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Court Theatre
5535 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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Review №1

Fully equipped and well balance acoustic theater hall. The thespians arent pseudos or mediocres! They are professionals to the core! Ill visit this place again and again!

ka
Review №2

Agatha Christie played for a laugh. Loved the Mousetrap! What a great romp! I look forward to seeing what other productions I can enjoy.

Do
Review №3

Intimate theatre in Hyde Park Chicago. No bad seat in the house; all have a terrific view of the stage. The front of the house was a bit small and basic, but the theatre itself was great.

Je
Review №4

The Court Theater is a wonderfully intimate theater on UC campus that holds tegular productions year round. Skip the theater district and have a unique night out for in Hyde Park instead!

Wi
Review №5

The mousetrap play had all the ingredients of great entertainment: humor, relationship, and mystery. The main character, Mrs.Ralston was disappointing in that she could not be understood. She talked too fast and too softly. Otherwise I loved the play.

Zo
Review №6

Im so grateful to have a legitimate theater company in this amazing community. Everything about this experience is top notch. As good as anything youd find Off Broadway. Chicago theater has a magic all its own! Go!

Ca
Review №7

This is a very modern and stylish theater. It is very professionally run. Excellent productions.

ro
Review №8

Professional theater specialized in classic plays... refreshed and reimagined. Intimate space, no bad seats in this house.

Am
Review №9

Beautiful! The intimate moments during powerful acting moments resonates throughout the building. Such a talented group of individuals who collectively represent underrated actors.

Ho
Review №10

Agatha Christies old chestnut The Mousetrap was as fresh as ever on the Court Theatres stage. The characters were delightfully colorful, and the performances were both entertaining and worth studying.

De
Review №11

Been going here for years. Never been disappointed. Excellent plays, excellent directors, excellent actors. Not a bad seat in the place, reasonably priced, complimentary parking.

To
Review №12

The theater was great, its on the University of Chicago campus. There were no bad seats, you can see the stage well from every angle. There is a bar, drinks from water to liquor were sold. The performance started on time. The staff was very gracious. Parking was free in the parking garage next door for the evening performance. I would definitely go to this theater again.

Be
Review №13

From what I could tell, every seat is good - allowing you to see everything on stage. Wasnt prepared for the cost of the snacks - a bit pricey in my opinion. However the free parking in the evening was great! Ticket price was also good. Would definitely recommend.

Jo
Review №14

A truly love the experience and the play Mousetrap was excellent

Na
Review №15

Quaint theater and quality productions. Your mind will be blown by the creative staging and stellar acting. One of the best theaters in Chicago with dining options, free parking and award winning productions. They also host free community spotlight reads highlighting playwrights of color whose names and work have been glossed over or ignored.

Na
Review №16

I enjoyed the Court Theater so much. Just saw Oedipus Rex.

Ch
Review №17

Small venue so all seats are at least pretty good

Mi
Review №18

Ive liked or loved every show Ive seen there.

Cl
Review №19

The performance of Augie March was excellent and throughly enjoyed.It is a smaller more intimate theater.We sat in the front row but I cant imagine a bad seat in the house.

As
Review №20

I love court theater! They put on some amazing performances!

Ca
Review №21

Productions here are consistently exceptional. Not a bad seat in the house in this intimate theater setting. Lines can be super long for concession, however. So, dont dawdle during intermission if your thirsty!

gl
Review №22

Always great acting and cant beat the free parking

Tr
Review №23

Always a great place to enjoy theater. August Wilsons plays never disappoint.

Va
Review №24

High quality theatrical performances every time we visit

We
Review №25

As many other reviewers have said, there is not a bad seat in this theater, in terms of viewing the stage, that is. These are not roomy seats though. I recently tried to enjoy a performance while pinned to one side of my seat. I was seated next to a very large man whose girth made it impossible for him not to occupy nearly half of what would otherwise be my leg room.

Jo
Review №26

Not a bad seat in the house; actors are treasured performers, pleasure is almost guaranteed.

Al
Review №27

Always a pleasure to attend a play here at the Court.

Jo
Review №28

My cousin has a lead female role in a play they are hosting there. The play was Fantastic.

Ni
Review №29

Performance of August Wilsons King Hedley II was phenomenal, intimate stage and theater.

Et
Review №30

Their shows are almost always extremely well executed.

Jo
Review №31

Very nice community theater. Enjoyed a wonderful play.

Ka
Review №32

Wonderful stage and setup so there are no bad views for anyone in the audience. Parking is free! Acting is always wonderful. I just wish the seats were more comfortable.

An
Review №33

THE COURT THEATRE IS FABULOUS!!! There is not a bad seat in the house !!! The staging, the costumes and the lighting was spectacular. The actors, AMAZING!!! THE people who took your tickets and show you to your seats, WONDERFUL !!! THE PLACE IS A HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF HYDE PARK & THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO!!! GO THERE, YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!! I LOVE THE COURT THEATRE!!! 5 STARS!!!

