Oriental Theatre

The theater is fantastic and beautiful and there is no reason not to give it 5 stars.
But I have decided, instead, to give my thoughts on SpongeBob the Musical, which is running here through July 10. Remember this is a preview review and I’m an amateur and we are lucky in Chicago to get a chance at a preview of a musical with this ambition and it’s worth seeing now and if it becomes something great, again when it circles back around to see how it has evolved. And I am assuming it will evolve. My review:
I finally figured out my feelings for The SpongeBob Musical and since there are no available reviews, whatsoever, on the Internet, you can consider this a first.
The SpongeBob musical is designed to be fun. It wants to have fun and it wants you to have fun and they go to extraordinary lengths to deliver both and by the final act they will make sure you walked away saying it was fun. That’s the good part.
At the same time the story and musical itself is by the numbers and mostly derivative. SpongeBob makes a point of copying other musicals and tries to reach a second level for adult audiences to do this. Some of these derivations, or homages, are obvious and work quite well, such as the one to Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolor dream coat while most felt too loose to make a direct connection.
As a result it’s hard to get a feel if SpongeBob is trying to do a successful parody or playing it safe by simply copying what has come before. Perhaps theater aficionados, with a better knowledge than I, will find that deeper connection and understand the references more clearly. However I believe some of them need to be tightened up.
As for the music, it is like any movie style soundtrack that assembles original songs from multiple artists, uneven. It is an ambitious risk and I think it works more often than it doesn’t.
I believe the two song that people will have the most hope for by David Bowie and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will also disappoint the most. However TI’s song, whose act feels like an attempted parody of Hamilton, is a fun song and is one of the best of the show, as is Cyndi Lauper’s contribution.
The characterizations and actors for a cartoon turned live action theater completely work. The costumes are, like the set, surreal human interpretations of the cartoon. No one exactly tries to look like SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Crab and Sandy, but they are a close enough proximation and they nail the voices and personalities of the long running cartoon.
I do feel that two of the major characters need slight costume tweaks to leave a little less to the visual imagination, and unfortunately they are the two major characters of Sandy Squirrel and SpongeBob, himself. I assume they tried to use a tail on Sandy and it didn’t quite work, so I can offer no other suggestions, and perhaps it is more clever than I give credit for that Sandy’s hair is a stand in for the cartoon’s bubble glass breathing apparatus.
As for SpongeBob, I am probably being picky and to change his costume or add certain prosthetics would ruin the aesthetic the show is trying to find, which works so well for Patrick Star and the absolutely perfectly dead on, in every way, for Squidward.
Gavin Lee, who played Thenadier in Les Miserables on Broadway, is the highlight and stand out of the show. Adults will wish for more of him, more so than the kids and his costume is perfectly designed. You will wish the story revolved more around Squidward, than just using him as a side act.
Overall I would recommend seeing SpongeBob, and since this is a preview, I am sure there will be tweaks before it hits Broadway in NYC. Without a doubt you should walk out thinking to yourself, «well that was weird… And fun,» which is probably how most kids think of the SpongeBob cartoon. And there are surprises and extras both before, during, and at the very end of the show that you will draw you in and make you smile (and celebrate).
At the same time, the uneven music will be the biggest anchor towards making SpongeBob something great, because it is likely impossible to tweak unless they have the courage to cut one or two of the «famous» songs for new ones written by either Jonathan Coulton, who has the aesthetic down in his sole contribution, which is used as the reprise number twice more, or by Andy Paley and Tom Kenny (the original voice of SpongeBob) who’s contribution is the song that will stick with you long after the show is over.
If they can strengthen up the parodies so they feel less like copies, while maintaining the story they want to tell, SpongeBob can become something special. Perhaps a consult with Matt Stone and Trey Parker would help. The clear work and love that has been put into making SpongeBob the Musical is obvious and it is close to being something fantastic for kids and adults.

