The Goodman Theatre

Category: Theater-Opera

The Goodman Theatre was founded in 1925 as a tribute to Chicago playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, who died of pneumonia in 1918. Although the theater was graceful and elegant, its location severely limited the architect's ability to create a state-of-the-art facility. Located behind the Art Institute on lakefront property created from landfill, the theater was sandwiched between the water table lurking just below the ground's surface, and height restrictions imposed by the city so as not to block the view of the Lake for residents of Michigan Avenue. Partially through height restrictions, and partially through design, the auditorium had notoriously bad acoustics. The heating and cooling systems were so noisy they had to be turned off during a performance so that the actors could be heard.

In the early 90's, the idea of the North Loop Theatre District was born. In 1998, the ceremonial groundbreaking took place in the empty lot at the corner of Randolph and Dearborn and in fall 2000, the Goodman Theatre had a new home. After 75 years of ups, downs, highs, and lows, the Goodman had entered the 21st century, and began writing a new chapter in its formidable history.

Check the Goodman Theatre's website for upcoming performances.