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Cheap Theatrical Thrills!

By Suzy Evans in Arts & Entertainment on May 2, 2009 6:40PM

2009_05_tempest.jpg
Steppenwolf's The Tempest. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
We know Chicago is famous for the intimate storefront scene and the omnipresent itinerant theaters, but the powerhouses also have some good stuff to offer. And no, you’re not selling your theatrical soul if you actually enjoy Broadway In Chicago. We do, but sometimes it’s cost, not quality, that prevents us from attending, as we’re sure you understand. So here’s a handful of ways to get cheap cheaper tickets to some of Chicago’s iconic thespian hangouts.

Hot Tix
It’s not really a secret, but it’s a huge advantage in this economy. The League of Chicago Theatres offers half-priced tickets both online and at two booth locations downtown, and almost every major show (maybe not Jersey Boys) is on the list of offerings. A Chorus Line closes tomorrow if you want to catch it!

Order online here or at either of these locations:

72 E. Randolph
(Between Michigan Avenue and Wabash Avenue)
Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

163 E. Pearson
(At Michigan Avenue, in the Water Works Visitor Center)
Tuesday Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Sunday closed until May 24th.

Goodman
That’s right folks, even the Goodman Theatre has cheap seats available. If you go to the website at 10 a.m. (we know it’s early), you can get any remaining seat in the mezzanine level at half price for a show that day. And if you’re a student, you can get the same seats for ten dollars with a student I.D. (Type in the special code MEZZTIX or 10TIX.) We’re very excited about Tom Stoppard’s Rock ‘n’ Roll, which starts previews tonight, making its Chicago premiere there! (170 N. Dearborn)

Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf likes to do things in threes. It has three theater spaces and three offers for discounted tickets. Half-priced rush tickets available an hour before any performance. Student rush tickets are available for $15 with student I.D., and twenty tickets can be purchased at $20 apiece at 11 a.m. (Mon-Sat) or 1 p.m. on Sunday. All offers must be taken advantage of in person or on the phone for the $20 tickets.
We’re big fans of The Tempest playing there now! (1650 N. Halsted)

TMLMTBGB
While its old news that the Neofuturists can perform 30 plays in 60 minutes in its iconic Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (TMLMTBGB), there are some new discounts in store. In celebration of the 20th anniversary, tickets only cost what you can roll on a die ($1-6) on first Sunday of the month. However if you come on Friday or Saturdays, tickets are $9 plus your die roll ($10-$15). Either way, you’re getting a pretty good deal. (5153 N. Ashland)