Bi
Review №34

Love the local theater scene in Chicago, and Court Theater puts on some great shows

La
Review №35

Lots of cerebral and intellectual plays about topics that speak to the city of Chicago! I’ve loved everything I’ve seen here, and the intimate theatre so great for getting up close and personal with the actors!

Wa
Review №36

Nice yet small lobby. Snacks and drinks available. Small ladies room, quite a long line.

Ar
Review №37

Best Hedley II we have seen!

ar
Review №38

Seating a little tight. Performances sincere

Cl
Review №39

I visited there while supporting a brother. The place is beautiful, but it seems a little dated. I think that there be some plans for renovations afoot.

Be
Review №40

Love it, not a bad seat in the place, and the audio is great!

Ro
Review №41

This charming and intimate playhouse hosts some of Chicagos most awesome theater, including the current and not-to-be-missed Photograph 51.

D
Review №42

They are the single most condescending people I have ever had the displeasure of working with.We paid way in advance (Check sent Feb. 2 for a Mar. 29 show) for tickets and they kept calling saying they have yet to receive payment. Each time we told them we have records that show they cashed the check in already. The woman on the phone, Gwendolyn, is incredibly nasty.Our accounts payable department ended up emailing her the copy of the cashed check. Only then did she stop acting like such a bully and speak to us like adults. Even then she kept blaming us for their internal disorganization. We mailed it to the address provided to us on the invoice. They cashed it in 1.5 months before the show and still call us for over a month and be nasty on the phone. They need to internally get organized and learn how to treat people.Would rather work with any other theatre out there in place of these people. Zero stars if possible.

Dr
Review №43

Great performance of Colored Girls.... Not a bad seat in the house.

Mi
Review №44

Its a really cool place to have performances. Wouldve been 5 stars if they had a wider variety of products they sold.

Il
Review №45

Enjoying a play in a venue so warm and comforting like sitting in your own living room with friends.

Be
Review №46

The performance was amazing. The ladies gave an excellent performance! Love it!

Jo
Review №47

Amazing production of Guess Whos Coming to Dinner. So powerful. Great acting all around -- if theres an especially, especially the parents, and Tilly. Grateful to have seen this.

Ad
Review №48

I enjoy the fact that we have such high-caliber local talent.Court Theater offers interesting plays,some that even deal with current topics .

Ki
Review №49

Nice theater with close parking and restaurants

Ju
Review №50

A great place to see a play. Very congested in lobby and restrooms. Convenient parking thats free.

Na
Review №51

It was a very interesting play done in an unusual manner. But a very well accepted, I really enjoyed the play.

Cl
Review №52

Was a nice place with a decent size, they have great set up and accessiblity for older and or disabled people, very diverse, transportation not so easy unless you live in the area or take a uber, they have bathrooms but you would have to get out your seat and leave which can distract the actors, not recommended... pee before you go sit and watch the play, The attire is however you want it not to cozy though and not to extra, everything in between. The spacing is very tight so be prepared to be sitting close. The performances are always great. And theres usually always a discussion afterwards with directors actors etc. They have the option of alcohol if legal. The tickets may cost a lot, not quite sure because I was payed for.

Ke
Review №53

Great theater with a lot of local talent

Ma
Review №54

Great view all around, but the seats are tight. I will return. Nice season lineup.

Mi
Review №55

Ive seen at least 5 excellent plays at this theatre.

Er
Review №56

Small theater, world-class productions. I used to have memberships at Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Court. Over the years as the free time I had dwindled, we had to choose one theater to regularly attend, and that was Court. The diversity of plays and topics, the intimate size, the outstanding players, it all added up to the most consistent experience. Highly recommended.

Ch
Review №57

The production of Frankenstein was very creative and unusual. The theater is a nice size and there are no bad seats.

Am
Review №58

Always great production. Reasonable cost. Hidden gem.

Lo
Review №59

My husband and I have been Court Theatre subscribers for over 30 years. Court puts on wonderful plays, has won many Jeff awards, has free parking in the garage next door, is away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Yesterday we saw August Wilsons Gem of the Ocean -- a great performance that gave us much food for thought and good dinner-time discussion.

Sh
Review №60

Your website is terrible. It made purchasing tickets very difficult, I only persevered because I wanted to see the play and it was well reviewed. Improve the website experience. Try purchasing tickets yourself. Maybe a first time user might want to purchase as a guest, rather than being forced to create an account.

Ac
Review №61

Great atmosphere, very well done performances in an intimate setting. Not a bad seat in the house.

Na
Review №62

Wonderful Performances!

Ny
Review №63

King Headly was a great!

My
Review №64

Great August Wilson Play

Gw
Review №65

Have yet to see a bad production here. The theater is intimate and well-maintained. Only sat in the right section for the three plays Ive seen and loved the experience each time. The staff is always helpful when they are needed.

