Apollo Theater Chicago

The Apollo Theater Chicago, distinct from the famous Apollo Theatre in New York City, has carved out its own niche in the realm of performing arts. Situated in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, the theater was established in 1978 by Jason Brett and Stuart Oken. Architect Michael Lustig, a Chicago native, designed the building, which is notable for its modern glass and concrete aesthetic. The theater underwent its third renovation to enhance its facilities and patron experience. The Apollo Theater Chicago is renowned for its intimate setting, featuring a three-quarter thrust stage with 440 plush seats arranged in just eleven rows. This close proximity between the audience and performers creates a unique and engaging theatrical experience. Upon its opening, the theater's first production was Albert Innaurato’s "Gemini," directed by the original Broadway director, Peter Schifter. The theater gained significant attention with the success of David Mamet’s "Sexual Perversity in Chicago," which starred Jim Belushi in his dramatic stage debut and was directed by Sheldon Patinkin of Second City fame. The Apollo's subsequent seasons continued to draw audiences with notable productions such as Clifford Odet’s "Waiting for Lefty," Stephen Wade’s "Banjo Dancing," and long-running hits like "Harry Chapin: Lies and Legends," "Steel Magnolias," and "Pump Boys and Dinettes." The latter set a Chicago record for the longest-running musical at the time, a record that was eventually surpassed by the theater’s own production of "Million Dollar Quartet." The theater also served as a venue for productions by the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, featuring works with prominent actors such as John Malkovich and Gary Sinise. In 1991, Michael Leavitt and Fox Theatricals took over the Apollo's operations, introducing a variety of shows including "Lend Me a Tenor" with John Astin and Jamie Farr, Edward Albee’s "Three Tall Women," and "Forbidden Hollywood." Producer Rob Kolson assumed control in 1996, maintaining the theater's reputation for acclaimed productions. Notable shows during his tenure included "Always...Patsy Cline," "Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story," and Robert Dubac’s "The Male Intellect: an oxymoron." The Apollo Theater Chicago continued to host a diverse range of performances, including "The Vagina Monologues," which made its Midwest premiere in 2000 with author Eve Ensler and enjoyed a nearly three-year run. "Menopause the Musical" also had a successful stint at the theater starting in 2003. In addition to the main stage, the Apollo added a second, 50-seat studio space in 2005, which quickly became a hub for comedy, sketch, and improv, hosting groups such as Baby Wants Candy and artists like Aaron Freeman. The theater is home to the Emerald City Theatre, one of Chicago's most innovative theater companies for families, drawing nearly 50,000 patrons annually. One of the Apollo's most significant milestones was the run of "Million Dollar Quartet," which began on October 31, 2008, and concluded on January 17, 2016, after over 2,500 performances, marking one of the longest runs in the theater's history.