Goodman Theatre has been part of Chicago’s theater scene since 1925. Today, its two downtown stages present new plays, classics, revivals and musicals. Located in the Chicago Theatre District, it is primarily a producing company rather than a Broadway touring house.
Goodman Theatre: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601 |
| Neighborhood | The Loop / Chicago Theatre District |
| Phone | (312) 443-3800 |
| Theaters | Albert Theatre and Owen Theatre |
| Public Transit | CTA Red Line (Lake); Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple Lines (Clark/Lake) |
| Parking | Theatre District Self Park, 181 N. Dearborn St.; Government Center Self Park, 181 N. Clark St. Discounted prepaid parking available |
| Box Office Hours | In person: Tuesday–Sunday, noon–5 p.m.; phone: daily, noon–5 p.m. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair seating, assistive listening, audio description, ASL interpretation and open-captioned performances |
| Website | goodmantheatre.org |
| Tickets | Goodman Theatre Tickets |
Performance Spaces and Seating
The Albert Theatre is Goodman’s larger, traditional auditorium, with an orchestra and elevated seating levels suited to bigger productions. The Owen Theatre is smaller and more flexible, bringing the audience closer to the performers; its seating layout can change with the show. The Owen also generally uses general-admission seating by level, so check the ticket details rather than assuming you are choosing an individual seat. If you prefer a broad view of a large cast or elaborate set, compare the Albert’s seating levels. For a more intimate play, the Owen offers a different experience. In either room, check the production’s seating information before booking.
What to Know Before Visiting
Confirm which theater in the complex your show is in, the start time and whether there is an intermission. For more on typical lengths, see our guide to Broadway show running times. For accessible seating, assistive listening and other accommodations, consult Goodman’s official accessibility information or call the box office. Ticket prices, policies and schedules can change. For a broader look at professional companies, see our guide to Chicago Equity Theatre Companies.
Insider Tips for Visiting Goodman Theatre
- Arrive early and check your theater. Aim to reach the lobby about 30 minutes before curtain. The Albert and Owen have different seating arrangements, and latecomers may have to wait for a suitable break or intermission.
- Prepay for parking. Goodman offers discounted prepaid parking at Government Center Self Park (181 N. Clark) and Theatre District Self Park (181 N. Dearborn). Current advertised rates are $22 and $24, subject to change. See Goodman’s official parking information.
- Consider the CTA. The Lake Red Line and Clark/Lake stations are nearby. Taking the train avoids downtown parking costs and post-show traffic.
- Check ticket offers before buying. Look for Goodman discounts and last-minute availability, but don’t assume standby seats will be available. Our Chicago theater ticket guide covers additional options.
- Allow time for dinner. The Loop has plenty of restaurants, but a pre-show reservation should leave enough time to pay the bill and get to your seat before curtain.
- Arrange accessibility needs ahead of time. Both theaters have accessible seating and assistive listening. Select performances offer audio description, captions, ASL interpretation or Spanish subtitles. See Goodman’s official accessibility information for details.
Goodman Theatre History
Founded in 1925, Goodman Theatre is one of the oldest major regional theaters in the country. It began in association with the Art Institute of Chicago and later became an independent company. For decades it was known for a mix of classics, new plays, and large-scale productions that could fill a substantial house.
In 2000 the company moved to its current downtown complex on Dearborn Street, with the larger Albert Theatre and the smaller Owen Theatre. The Goodman has received a Regional Theatre Tony Award and has a long track record of developing and premiering new work alongside revivals of classic plays and occasional musicals. Its downtown location also makes it one of the more accessible major Chicago theaters for visitors already in the Loop. Learn more about Chicago’s theatre awards in our Jeff Awards guide.
What ChicagoCritic’s Reviews Reveal About Goodman Theatre
Goodman’s reputation rests partly on its ability to stage productions that smaller companies might struggle to mount. ChicagoCritic’s reviews have documented everything from elaborate musicals and major revivals to experimental new work.
One example is 2666, the five-and-a-half-hour adaptation directed by Robert Falls and Seth Bockley. In his review, Jacob Davis praised the production’s ambition and willingness to experiment with theatrical styles. It showed what Goodman could accomplish with an unusually demanding project.
That attention to production quality also appears in August Lysy’s review of Feathers and Teeth in the Owen Theatre, where he singled out scenic design, lighting, sound and live effects. The smaller room can accommodate inventive staging without the scale of the Albert.
Goodman’s annual A Christmas Carol represents another side of the company. ChicagoCritic has followed the production across multiple seasons, recording how new casts and creative choices refresh a familiar Chicago holiday tradition.
Taken together, these reviews show a company comfortable with both spectacle and intimate storytelling. Goodman isn’t defined by one style; its repertoire moves between classics, new work and ambitious productions.
Goodman Productions in the ChicagoCritic Archive
ChicagoCritic’s archive shows some of the variety of work staged at Goodman Theatre:
- Brigadoon at Goodman Theatre — musical theater at a venue also known for drama.
- Smokefall — Goodman Theatre remount — a look at a returning production.
- Ah, Wilderness! at Goodman Theatre — a classic American play.
- Measure for Measure at Goodman Theatre — Shakespeare in the Goodman repertoire.
- A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre — the company’s long-running holiday production. See our guide to Chicago holiday shows for more seasonal options.
- The Jungle Book — musical theater at the Goodman.
- The Iceman Cometh — a major revival of Eugene O’Neill’s play.
These links lead to historical reviews, not currently scheduled performances.
Goodman Theatre FAQs
Is Goodman Theatre a Broadway touring theater?
No. Goodman is primarily a producing theater company that creates and presents its own season rather than functioning mainly as a Broadway touring house.
Does Goodman Theatre have more than one stage?
Yes. The Albert Theatre and Owen Theatre offer different performance environments.
Where can I find Goodman Theatre tickets and current shows?
Visit the official Goodman Theatre website for the current season, ticket availability and visitor policies. For a citywide look at what’s on stage, see Chicago Shows Now Playing.
Explore more Chicago theaters in ChicagoCritic’s venue guide. For practical visitor advice, see our theater dress-code guide.