This theater is amazing!
I visited this place for the first time this past weekend when my husband and I went to see Spongebob. (Yes, I’m married and 29 and wanted to see Spongebob, judge me.)
I had no idea about seating here so before I purchased tickets I looked around online and read places to try and avoid, so I ended up getting orch right row K and they were super good seats! The theater itself was super cool too. The ceiling and artwork is insane– be sure to look up when visiting! :)
They did sell drinks/​candy/​popcorn and they did allow it inside the theater. I’m not sure if that was just because it was a kids show or not, but they also didn’t seem to care that I had brought in a bottle of water either.
Parking is pretty easy because it’s in the theater district so there’s a few different garages to choose from. BUT PAY ONLINE FIRST! One of my biggest pet peeves is when I see people paying the full price at parking garages when you can pay ahead online and save!
Check this place out if you have the chance!

Been to many theaters in Chicago but this is my favorite.
Last time I was there for Matilda, I actually dropped my phone in my seat, left the theater and realized my phone was gone about 10 minutes into my commute home. I drove back to the theater and luckily there was a lady closing up, I told her about my phone missing, she asked for my tickets so that she could go check, she went back in and came out with my phone !! So props to her, I didn’t get her name to give her a shoutout here but that was really nice of her.
As far as the theater, sometimes theater can get expensive so I’ve gone for the deals that are online and obviously the seating with those tickets is pretty far, but what surprised me from this one theater is that the sound is amazing even if you are seating all the way in the top you can get a clear sound of the dialogue and music. The view is good from most seats too.
If going during the winter time I recommend doing the coat check, is only a dollar and you will be way more comfortable in your seat.

Beautiful! This theatre is amazingly ornate and breathtaking at every turn. It gets four stars simple because it is an older theatre, thus the seats are a little less cushy, the elevation between seats isn’t as great, and smaller restrooms. (Worth it though). I recommend calling or buying from the box office as the prices are cheaper and you can get better seats. The workers were very nice and helpful. The location is walkable and convenient and I don’t see that any seats have a bad view. My seats were pretty close to the front and I’d love to try the balcony. ALSO you can bring food and drink into the theatre. (Garret’s popcorn is next door.)

Beautiful building. Wow. The show Matilda was wonderful. Take the family it’s worth it.

This is my first Unilocal review… I usually don’t review… The show was great but the audience was non inviting due to the fact that the people wanted a play not a show, we were there to celebrate carol King and the struggles and accomplishments she did thru her life. We wanted to clap and sing but were reprimanded to express our feeling to Carole King and her fabulous work. Very disappointed. We love carol but could not sing clap or sing since the ushers told us to stop clapping singing or snapping, I’m sure fail King would not appreciate this ‘The ushers squashed any fun we were to have. We will not return to the oriental theatre

Love, love, love this beautiful theatre. There is not a bad seat in the place. It’s large, but not cavernous, has great acoustics and sight lines. Saw the musical Beautiful today and that’s probably coloring my review a bit because it was outstandingly terrific! See it ladies and gents, it’s only here for a couple more weeks.
Yes there are a few stairs to climb, but it’s well organized and easy to navigate and the ushers and usherettes are very helpful. I must state the obvious, and that is that the ladies restroom needs more room for resting. Other than that, this is a spectacular place to see a show.

