Brenda / December 1, 2003 10:56 AM

I think this was over a year ago, but I have to say: Sock Puppet Showgirls was the pinnacle of Chicago theater for me. All other productions pale in comparison.

Any "Babes with Blades" production gets my attention too, but I don't know if I'd call that "theatre", exactly.

jima / December 1, 2003 11:53 AM

We've been enjoying the productions at two different theaters, the Neo-Futurarium and Lookingglass Theatre. The best play I've seen this year would probably be Lookingglass' new production of their play The Secret in the Wings (still running through the 14th, if you're interested). A runner-up would be the summer-long series of dramatic recreations of old movies at the Neo-Futurarium, under the title "It Came From The Neo-Futurarium!"

Andrew / December 1, 2003 1:57 PM

Every year I saw "We need to go to more theatre," and every year we don't. I regret that.

Maureen / December 1, 2003 5:38 PM

I am a somewhat regular patron of Chicago theater, but that's becoming more difficult as ticket prices are usually beyond the means of your average college student.

But "Le Comedie du Bicyclette," which was at the Lakeshore Theater earlier this fall was a riot (a stranded American cyclist's bike gets stolen by a baby and musical numbers abound). And the Second City E.T.C. theater, more so than the mainstage, is always a sure bet -- go see their free improv sets if you're without $. They will be doing a 24-hour long (not free) improv set Tuesday Dec. 9-Wed Dec. 10 to benefit needy children.

Naz / December 1, 2003 6:11 PM

This only reminds me that I need to see more theatre in Chicago. And that I need more money to see it. Not all of it mind you, but when I've set a rule for myself to only go to live music shows which cost $10 or less (where possible give or take a dollar or two), it's hard to pay $50 or more for "top" theatre.

Ian / December 1, 2003 7:28 PM

The 'Theatre On The Lake' summer program, used to be a great way to experience some Chicago's best theatre companies (Steppenwolf, Roadworks, etc), for around $10. I'm not sure what the current status of this event is, as they keep talking about refurbishing or relocating the theatre. Keep and eye on the link above to see if a 2004 program is announced.

brian / December 2, 2003 12:55 PM

A coupla suggestions:

- If you feel like you don't get out enough to the theater, get a subscription. They aren't that expensive, you save quite a bit on the ticket prices, and you basically make yourself go (a good thing!) because you have the tickets. I did that this year for Music of the Baroque and the Opera and it's been really really cool.

- If cash is a problem, you should sign up for the Hot Tix mailing list, which has a listing of discounted shows mailed to you most days. You can see some shows for btwn $10-$15, which ain't bad.

- If you're really really poor and want to see the top shows, volunteer as an usher. You get to see the show for free.

adam / December 2, 2003 1:13 PM

I went to Dr. Sex at the Bailiwick. A new musical production on the career of Dr. Kinsey. If it's still running, definitely go to see it. It's got great musical numbers, lots of humor,and very good performances by the cast.

amyc / December 2, 2003 1:39 PM

And for getting the most bang from your theater buck, you can't beat Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind! Thirty plays in sixty minutes at $6-$11 is just 37 cents per play, tops!