Buying a subscription series is your ticket to savings and privileges. Every year, Chicago-area theaters offer dramatic discounts to loyal audience members and new fans.
There’s something for everyone in the array of selections available for the coming season. By subscribing early, theatergoers are assured of the best seats and easy exchange privileges, eliminating last-minute hassles for tickets.
The accompanying chart lists the various programs of theaters offering subscriptions, the opening dates of their first show and the price or range of prices to subscribe. For more detailed information, call the individual theaters.
Bargains are hard to resist, like the price of $16.61 for dinner and show at the Candlelight-Forum theaters. “We’re offering the most generous discounts in our history,” says Noreen Herron of the dinner-theater complex. “A subscription gives you as much as 50 percent off. That’s up to four evenings of dinner and theater free,” she adds. There is lots of free parking there.
With 3,600 seats to fill for its five-month series, Lyric Opera has consistently set the pace for garnering subscriptions. Already 90 percent sold out, the Lyric offers savings up to 30 percent over single-ticket prices, and you may even use a convenient payment plan.
The Ivanhoe Theater (nee Wellington) is creating two new spaces besides its mainstage venue. One is in its former courtyard, another is in its basement “catacombs.”
Owner Doug Bragan reports that besides the theater’s own subscription series it will host other companies, including Wisdom Bridge Theatre and the Free Associates. Ivanhoe subscribers receive discounts for performances by these groups and by the nearby Touchstone Theatre.
After 20 years on Howard Street, Wisdom Bridge has opted out of the headaches of owning real estate. “At the Ivanhoe, we’ll have 500 seats compared to 200 which we had,” says Jeff Ortmann, Wisdom Bridge artistic director. “In addition, we will bring in some name attractions like June Havoc in our opening show.” Savings for subscribers range from 18 percent to 40 percent, Ortmann said.
Northlight Theatre, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has secured five new venues for its season, instead of the Coronet Theatre in Evanston. Calling its series “a moveable feast,” the theater will perform its first show at the Organic Theater Mainstage and will feature TV star Michael Gross (“Family Ties”) in A.R. Gurney’s romantic comedy, “Later Life.” Subscribers here save a hefty 33 percent.
No restrictions apply on the use of tickets by Pegasus Players’ subscribers. Want to bring friends and use all five tickets to one show? That’s OK. This theater is on the campus of Truman College in the O’Rourke Center auditorium, which is large with excellent sight lines. Parking is plentiful and free. Savings are 20 percent at Pegasus.
The Shubert Theatre starts its season with “Blood Brothers,” starring David Cassidy and Petula Clark from the Broadway cast. Tommy Tune’s “Grease” and the long-awaited “The Sisters Rosensweig” are part of its series. Restaurant discounts (at Trattoria No. 10, Nick’s Fishmarket, Italian Village and City Tavern) and parking discounts are in addition to a generous 40 percent savings for subscribers to the Shubert.
Remember Sid Caesar in “Your Show of Shows?” Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23d Floor” recalls his own life as a writer for that show. Fox Theatricals’ producer Michael Levitt is bringing that Broadway hit, plus Roddy McDowall in “The Woman in Black” and Edward Albee’s “Three Tall Women,” to various theaters as part of Fox’s series.
Previews are $99; choice dates are higher, but everyone saves 20 percent and a chance to dine at a discount at Bella Vista Restaurant.
You can write your own series at Centre East, celebrating its 15th anniversary. Choose three or four shows from the wide variety of feature attractions or Family Theatre Events and save 20 percent. There is everything from the Red Star Army Chorus, Pilobolus Dance Troupe, Bobby McFerrin, Shecky Greene and the political satirists The Capitol Steps. Parking is nearby and free.
Apple Tree Theatre, which is on the second floor of its building in Highland Park, is wheelchair accessible via elevator. Free parking, priority seating and a 20 percent discount are boons to subscribers.
Subscribers get four mainstage shows and two studio productions at Center Theater Ensemble on Devon Avenue. Patrons are invited to special events, receive newsletters and realize a 25 percent discount. A discussion series on the second Thursday of every production encourages the audience to remain after the performance for a discussion with the cast.
“The Colored Museum” returns to Victory Gardens Theater for its opening show. Directed by Andre de Shields, it played here to excellent reviews in 1987, winning three Jeff Awards. Completing the season is “Jest a Second,” a new comedy by James Sherman, continuing the story line of “Beau Jest.”
Invitations to open rehearsals have been very well received here, according to Barbara Griffin of Victory Gardens. Half-price student tickets are available a half hour before curtain time with an I.D. card.
Internationally known director Peter Sellars will direct Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” which opens the Goodman Theatre’s season of five plays. Subscribers save 10 percent; renewals save more, as do members of the Art Institute and WTTW-Ch. 11.
Besides post-performance discussions on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, a Goodman membership card entitles you to discounts at the Rehearsal Room Restaurant, Barbara’s Bookstore, CoConuts Music and Movies, and Graphic Expectation.
Illinois Theatre Center in Park Forest opens its season with William Inge’s “Dark at the Top of the Stairs.” “It’s consistent with our policy to find truly fine theater pieces that are rarely produced,” says Etel Billig, who, with her husband, Steve, founded the theater in 1976.