This Is Theatre. This Is Life.
I had my first experience at the Oriental Theatre on 2÷7÷2016. There is so much I want to say about this venue that I do not know where to start.
I will start in order then.
Ticketing: Luckily I knew members of the cast. So I was able to skip the hassle of ordering online etc. I was also able to get a super reduced priced ticket even though my view was classified as limited. My friend in the cast was able to hold my ticket at the box office. It was easy as pie to walk up to the window and give my name and she immediately passed over my ticket. I sort of wish she would have checked my ID or something. I wonder how many times tickets have been stolen.
Location: right in the heart of the loop, the Oriental sits on Randolph surrounded by shops, food, nightlife, and bars. This makes an evening or afternoon at the Oriental the perfect venue because its relative — distance wise — to so many great places to wine dine and shine.
Amenities: Very friendly concierge and ticket agents. They were all dressed in Phantom of the Opera like capes which I thought was cute. I did have two instances with ushers who seemed like they had no idea where my seat was or how to find it (strange) but I am no stranger to the theatre so I went on a hunt to find it myself. I LOVE the concessions. The wine was great — yet expensive but hey! Thats expected. I love that they let you take the snacks and drinks inside the theatre.
Décor: This is easily one of the most opulent theatres I have ever been to. The architecture is a show in itself. I took great pleasure in walking slowly through the halls making sure to observe every nook and cranny to see what symbols or carvings were on the wall/​floor/​ceiling. Chandeliers everywhere. Its just stunning. The carpeting, stunning. The grand staircases, stunning.
Seating: Truly no bad seating! I was in the dress circle which is the limited view section and the only part of my view that was obscured was the very far stage left. I missed no part of the show, and it didn’t take away from the production either.
Production: FAN. TAS. TI. CAL! I took great pleasure in seeing Beautiful — The Carol King Musical on a Sunday afternoon. I LOVED this production! Every single performer was strong! Tremendous voices and dancing, and the acting was 5 star! It literally felt like I had transported back ⁴⁄₅ decades and was living in the past. That’s how believable these performers were. They were acting but they were not ACTING. The sound system was flawless. The lighting and costumes were flawless. The set design was flawless. this is an A+ production and I am so glad that I was able to witness Carol King’s story.
Do yourself a favor and get to the Oriental Theatre the first chance you get. You will not regret it.

I just moved to Chicago and wanted to watch a show before I started work and I’m so happy I chose the musical about Carole King. A bit wary initially because nothing had ever been worth going into a theater for after Wicked. Not even Les Miserables (don’t judge me!!!) But, I didn’t know how pleasantly entertained and moved I’d be by Beautiful. My only regret is not bringing my parents along. They’re the ones to thank for introducing me to Carole King’s masterpieces.
The talent was amazing… I can’t get over how beautifully this whole story unfolded in real life and on stage. The real Carole King is amazing, and I’m glad there was a musical tribute to her… I just wanted the cast to keep singing the entire time. I even cried a couple of times because it reminded me of my childhood and how my parents would play these songs on Saturday mornings. I also had tears because I finally knew the origin of some of the greatest songs of all time coupled with the amazing vocals. It was an emotional experience for me, heh.
Go watch it for Carole King. The cast will not disappoint.

We had a problem with our tickets. I was scammed on the Internet and was mailed fake tickets. The will call gentleman listened to my panic, understood the situation and gave us passes into the show. We saw Beutiful the Carol King musical. If not for the understanding of this gentleman, my wife would have been crushed. Because of him I’m a hero. Thank you for the wonderful experience. Fantastic show and place.

Wear your long underwear and ski parka. Had a draft on me the entire performance as did everyone around me. It’s winter for heaven sake-​, turn off the A/​C.

Recently, I was able to catch the Beautiful — Carol King Story at this historical theater.
When I had arrived at the theatre, just show the ticket via smartphone then walk right in. Upon arrival, you can sense this is an older theater. Just like many of many of the theaters of the time, the washrooms are on lower floor. In the lobby, you have the coat check and the concession area.
The friendly ushers greeted me and directed me to the seat. The seating in the left orchestra were just right. The lighting and sound were perfect.
Overall, The Oriental Palace is beautiful theater and highly recommended to see any musicals at this venue.

There’s not a bad seat in the house! Always love seeing a show at the Oriental.
I like to sit balcony center. Direct line of sight to the stage and the music surrounds you.
Lots of stalls in women’s restrooms! Yes, you’ll still wait in line during intermission but you won’t miss the first part of the second act waiting.

A great place to watch any live performance!
i had the privilege of watching Newsies here on tour with my sister last December. We sat in the Lodge, second row to the front and had great seats. Not only were we able to see facial expression and the good acting from the actors, but we also had the best seat in the house to see the overall stage and design of the show. It was a great show in a better theatre.
The architecture around was amazing! So much attention to detail in that space and a great part of Chicago history!
I would recommend lodge seating for this venue! A great seat to see everything without missing anything! You will thank me later :)
Enjoy the show!

Sherlock is One of the worst plays I have seen. Absolutely no redeeming qualities. It reminded me of a high school production. The stage talent was lacking, the script in comprehensible. The staging was simplistic. I sat with the head of artistic scouting for a Midwestern theater who was looking to bring this play to his facility and he walked out at intermission. If Broadway in Chicago is going to succeed they have to leave this type of production in regional theater. Shame on the Oriental and Chicago theater.

