The Second Annual Old Town Theater Week will run from Friday, May 10th through Sunday, May 19th. This celebration of our robust theater community, presented by the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association, will include week-long deals across Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood allowing residents and visitors a chance to experience Old Town’s historic theater scene. Get a laugh at the iconic Second City Theater, check out the latest and greatest stand up at Zanies, perhaps check out a beautifully written play at A Red Orchid Theater, get ready for some action-packed comedy at Batsu!, or see a completely improvised show at the iO Theater. Whatever your plan is, there is a show every night in Old Town, and we’re excited to share our appreciation for the arts in our community with you.

      

A Red Orchid Theatre  

Located in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, A Red Orchid Theatre’s intimate 70-seat venue has entertained patrons for more than 25 years. Since 1993, the theatre has staged 70+ productions, including 16 world, 9 U.S., and 30 Chicago premieres, respectively. And our productions and performers are regularly nominated for critical awards—the theatre has received 37 Joseph Jefferson Equity nominations and 11 Jeff awards. As one of Chicago’s leading storefront theatre companies, the stories told on A Red Orchid’s stage have come to exemplify the unique character of Chicago theatre. We are known for our fearless approach to performance and design in the service of intimate stories. Likewise, our ensemble continues to work at the forefront of live theatre, bravely pushing boundaries in order to move the medium forward.

A Red Orchid Theatre will offer $15 tickets for our spring production of Eugene Ionesco’s KILLING GAME, directed by Ensemble Member Dado. Tickets can be purchased through at www.aredorchidtheatre.org and using the code: “OTMRA19” at checkout. 

 

BATSU!

Four warriors compete in comedic challenges to avoid electric shocks, paintballs, a giant egg-smashing chicken, and many more hilarious and jaw-dropping punishments! BATSU! takes place in a beautiful lounge theatre within Kamehachi – Chicago’s original sushi bar since 1967 – in the heart of Old Town.  A full menu/bar is available and audience members enjoy sushi and sake, while the bravest may even sign up for a chance to participate to win free beer and prizes! All performances will begin at 8pm with doors opening at 7:30pm. And don’t forget – there is always a “meet the cast” after BATSU! Chicago!

Buy tickets at batsulive.com/chicago/ and receive 15% off General Admission Tickets for Fridays and Saturdays. CODE: “OTTW15”

 

iO Theater

Widely considered to be the premier venue for long-form improvisational performances and classes, the iO Theater (formerly known as the ImprovOlympic Theater) was founded in 1981 by Charna Halpern and the late great improvisational teacher and director, Del Close.

Buy tickets at www.ioimprov.com/. $2 off tickets Sunday-Thursday Excludes Improvised Shakespeare. $2 Off 10:30 & Late Shows Friday-Saturday, excludes Whirled News Tonight, RIFF & Improvised Shakespeare USE PROMO CODE “OLDTOWN”

 

The Second City

Legendary sketch and improv comedy theater and training center.

Enjoy 25% off on all Second City General Admission tickets for Old Town Theater Week! Use code “OTMRA” at check out on secondcity.com. (Good for shows in the Mainstage, e.t.c. or UP Comedy Club theatres. Valid 5/14 to 5/16 and 5/19.)

 

Zanies

Chicago’s original home for stand-up comedy. Providing you with nationally touring headliners 7 nights a week since 1978.

Use promocode “OTMRA” for $12.50 tickets (50% off) Sunday through Friday and $20 tickets ($5 off) on Saturdays. Click on the comics below to purchase your tickets.

May 10 – 12 with Michael Palascak (Showtimes at 8pm and 10:15pm on 5/10, 7pm, 9am, and 11:15pm on 5/11, and 8pm on 5/12)
May 13, 14, 19 with Adam Burke
(Showtimes at 8pm on 5/13, 5/14, and 5/19)
May 15 – 16 with Josh Blue
(Showtimes at 7pm on 5/15 & 5/16)
May 15 – 18 with Judy Gold
(Showtimes at 9:15pm on 5/15 & 5/16, 8pm and 10:15pm on 5/17, and 7pm, 9pm, and 11:15pm on 5/18)

 

Click here for offers from local businesses for Old Town Theater Week attendees!

 

Presenters

    

 

    

Partners

BomboBar | Forastero | The Fudge Pot | Marge’s Still 
Mercy Beaucoup Resale Boutique | Old Town Pub | Woodie’s Flat