ChicagoCritic.com is an independent guide to Chicago theatre and live performance. We help readers decide what to see on Chicago stages, from Loop Broadway tours to storefront premieres and suburban playhouses, and we maintain an archive of thousands of reviews.
Who We Are
ChicagoCritic.com was created by Chicago theatre critic Tom Williams in 2009. Over the years, critics including Tom Williams and more have reviewed plays, musicals, opera, cabaret, classical music and more across Chicago and its suburbs. Today the site holds roughly 2,700 published reviews and articles.
What We Cover
- Reviews: Our theatre review archive covers thousands of Chicago-area productions, along with music, opera, cabaret and art reviews.
- What’s playing: The Chicago Shows Now Playing guide lists current plays, musicals and Broadway tours.
- Monthly theatre guides: Each month we pick the shows worth your time, such as October on Chicago Stages.
- Jeff Awards: Our Jeff Awards guide and awards coverage follow the nominees and winners of Chicago’s theatre awards.
- Holiday shows: Seasonal guides, including Chicago Holiday Shows & Musicals and Where to See The Nutcracker in Chicago.
- Festivals and events: Coverage of Chicago festivals and cultural events beyond the theatre.
- Planning a night out: The Chicago Theatre District Guide covers the downtown theatres, tickets and visitor tips.
Our Editorial Approach
ChicagoCritic.com is independent and Chicago-first. We focus on Chicago and suburban stages instead of national entertainment news. For dates, venues, casting and tickets, we rely on official sources such as theatre companies, venues and box offices, and we point readers to them so they can check the latest details before they buy. When a request for a review comes in, we consider it editorially; a request does not guarantee a review.
About the Founder
Tom Williams founded ChicagoCritic.com and wrote much of its review archive. In 2010 he received the Society of Midland Authors’ James Friend Memorial Award for Criticism for his work as creator and founder of the site. Critic Beverly Friend has also contributed reviews. You can browse Tom Williams’ reviews in the archive.
Request a Review
Producing a play, musical, concert or other live performance in the Chicago area? Use our Request a Review form. Please send requests at least two weeks before your preferred performance date whenever possible. For announcements and press releases, use the press release submission form.
Contact Us
For corrections, feedback, advertising or general questions, visit our Contact page or email us at info at ChicagoCritic.com. Writers and critics interested in contributing can reach us through our contributors page.