I can’t tell you how disappointed I was with the current play «Sherlock Holmes». I am glad that I only paid $ 25.00 to see it because even at that amount, it wasn’t worth it. It made no sense and you couldn’t understand one word they were saying. I so looked forward to this night out but I was horrible disappointed. Do they really think this will make it to Broadway?

The theatre is beautiful — exactly what I remember from my childhood, but restored to even greater beauty. We saw Get On Your Feet (Gloria Estefan) and it was fabulous.
The seats were great — Row U, main floor orchestra right. The main floor begins to ramp up a bit at Row P so anything in back of that is really nice. You get an excellent view because the seats are staggered so that the people in front of you are not directly in front, so you are able to see through the space between the two seats in front. Don’t be afraid to get seats this far back — they were perfectly good. And by the way, if you can get to Hot Tix downtown, they were considerably cheaper than box office and better than Goldstar seats.
I don’t hear that well and wear hearing aids, so I took a hearing assist device. Did not need it at all because I could hear almost everything quite well. (I tried the device and it was pretty staticy).
As a dining option, consider valet parking for $ 12 at Italian Village a short walk away on Monroe and dinner after or before the theatre. A fine old classic Italian restaurant (we went to the Village, upstairs). Much cheaper than the lots and a good meal.

We saw Get on your feet. Really amazing play. Gloria and Emilio’s story was well done. I really like the theater, I don’t think there was a bad seat.

Another gorgeous theater in Chicago. I have seen a few shows here, including Wicked. Inside is full of ornate artwork inspired by India all over the walls and ceilings. The staff is friendly and helpful (plenty of people are willing to help you find your seats). The seats I had were very good (we were on the floor). We didn’t have a problem seeing or hearing anything. There are fewer bars scattered throughout, but the inside of the theater feels more open than others. I would definitely come back to see another show here.

Beautiful theatre! The seats are comfortable and I apreciated that the women’s bathroom is huge and had lis of stalls. We saw first wives club-​great sets, awesome play, very well done!

I adore this theater. Classic, old, ornate, and a wonderful place to take in a show. Acoustics are fantastic, and, having sat in a variety of places, I can safely say there really isn’t a bad seat in the house (just some a bit better than others).
What really impresses me about this theatre, however, is the staff. They are extremely courteous, helpful, and hot DAMN do those attendants know how to move a line through the ladies room at intermission. Such efficiency.
Full bar (bring cash, though one or two registers take credit), and you can bring food/​drink into the performance.
Pro tip — if you are sitting in the orchestra level, it’s fairly level until about Row P, where there’s a bit of a steeper slope. So if you are looking at purchasing tickets, keep in mind that Rows P and beyond may have a bit of a better view than closer rows.

Fantastic old theater. The lobby is beautiful and the seating is comfortable. Some of the best shows touring from Broadway play right here.
My seat was broken, not badly, but for a 100 bucks a ticket I was disappointed. I told an usher and he sent me to a house manger. She quickly took the seat number to get it repaired and moved me to floor in the empty handicapped seating. The show was sold out and she got me on the floor! Amazing customer service.
Fantastic shows and service. Looking forward to my next experience here.

How can I resist not giving 5 stars to this excellent beautiful theater. I had a chance to visit this theatre 2 weeks ago, as I was watching Stephen King’s horror musical ghost brothers of Darkland County. Entering into the theater left me awestruck at how magnificent the architecture and interior was. It was so hard to resist staring at the walls and the ceilings. The lighting has an absolutely serene effect. It makes you feel as if you are several hundred years in the past enjoying musicals and theaters before the advent of television.
The acoustics are flawless and no matter how loud the music is supposed to be the purpose is to make sure that you are indulged in the experience. I couldn’t help but notice how wonderful some of the displays are especially on the side walls inside the theater that have angels and goddesses carved in big niches.
Highly recommended even if you are seeing an average musical or Broadway production, this theatre is an absolute must to see while you are in Chicago and are a theatre fan. There’s absolutely no parking in the vicinity because the intersection of State Street and Madison Street is one of the most busiest intersection that I have seen. Legend has it that the theater was initially built early eighteenth century however was burnt by the disastrous Chicago Fire in 1903. It claimed 600 lives and nothing remained off the old Building. One of the urban legends has it that this place remains haunted by the ghosts of the actors and actresses who died here. But I’m not that big a fan of urban legends so I’d rather not believe that story I’d rather enjoy the theater and it’s wonderful musicals.

