Reviews of Court Theatre. (Performing Arts Theater) in Chicago (Illinois).

Court Theatre

313 Reviews

177 Comments

Performing arts theater

Performing arts theater

5535 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States

Description

Information of Court Theatre, Performing arts theater in Chicago (Illinois)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of Court Theatre

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Reviews of Court Theatre

CL Parks

It was my first play since the pandemic. Still a beautiful modern theater. The set was amazing. The actors were great, the staff is always gracious and kind. Every production I have seen so far has been Broadway worthy.

Frank Lackner

Court Theater is a major theater venue in Chicago, having just won the Tony award for best regional theater. Their work is very socially conscious, leaning strongly to August Wilson and fresh interpretation of classics from the ancient Greeks to Shakespeare. Their productions are always high quality, its good acting and imaginative sets and lighting. Be aware of the content when buying a ticket. Free parking next door during performances. Located on the Univ of Chicago campus south of the Midway. Used to be a food desert, but a couple of interesting restaurants have opened since the pandemic in the U of C campus buildings nearby.

Richard Newton

Good performances over the years. Comforable seating. Employees have always been courteous

Adeola Gideon H19

Fully equipped and well balance acoustic theater hall. The thespians aren't pseudos or mediocres! They are professionals to the core👍! I'll visit this place again and again👌! …

Traci Bell

I visited this theater when they put on the play Arsenic and Old lace one of my favorites as a movie I enjoyed the play the theater is very welcoming my experience was very nice I would definitely go back again.

Margaret M Lilly

Best seats anywhere in this boutique theater. The plays overall are excellent and the same for the stage and lighting!

Mass Fractal

The play, Two Trains Running, was exceptional. The seating? Not so much. I was cramped and uncomfortable. For nearly 3 hours. Although I am interested in upcoming productions at the Court, the dearth of leg room, arm room as well as the pins and needles of restricted circulation clouded my experience. I will have to think long and hard about returning to this venue.

Phyllis Johnson

I saw Arsenic and Old Lace. It was very funny. Although masks are only recommended, I saw a lot of people wearing them.

Kharma Paige

I'm glad we continue to have this resource on the south side! The only feedback I have for Court is to please be clear before the play starts as to whether there will be an intermission or not.

Ken Vanderbilt

Very nice comfortable theater on the campus of the University of Chicago. The Court Theater provides "Free Parking"!😉 …

al law

I have been a subscriber for a number of years now and have loved every production, most recently The Lady from the Sea. The cast, direction, staging is always top notch. I was most impressed with the Theatre and Thought series that was produced during the height of the pandemic. Bravo Court Theatre!

Kate

Visiting from Bham, AL. Great play and the actors was amazing 👏🏾 👌🏽 …

Jerome Patrick Shannon II

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!

Theresa R.

I've seen several plays at Court Theater and it has been a pleasure. Every seat is a good seat and it's small enough to feel intimate. They have a wide variety of plays and are very reasonable priced. Can't wait to get pass covid and back to living and the theater.

Ana Pappas

Loved the play -Two trains running. I didn’t like the bathrooms being together with men.

Kenneth Catalanotte

A great theater experience. This is one of the best theaters in a city of many wonderful venues. This was a unique presentation of a classic play Othello.

Cecilia M. Briscoe

A very nice and intimate theatre showcasing the very best in performances for all ages. Ticket prices are affordable, parking is free adjacent to the theatre, and the staff are reasonably accommodating.

Tondaleo Allen

The theater was great, it's 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.

Belinda Guyton

From what I could tell, every seat is good - allowing you to see everything on stage. Wasn't 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.

Adrian Sampson

[ ONE OF MY TOP FIVE FAVORITE THEATRICAL THEATERS/ ACTUALLY # 3 > ❤

Dayna Bateman

Love The Court. Their return-to-our-seats production of Othello is pitch perfect, brilliantly cast, and safely executed in the era of Covid -- go go go.

Wendy Easton

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.

Nannette Banks

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.

