The Chicago Theatre

Chicago, Illinois is a place where many notable historical theatres were built during the early years of the 19th century, where each façade of the building is unique and tells a story. One of these is The Chicago Theatre, located in the Loop. It is imperative to book The Chicago Theatre parking ahead of time with ParkWhiz for convenience. Formerly known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre in 1921, the theatre became the flagship for 28 theatres, which became one of the largest chain of lavish motion picture theatres in the country. The Chicago Theatre was designed by Cornelius W. Rapp and George L. Rapp, famous for their New-Baroque French-revival style in which the theatre was styled; it is the oldest surviving example in Chicago. It has a 3,880 seating capacity. During its opening week, crowds packed the theatre which was then penned “Wonder Theatre of the World”. The theatre catered to motion pictures, concerts and live stage shows for the first 40 years in operation and concentrated in featuring Jazz in which it became the mainstay in Chicago theatres. The venue has been associated with popular culture events, one of which was when Ronald Regan proposed to Jenny Wyman there. Like the other theatres around Chicago, Frank Sinatra graced the stage as it reopened after restorations. The theatre hosted the annual opening film of the Chicago International Film Festival until 2008. The theatre is also known for its grand Wurlitzer pipe organ. On October 11, 2008 New York’s Madison Square Garden Entertainment announced that they would buy the theatre, which it now manages. Guests can go on a history-filled journey from the establishment in 1921 up to present day to experience theatrical plays, ballets, orchestra shows and concerts. That is why booking The Chicago Theatre parking in advance of the show with ParkWhiz is definitely needed.