De
Review №66

The court theater is a lovely small venue with unique and interesting performances.

T
Review №67

Fantastic play great productions of August Wilson play of Radio Golf done right in the neighborhood at a reasonable price

Ro
Review №68

Great theater, free parking and every seat has a good view of the stage.

Ke
Review №69

Great space. Free parking. Loved the Originalist play. Hyde Park is fun visit.

Ri
Review №70

Always a great time, here. 4 Stars because there was a very loud group in the audience.

Ke
Review №71

Saw Photograph 51, the theatre and show were excellent. One complaint is that coffee ran out before the show.

Ay
Review №72

Great space, beautiful acting, and all around an energizing space

F
Review №73

The actresses were very good.

Ju
Review №74

Court Theater is always an engaging experience and well worth the investment of time to visit.

Gi
Review №75

Hidden little Chicago theater gem inside the University of Chicago campus

Er
Review №76

On the campus of the University of Chicago, right next to the Smart Museum -- this is a small amphitheater style theater that puts on strong professional shows. The theater isnt as large as some others locally so it can require a bit more creative staging - but that can lead to truly beautiful productions like Porgy and Bess.

Je
Review №77

Great theater.

Br
Review №78

Love this, a must see the upcoming 200th year anniversary of Shelley Long Frankenstein

Cl
Review №79

Exciting unique style blending live cinema and puppetry

Mo
Review №80

Mousetrap was amazing!

Ja
Review №81

Great play Photograph 51.

La
Review №82

Wonderful environment and great staff.

Sh
Review №83

For Colored Girls was amazing.

Gl
Review №84

All seats are great seats. Easy to order seating, very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff. Clean, secure, great access to parking and a fantastic production.

Ba
Review №85

Always great theater. Theres no better reason to visit Hyde Park.

La
Review №86

Actors are fabulous, not one bad seat in the house. Staff extremely hospitable

Ka
Review №87

The Court is a wonderful theater than brings excellent quality, often innovative, theater to Hyde Park. Every performance I’ve seen there has been excellent in terms of acting and production value. The Court also offers discounted tickets to students, seniors, military, etc. If you’re in the area, there’s a great discount for swooping in and buying a ticket an hour before the show (half off regular price, $10 for students, $5 for U of C students), and the amphitheater setup means that no seat is a bad one.

He
Review №88

Great selection of plays, good prices and wonderful staff.

Ka
Review №89

Court Theater is a gem! This small theater in Hyde Park has excellent seating, allowing the audience see very well & to feel they are in the middle of the action. No binoculars needed. Seats are comfortable & well-spaced for the patron who needs to get to a center seat. The stage is built out into the seating area so people on the sides are looking across a large portion of the stage itself, not peering past curtains or over an orchestra pit. My only problem in the theater was hearing bits of dialog, if an actor lowered his voice for a moment.There is an area in the back that could accommodate wheelchairs; if there are places nearer the stage I didnt notice them. They accommodate the hearing-impaired in certain performances either by displaying dialog on a screen or by offering headsets with increased volume. These performances are marked on their online calendar as OC (captioned) or AC (audio). I did not experience either of these.As I was new to the theater, I called ahead & spoke to a staff member who was knowledgeable and accommodating. There is a small lot on site, with ample parking in a multi-level garage next door. Both are free if you leave the garage within 30 minutes after the performance or post-performance discussion, when there is one. The theater phone line has an option that lists several local restaurants that offer discounts when you show your ticket.We saw The Originalist, about the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, then a post-production discussion with the playwright and the actors. It was excellent. If you hope to see it, hurry - its only there til 6/10.

Je
Review №90

No bad seats at Court Theater. The show was good just a bit redundant at some parts.

Ni
Review №91

The house manager Nick is awesome...

Ka
Review №92

All seating is good, but tight

Da
Review №93

One if the many small stages that make up Chicagos can live theater scene. Be on the lookout for plays that interest you, it will be well dine

Lo
Review №94

Beautiful. Always a good time.

Ka
Review №95

Incredible performances and a lovely space.

Me
Review №96

Always a good time, productions are first rate.

Be
Review №97

Great seats everywhere. Wonderful performances this entire season.

Le
Review №98

Great theatrical plays at a reasonable price.

Da
Review №99

Great Local theater with world class talent in an intimate setting. Have seen many plays all very good. Most recent was ELECTRA by Sophocles, very well acted and easy to follow thanks to the translation, that was written by Nick Rudall. We were very fortunate to be part of an after show discussion with Nick Rudall and Charles Newell the artistic director, such brilliant minds, what a bonus.

Ja
Review №100

Great production of Radio Golf.

Information
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100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:5535 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
  • Site:http://www.courttheatre.org/
  • Phone:+1 773-753-4472
Categories
  • Performing arts theater
  • Non-profit organization
Highlights
  • Active military discounts:Yes
  • Live performances:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Payments
  • Cheques:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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