Subscriber savings range from $10 to $25, according to Billig.
Full-season subscribers earn gift certificates to restaurants and galleries and a chance for luncheon for two by subscribing to National Jewish Theater in Skokie. Discounts amount to 20 percent off single-ticket prices. Discussions follow Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday shows.
“We’re honored to bring the Midwest premiere of Arthur Miller’s new play, `Broken Glass,’ as part of our series,” says Fran Brumlik, theater director.
Griffin Theatre offers 10 shows (four mainstage, four late-night and two children’s shows) for a bargain-basement $45. “That’s a $90 value,” says managing director Bill Massolia. “The other great thing is that it is flexible so you can come to any performance during its scheduled run.”
Charles Newell, newly named artistic director of Court Theatre in Hyde Park, says, “I plan to build upon the incredibly solid foundation established by Nicholas Rudall (founding artistic director) in presenting classical works with exuberance and enthusiasm.”
The Flex-Tix at Court is an easy way to save 20 percent and use five tickets any way you choose. The “Under 21” series allows young people under 21 to attend with you at 35 percent savings.
Parking is free in a large lot adjacent to the theater.
A Flexi-ticket pack for $30 at Athenaeum Theatre Company entitles you to three shows (any performance you choose). The newly renovated theater offers a 33 1/3 percent discount to subscribers.
Black Ensemble Theater has scheduled five shows, beginning with “The Other Cinderella,” which opened Wednesday, and concluding with “Sammy-The Sammy Davis, Jr. Story,” in July, 1995. Discount tickets are $50 to $100 for the theater’s series.
“Touchstone Theatre will mount five productions that underscore our commitment to plays with depth of character and literary strength,” emphasizes Ina Marlowe, artistic director of Touchstone.
Parking is adjacent to the theater and subscribers are assured of unlimited exchanges. Five shows for $51 reflects a 20 percent savings here. Discounts for seniors and students are a bonus. Theater parties, at discounts, are encouraged.
The internationally acclaimed singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo returns to the Steppenwolf Theatre in March in the world premiere of “Nomathemba.”
You can save up to 43 percent by subscribing, get restaurant discounts of 25 percent and $2 off on the purchase of additional single tickets when you sign up here.
The American premiere of the British comedy “Gasping” has opened at Interplay Theatre in Piper’s Alley.
Subscribe for $48 (save 20 percent) for three shows or buy a Token Pass for $80, which is good for five admissions. Discounted parking is available.
There are gallery openings in conjunction with opening nights of the plays presented at the ETA Creative Arts Foundation on South Chicago Avenue. The six-play season is offered to subscribers at a 50 percent discount over individual ticket prices. Valet parking here is $3.
The Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, resident professional company of the Arts Center of the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, offers three plays this year. One production is produced at an off-Loop Chicago theater each year. Single tickets are $15, or you may subscribe to all three for $40.50.
Bailiwick Repertory will be moving from the Theatre Building next door to 1229 W. Belmont Ave., where it is developing a three-stage facility. A Personal Pass allows one person to see any six mainstage shows for $65. The Flex Pass is $79 for six mainstage or studio shows. You may choose the Super Flex Pass at $110 for 12 admissions on either stage. Any of these may be used in any combination (bring a friend, etc.).
Benefits include dinner-theater discounts, concession and merchandise discounts and free tickets on Mothers Day and Fathers Day for parent or child.
Actor-director Steve Pickering has taken the position of artistic director of Next Theatre Company after the retirement of Harriet Spizziri.
Pickering has adapted Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” and will direct it for the opening show.
Choose a card and get a 25 percent discount here. The Silver Card, at $54 (good for previews or Thursday nights), The Gold Card for $62 (for Thursdays through Sundays, plus one “Wild Card”) or the Platinum Card for $75 gives you all of the former plus a subscription to the Next Lab.
Shattered Globe Theatre offers a Flex-Pass-Port at $40 (good for four admissions) or a Double Flex-Pass-Port at $80 (for eight admissions), used in any combination. Each of these provides discounts on all items sold at the box office, including refreshments.
“Five shows for the price of three!” trumpets the brochure from Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre. The first show, “Most Happy Fella,” opened on Aug. 10 and will continue through Oct. 9.
With no increase in this season’s prices, you may choose performances on Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday at $72 instead of $115. Some Friday and Saturday shows are priced at $73, instead of $120. Saturday shows at 9 p.m. are $81. Plenty of free parking is available.
Chicago’s award-winning Shakespeare Repertory group has scheduled Open Forums preceding each of its three plays. They are free to the public. Subscription prices reflect a savings on tickets up to 18 percent. Students who subscribe with an adult save 50 percent.
Two theaters with programs running from January to December are Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre in Lincolnshire and Drury Lane Dinner Theatre in Evergreen Park.
Both have loads of free parking and the opportunity to have dinner before or after the show.
At Drury Lane ticket prices range from $55 per person for four shows or $114 for four dinners and shows.
Marriott’s Lincolnshire posts show-only prices for their five shows, ranging from $85 to $118.75, according to the day of the week.
Why not treat yourself or others to the gift of entertainment all year long? What a wonderful way to say “Happy Birthday” or “Merry Christmas” to family, friends or employees.