When it comes to the best Broadway shows in Chicago you have to be in the loop-​the Chicago Loop that is. The vicinity of Randolph Street in the Chicago Loop is a lullaby of Broadway-​a Chicago Broadway. It was on the Friday night of August 1, 2014; when we saw «Motown-​The Musical» in the Oriental Theatre.
Attending a Broadway show in the Oriental Theatre was a rewarding experience. I was in a Theatre enveloped with history. The Oriental Theatre opened up in May 8, 1926. Nearly a century later the historical interior of this 2,253 seat arena is well preserved. Before Motown-​The Musical started the entertainment was taking in all the preserved elegance from the balconies to the engravings of dragons over the stage.
Broadway in Chicago operates the Oriental Theatre. The upshot is that outstanding plays and musicals perform in the Oriental Theatre. This included a phenomenal run of «Wicked.» My advice for looking into tickets and getting more value for the money is to check out the Half Tix outlet. This saved us $ on «Motown the Musical» at the same time it rewarded us with nice orchestra seats.
Prior to the show, they opened the main door 45 minutes prior to when it started. Right away I noticed that attending a musical show is now a casual night out. Gone are the days that you have to dress in your best clothes. The performing arts is now mainstream. After passing the main hall, we waited in front of the theatre for a few minutes. Before the usher let us inside she admonished us that if you use the restroom or leave the Theatre during the show that you will not be allowed in until intermission. With that said, in hindsight it was a wise decision to pass over any beverages.
Inside the Theatre there are a few different seating arrangements. These are the seating arrangements from closest to furthest from the stage: Orchestra, dress circle, loge, and balcony. The Oriental Theatre provides comfortable seats with Academy Award winning views of the stage. However they are different from stadium seating. During Motown-​The Musical the people dancing in the seats in front of me created occasional blind spots when I needed to look around the back of their heads. With that said, they are Academy Award winning seats if you have a shorter individual in the seat in front of you.
After leaving the Oriental Theatre, as I was walking on Randolph Street with Motown tunes playing in my head, it dawned on me that I saw two class acts: «Motown-​The Musical» and the nearly Century old Oriental Theatre.

This place is beautiful. I essentially had to resist the urge to stare at the walls and ceiling during the show. The architecture was really something special and I would not have guessed it from looking at the exterior.
I went with a group of girlfriends to see Motown. We purchased our seats through Goldstar so they were deeply discounted and in the upper balcony area. I had never been to Oriental but was told there are really no bad seats in the place. While I disagree with that statement, I will say that our seats were good ones, especially given the price. We were in the center and on the first and second rows off the aisle way. The sound was good but it will not support neighbors having a full conversation about who they dated when the song came out and where they were when they first heard it.
Are you out of shape? If you are, stick with the floor seating. There is an elevator but it seems that the stairs are the better way to go and it is quite the hike especially in heels. The balcony seats are up two steep flights of stairs.
Are you a cell phone junkie who has to have your phone in hand like a security blanket? If so, this is not the place for you. The ushers ensure there are no cellular phone in use. Johnny on the spot. I mean they appear out of nowhere to put the misbehaving individuals in check. Guests were told to power their phone off so I guess they had it coming.
Would I return? Absolutely. …I even liked the bathrooms.