Zo Wesson

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

Catherine Kardelis

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, don't dawdle during intermission if your thirsty!

Kathleen Weiss

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.

Eric Norstrom

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.

Kathy Pehowski

We've been here before and it was just as pleasant.

Karlyn Meyer

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.

Clarel Rankine

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 can't imagine a bad seat in the house.

Doug Rupert

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.

Clarissa Smith

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 there's 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.

Angie Martin

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 WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!! I LOVE THE COURT THEATRE!!! 5 STARS!!!

Win Whelan

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.

Gwen G (gwhen)

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 I've seen and loved the experience each time. The staff is always helpful when they are needed.

Eric Crawford

Wonderful performance's at a reasonable cost.

Lola Hotchkis

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 Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean" -- a great performance that gave us much food for thought and good dinner-time discussion.

Kate Strachan

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 didn't 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 - it's only there til 6/10.

Willa Puckett

Friendly & warm theater experience. Love going there!

Amber Davis

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

Antonia Asimis

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.

Ray Coffman

Saw Othello there. Great space, free parking with a ticket. Great performance, cast & set design.

Debra L Hawkins

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.

Jo Brill

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

Eric Olson

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 isn't 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.

Natacha Augustin

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

Howard Clauser

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

Lauren Kincaid-Filbey

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!

kathy antoniewicz

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

Robin Walters

I've seen 5 plays here and several at other theaters in chicago including the Steppenwolf. This is the best theater in Chicago. Their stage adaptation of Invisible Man is one of the most memorable theater experiences I've ever had. The stage design of whirling scenery around the main character who never left the stage left me floored. Charles Newell is a creative treasure that the court should never let go.

LaVerne Shade

Great location. Easy access.

Glenn Harston

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.

Cheryl Berger

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

Conrad Pomykala

Great award-winning smaller theater that presents serious works.

Regina Leslie

A consistent venue for classic theatre, with an emphasis on the African American perspective.

Larry Chambers

Not a bad seat in the house!

F Mc

First time visiting the theater. I look forward to coming back for more plays.

Camy

Great! 👏🏾👏🏾👍🏽😂😂😂 …

ron sangthong

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

Mister 36

It's a really cool place to have performances. Would've been 5 stars if they had a wider variety of products they sold.

Robin Willard

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

Adrienne Semmes

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

Ace Malone

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

Nick LaFountaine

Performance of August Wilson's King Hedley II was phenomenal, intimate stage and theater.

Tricia Watkins

Always a great place to enjoy theater. August Wilson's plays never disappoint.

Marlon Billups

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

Sheila McCarthy

Wonderful production! Excellent acting!

John Holton

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

Carrean Askew

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

Joyce Fondren

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

Wanda Bolton

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

Ron Stoddard

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

Kevin Fuller

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

Ashley Goode

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

Kerya Ball

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

David Schwartz

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

Judson Mitchell

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

T S Mason

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

Narda Waddy

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

Val A

High quality theatrical performances every time we visit

Robert Richter

This place is very difficult 4 handicapped or disabled people because it has stairs down to many of the seats. The night we were there at least two two people fell

Jewel Austin

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

Bill T-Chicago

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

Michelle McDonald

I've seen at least 5 excellent plays at this theatre.

Deb K

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

Lance Lawson

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

Jocelyn Ross, Officiant on Demand

Very nice community theater. Enjoyed a wonderful play.

Ileen Kelly

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

Barry Grau

Always great theater. There's no better reason to visit Hyde Park.

Djuana Stoakley

Great local theatre with world-class talent, set design, and plays.

Beverley Ware

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

Julius Rhodes

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

Dr. Spaulding

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

Betty Virginia Holcomb

Great seats everywhere. Wonderful performances this entire season.

Risha Tenae

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

Charles B Haller

Small venue so all seats are at least pretty good

Michael Horton

I've liked or loved every show I've seen there.

