The Chicago Traveler

If you’re fortunate enough to take an architectural tour down the Chicago River, one of the most memorable buildings is the Civic Opera Building (a.k.a. Civic Opera House). Across the River from the Riverside Plaza and across the street from the UBS Tower, this limestone skyscraper is shaped like a gigantic armchair facing the River, with a 45-story office tower “back,” two 22-story “arms,” and a 12-story “seat” which is the opera house itself. It opened on November 4, 1929, just six days after the stock market crash.

Samuel Insull, “the Prince of Electricity,” was head of Commonwealth Edison and the …read more

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Navy Pier is a major tourist attraction in Chicago, offering a multitude of activities, including shopping, live music, virtual rides, restaurants, and cruises. You can even take in a bit of theatrical culture at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
This non-profit, professional theatre company was founded in 1986, when it performed on the roof of the Red Lion Pub. In 1999, it moved to its current two-venue facility at Navy Pier, which includes the 500-seat Jentes Family Auditorium (where the audience sits around three sides of the stage) and the 200-seat Carl & Marilynn Thoma Theater (a black box space).
I’m a big …read more

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The Cadillac Palace Theatre, another beautiful piece of Chicago’s historic Theater District, first opened its doors in October of 1926. Although the theatre may not look like much on the outside, it more than makes up for that inside. Visitors then and now saw breathtaking design inspired by the palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles, both in France. The interior includes huge decorative mirrors, breche violet, and white marble; and the walls are decorated with gold leafing and wood decorations.
The majestic theatre saw the likes of Jimmy Durante, Mae West, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. Over the years though, audiences slowly …read more

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• Jerry Seinfeld will be performing his stand-up routine at The Chicago Theatre. (Apr 11-12)
• At the Ibeji African Market Days, you can browse through handmade baskets, handbags, silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more on the ground floor of the James R. Thompson State of Illinois Center. Profits benefit orphans and women with HIV/AIDS in Africa. (Apr 10-11, e-mail)
• Support mentoring programs for local high school students at Spring for the Students: The Minds Matter of Chicago Spring Fundraiser. The event includes an open bar, appetizers, and auctions. (Apr 11)
• Ever wonder what your pet is thinking? Bring your pet …read more

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One of the most recognizable and memorable Chicago landmarks is the legendary Chicago Theatre. Located on State Street in the Loop, the theatre is home to stage plays, comedy performances, concerts, magic shows, and speeches. For several decades, it was the city’s primary motion picture theatre and now focuses on live performances of popular music.
The Chicago Theatre was the first movie venue of its kind in America. Large, lavish, and full of grandeur, the structure astonishes its visitors with an elegant lobby, a majestic staircase, and a beautiful auditorium. Murals grace the stage and ceiling. Movie patrons were enticed by …read more

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