The Oriental Theatre is a real gem. I’ll go so far as to sound cliché when writing the ambience whisked me back to a time when theatre go’ers were treated to delightful acts of vaudevillian presentation. Why? The ornate surroundings and smallish confines transcend today’s big houses for plays.
My seat Aisle 4 — far left in row O. No one to my right. I didn’t see about ¹⁄₈^th of the right-​hand stage but for MOTOWN, the music was the magic. Looking around I cannot imagine there being a poor seat in the house for viewing. Balcony seating, at least in the front one-​third, almost covered the orchestrate 1^st floor level. Small but copiously decorated boxes would be a dream.
Accoustically, the Oriental Theatre seemed a little challenged but once again nostalgia and the architecture were so superb, the theatre so quaint, I didn’t mind one bit. A play presentation might be different than MOTOWN but possibly better.
Picking up on a few other Unilocal’rs comments of seating … yes, small and leg room in the aisles was tight. There were individuals who were seated post-​start of the MOTOWN musical and that’s not too common. But that interference was due to struggles to get into seating (no room to fit through without an entire row standing); poor administration on that component. But it didn’t affect me.
The Oriental Theatre is wonderful.

A beautiful theater that reminds me of what theater going might have been like back in the day!
I was a little nervous about leg room after reading all the comments on here, but for the main floor, the leg room was fine, at least for this 6 foot tall girl!
The sight lines are good and the sound is amazing! I’d be surprised if there was a bad seat in this intimate theater.
While the bathrooms are downstairs, if you listen to the bathroom attendants (yes suburban ladies, follow the person who knows and it’s not you) you will be in and out in plenty of time. The men had more of an issue on my recent visit which brought a smile to my face! (sometimes it’s the little things!)
All in all a great night of theater in Chicago!

The Oriental Theatre offers a variety of broadway shows and musicals — I saw ‘Wicked’ here with a few friends, and the ushers and the staff were very pleasant and quickly directs you where your seats are. The theater itself is very nice, with the beautifully-​decorated ceilings and the chandeliers. You can also host events here — the Grand Lobby can entertain up to 300 guests, the Dress Circle and the Balcony lobbies can host up to 70; there are also backstage experiences such as the Choreograph’s Hall and the Rehearsal Hall; private receptions can be held in the Broadway in Chicago Suite up to 60 guests; and, of course, the theater itself has 2,253 seats on all levels, just in case you want to book it for a private event! They offer seasonal tickets and special events, and tickets can be purchased online, via the phone, the ticket outlet, or in-​person at their box offices. Parking can be quite tricky as it is in the theater district, but there are parking garages and the train station nearby.
+musicals and other theatrical performances

Seeing Ghost the Musical Tonight!
Honestly, it’s been many years since I have been inside the
Oriental Theatre, see. back in my day, the 70’s. yes, I know, it was
before some of you were even born this most stunning theatre used
to be a movie house that in all honesty did not show the classiest of movies.
Unless you want to classify a movie called «Superfly» a classy film!
Ah, yes, those were the days.
Well, obviously the times have changed and I have moved up in the world
because tonight I entered this most magnificent theatre to see Ghost the Musical,
Yes, I am guilty, I love/​loved the movie Ghost and I cry every single darn time
they show the pottery scene with Unchained Melody.
God, I’m such a woman.
Just a few facts I found out through some of the Theatre Staff this evening.
The Theatre opened to the public in May, 1926 and the interior of the theatre
was Asian Inspired, and I saw that tonight, the entrance, lobby, the theatre interior
all had the most stunning, ornate Asian type design/​theme going on. Stunning!
Got, to be honest here, I love the Theatre and I go/​attend as much as I am able to
and I would like to Thank Hottix because for this performance I had a main floor
orchestra seat for half price.
Ahhh, the seats, incredibly soft and comfortable, the aisles all had enough leg
room, and there was plenty of room for everyone to be /​stay comfortable
through this performance.
The only issue that I had tonight was that it was pretty cold inside the theatre,
and I understand that was because it was really cold outside and I was seated
at ground level.
Just wish I had felt a little bit warmer…
But, God, The visual beauty of this theatre blew me away, truly, it seems
the older I’m getting the more I appreciate the true beauty of certain things/​places.
Oh, also I’m a Libra and Libra’s love beauty.
So, in ending, I loved re-​visiting this most stunning theatre, it was a great night
of theatre and music, and I left with the nicest of feelings.
But then I was leaving the theatre and a panhandler asked me for money and I
said I only had my debit card and he said that’s okay, I’ll take plastic…
Guess I’m not the only one moving up in the world.