CIBC Theatre Information
The CIBC Theatre is one of the most popular venues to visit for the biggest touring musicals and events in the downtown Chicago area! With a varied and traditional line up throughout the year, it’s no wonder so many come to experience what it has to offer!
Everything you need to know about the CIBC Theatre in Chicago
Chicago’s iconic cultural treasure transports audiences into a captivating world of theatre and arts. The CIBC Theatre stands as a testament to Chicago’s rich entertainment heritage. From vaudeville acts, to Broadway productions, the venue has stood its ground in serving only the best in the world. Over a century since it was built, it still shines with the splendor of its stunning architecture and world-class stage.
The architecture of the CIBC Theatre is like stepping into a beautifully preserved piece of history. It’s a stunning example of Beaux-Arts design, where every detail feels like a work of art. As you wander inside, you’ll be greeted by intricate patterns, delicate decorations, and exquisite plasterwork that adorn the walls and ceiling. It’s a nod to a time when craftsmanship was king, and elegance was paramount.
Enjoy the latest events and dazzling Broadway productions at the CIBC Theatre – giving you an experience to last a lifetime.
How to get to the CIBC Theatre in Chicago
Address: 18 W. Monroe St. Chicago, IL 60603-2400
When visitors come to Chicago, their first stop is often the Loop. The district is a good place to begin exploring the city’s vibrant energy and unique flavor. The CIBC Theatre is located in this area which is why it’s one of the best places to catch a show in style! The theatre has a vintage aura, keeping its architecture from when it was first built in 1902.
If you’re already in Chicago, you literally can’t miss the CIBC Theatre. It’s located in the center of the Loop, and accessible by all means of transportation. Whether you’re driving a car, or taking public transportation, the CIBC Theatre is an easy place to spot. Pro tip: if you’re staying in downtown Chicago, it would be a great idea to walk to the theatre and enjoy a stroll around the lively district.
Remember: you can’t leave the city without getting a taste of Broadway in Chicago! So, catch a show at the CIBC Theatre for an unforgettably fantastic experience. This independent guide was curated to help you throughout your stay in Chicago.
The History of the CIBC Theatre in Chicago
Before it was called the CIBC Theatre, it was Majestic. The Majestic Theatre first opened its doors on New Year’s Day, 1906. The venue was designed by Edmund R. Krause, Cornelius Rapp and George L. It was the first theatre in Chicago to cost more than a million dollars, standing out from the rest. The Majestic Building, Chicago’s tallest building at the time, became a Chicago icon. WIth this, the theatre quickly became a popular location for vaudeville shows.
In the 1920s, it became part of the famous Orpheum Circuit and became known for hosting the biggest vaudeville acts at the time. Some of the famous acts who have graced its stage include Al Jolson, Eddie Foy, Jack Benny, W.C. Fields, Harry Houdini, The Marx Brothers, Bert Williams, Lily Langtry, Eddie Cantor and Fanny Brice.
The Shubert Organization bought the theatre in 1945 and reopened it as the Sam Shubert Theatre. Although most of the original design was kept, the venue was renovated and redecorated. The Shubert theater became host to an incredible variety of renowned plays and musicals, including Carousel, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, The King and I, My Fair Lady and A Chorus Line. By the 1990s, the theatre was hosting some of the biggest productions, including the Chicago premiere of Rent, Chicago—The Musical, Cabaret and the Pre-Broadway engagements of The Goodbye Girl and Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria.
The theatre closed in 2005 for a multi-million dollar refurbishment and reopened in May 2006 as the LaSalle Bank Theatre, subsequently becoming the Bank of America Theatre in 2008. Broadway In Chicago and CIBC announced a dynamic relationship to bring the best of Broadway to the Chicago Theatre District during a press conference on December 8, 2015. On Tuesday, February 9, the CIBC Theatre formally reopened with the performance of Cabaret.
Broadway in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre
Broadway In Chicago was founded in July 2000 and has since evolved to become one of the country’s largest commercial touring homes. Broadway In Chicago, a Nederlander company, lights up the Chicago Theater District every year, delighting nearly 1.7 million visitors in five theaters. Broadway In Chicago features a wide variety of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of Chicago’s greatest theaters, including the CIBC Theatre.
Broadway in Chicago is best known for attracting pre-Broadway productions such as The Producers, Spamalot, Movin’ Out, The Addams Family, Kinky Boots, and On Your Feet. There have also been long-running engagements such as Wicked, Disney’s The Lion King, The Book Of Mormon, and Hamilton, to name a few.
Catch the best of Broadway at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago!
The CIBC Theatre in the heart of the Loop District
Whether you’re seeking a pre-show meal at a renowned restaurant, a leisurely stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, or a bit of retail therapy on State Street’s famed shopping strip, the Loop has it all. This central business district is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, premium hotels, and world-class shopping. Not to mention, it has all the eye-catching architecture to keep you and your camera busy for hours. A beautiful skyline, together with cultural institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, provide a Downtown where work and leisure coexist happily. Millennium Park and Cloud Gate a.k.a The Bean can also be found here!
The theater’s proximity to numerous public transit options, including the ‘L’ train and bus lines, makes it accessible to anyone. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you can’t avoid the CIBC Theatre because it’s a historic landmark! It’s a place where the energy of the city converges, and everyone around you exudes the same vibrant energy. So, when you attend a show at the CIBC Theatre, you’re not just enjoying world-class entertainment; you’re immersing yourself in the culture of Chicago.
If you want the true Chicago experience, catch a Broadway show at the CIBC Theatre. Head to CIBC Events to get tickets for upcoming shows!