I wanted to explore how to share stories on a large scale, not just the performance side but also the administrative side, learning how everything is done and made,
What do you think makes Chicago’s theatre scene unique?
We have over 200 theatre companies here, which many people don’t know. And Chicago is known for its storefront theatre scene. We have amazing storefront theatre companies that do phenomenal, award-winning work throughout our 77 neighborhoods and beyond,
How does the city itself influence our theatre scene?
Chicago’s diversity has a huge impact on our stages. We as a city are very reflective of the diversity of the nation as a whole. This empowers us to tell stories from different cultural backgrounds and share those different lived experiences with those in the room. It’s very special, and an opportunity to share stories and humanity through performance.
What are some essential Chicago theatre experiences?
I would say visitors definitely should check out our storefront theatre scene — places like Steep Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, Aguijón Theater, PrideArts, Lifeline Theatre, and so many more. Then there are the classic theatres like the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and The Second City. Broadway In Chicago also brings amazing works and artists from across the country to be seen on our stages.
What is the mission of Chicago Theatre Week?
Every February, Chicago Theatre Week offers accessibly priced tickets to shows all over the city and surrounding suburban areas. The tickets are priced so that people can see as many shows as possible. It’s a great opportunity to come enjoy Chicago and become a theatre fanatic during that time.
What do you love most about Chicago’s theatre community?
I love how much of a family we are. We really support each other and the work we are doing on stage. Chicago is an incubator for playwrights, actors, and new theatre companies to develop their talent. And our theatre scene is a reflective voice of what makes Chicago Chicago — different people from different backgrounds, coming together and sharing space.
11 Chicago shows not to miss in 2025
Check out Choose Chicago’s round-up of just a few of the incredible shows coming to our city in 2025. And head to our events calendar for even more upcoming productions.
Fat Ham
Goodman Theatre
Through March 2
Co-produced with Chicago’s Definition Theatre, a boisterous Southern cookout is the setting for a Black, queer discovery of identity.
Glassheart
City Lit Theater
Through Feb. 23
This Chicago premiere is a modern-day reimagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.
Fun Home
Porchlight Music Theatre
Through March 2
Based on a graphic novel, Fun Home is the story of seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.
Circus Quixote
Lookingglass Theatre
Through March 30
Follow the folly-filled quest of Don Quixote to bring good deeds back into the world.
Cygnus
The Gift Theatre
Feb. 6 – March 16
Cydney believes an angel rescued her from an unspeakable trauma, but the truth is even stranger.
Hamlet
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
March 13 – 23
In collaboration with the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, Shakespeare’s text is blended with personal stories of young performers with Down syndrome.
Titanique
Broadway In Chicago
March 25 – May 18
Off-Broadway’s award-winning hit turns the Titanic love story into a hysterical musical fantasy.
The Listeners
Lyric Opera of Chicago
March 30 – April 11
Claire joins a cult-like group to destroy the source of a humming noise that is driving her mad.
Art
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company
May 1 – June 1
This thought-provoking comedy explores the true value of both art and friendship.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Joffrey Ballet at Lyric Opera House
June 5 – 22
Experience this Chicago premiere with the Joffrey, the first American ballet company to bring Wheeldon’s Wonderland to life.
Diana
Theo
May 23 – July 6
The timeless Princess Diana is the focus of this electrifying musical.
War Of The Worlds
Lifeline Theatre
May 23 – July 13
This sci-fi thriller is a study in human nature when the social order is disrupted.
A version of this article was originally published in the 2025 Chicago Visitors Guide.