Paul Brown

One of the consistently most excellent theater companies in America. America's most European theater company.

gloria cox

Always great acting and can't beat the free parking

Skate Bug

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

Ethan Cohen

Their shows are almost always extremely well executed.

Jessica Baker

Enjoyed the atmosphere. Great play blues for an alabama sky

D. Morgan

Nice intimate theater! Any seat is great!

Joyce Bradley

A truly love the experience and the play Mousetrap was excellent 🎉🎉🎈 …

Amy Dworsky

Always great production. Reasonable cost. Hidden gem.

Kevin Walker

Intimate theatre. Always a great experience.

Ayiana Ramirez

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

Helen Barrett

Great selection of plays, good prices and wonderful staff.

Kerith Wolf

Great theater with a lot of local talent

Bruce Keith

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

Mel Smothers

Always a good time, productions are first rate.

Olga Stefan

Not very efficient and not very welcoming staff..

Let's Stay Together Talk Show

Great theatrical plays at a reasonable price.

Terez Zeigler

Checking out the wonderful play "Blues for an Alabama Sky"

Francine Jones

Love it! There are no bad seats...stadium seating,

Alvin E. Clark

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

Kimberly Garrison

Nice theater with close parking and restaurants

Katherine Brown

All seating is good, but tight

Clintonia Mcneal

Exciting unique style blending live cinema and puppetry

Katie Davis

Incredible performances and a lovely space.

Arlene Mitchell

Best Hedley II we have seen!

F Sykes

The actresses were very good.

Jeanne Sigel

Attended the performance of Frankenstein. A must see if you are in Chicago.

John Bracken

Tony award winners!

Derek Smith

Very easy to get to Free parking

arthur reliford

Seating a little tight. Performances 'sincere'

Melinda J

Great venue and free parking.

Jewell Hamilton

Very small set up

Giovina Romandine

Hidden little Chicago theater gem inside the University of Chicago campus

Nick Jae

The house manager Nick is awesome...

Àrlease Drayton

Enjoying the play 5 Guys Named Moe

Ralph S

Don't miss the adventures of Augie March!

Laketa

Wonderful environment and great staff.

Eric Bays

Top 3 theaters in Chicago.

Jack Ailey

Great play Photograph 51.

Jack Ailey

Great production of Radio Golf.

Sharon Hicks

For Colored Girls was amazing.

C Douglas Shaw

Great selection of underrepresented repertory

Claborne Cox

Very intimate

Ann

World class theater in an intimate setting

Domino Flannie

Beautiful. Always a good time.

Vanessa M. Thigpen

Nice intimate theater!

Nyssa Bolden

King Headly was a great!

mj luxhip

A variety of plays throughout the year

Phil Tracy

Wonderfulseating

Rick McCain

Great theatrical plays

Robert Levin

Always great productions

Myran Windham

Great August Wilson Play

Natalie Jenkins

Wonderful Performances!

Levoria Thompson

Very nice Theater

Kia Ballin

Me and my mom always here

James Hill

Very good performance

Joe Walsh

Angels in america was incredible

Stanley Williams

Service was standard not friendly.

arlander wade

Great performances

Jarrett Maddock

It was fun

Jennifer Ellis-Jackson

Great theater.

Marcia Johnson

Love it

Cheryl Simpson

Like it first time there

lorraine jaffe

Wonderful performance

Roger Hawking

Great shows

Ebony

The event was excellent

Moriam Raji

Mousetrap was amazing!

Tereasa Jefferson

The play was FABULOUS!

vivek kumar

Beautiful theatre

Renea Walker

Fantastic evening

Janet Myles

Always entertaining

Ronald Wojcik

Edgy

jean palla

Memorial

marcus williams-el

Great place

Sayuri Nitta

GREAT PERFORMANCE

Kitwana Williamson

great place

JImenez ADRIAN

Clean place

Barry Greenwald

(Translation) Cimppelling production of Man in the Ring (Original) Cimpelling production of Man in the Ring

Austin Packard

Megan Wildebour

Darlene Washington

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