Harris Theater for Music & Dance Review

Went to see a magic show here the theater was nice and clean bathroom included. Also,the staff was pleasant!

Attended a conference here and it was well run and a nice venue.

Such a wonderful offering of programs! Something for everyone.

Great concert as Grant Park Music Festival moves inside for the evening.

Great theater, both by productions and the theater itself! Not the most handicap accessable place, but it is accessable. Really cool that it's 5 stories under!

Beautiful theater it was clean and temperature was just right. Very good performance as well definitely will be going back!

Crowded since a festival was happening. Nice area to relax and sunbath.

Very well designed & constructed performance venue. Fantastic acoustics, great view of stage from all seats, even balcony. Attached for fee parking in millennium garage.

We attended the Chicago Gourmet Global StrEats for the evening. The staff was friendly and helpful. The tented rooftop is a lovely setting that may have benefited from outdoor heaters. The three hour event didn't offer a wide variety of drinks or food. Also the entertainment, although interesting, was limited. One of the Chicago Gourmet events not worth attending.

This theatre goes underground, rite next to millennium park, great views. Just wasn't aware of the parking.

The theater itself is very nice - it's basically built into the ground so when you enter off of Randolph, you are entering at the top of the balcony section. It's a great setup to have good sight-lines for everyone and still have a building that doesn't impose on the park. It's adjacent to the Millennium Parking Garage so getting to and from the theater is easy.

The layout of the theater is fairly typical with steeper seating the further you get from the stage. However, aisles are wider so getting around is easier. Given that one of our group has a wheelchair, it was nice that in laying out the theater there's disabled seating (both wheelchair and transfer types) throughout each seating price-point and not just in the back of the theater as is often typical. The Harris also gives (at least for the performance we attended) a slight price break for the disabled and companion seats. It was a nice nod to the fact that some people have no choice but bring a helper along.

While the show we saw was very good and the seating in a nice area, the staff was what stands out in my mind. Everyone we interacted with knew their job, was helpful, and proactive. From e-mailing the Accessibility Services Department to leaving the theater after the performance made it seem like they dealt with extra needs every day - nothing brought a, "let me check on that."

As an example, when we first arrived at the Harris, we talked with a staff member we needed to go for our tickets. She pointed us to the elevator to go down to Level 1. When we were getting off the elevator, another staff member was there and I heard her say, "I have them." They made things easy and that our situation was normal. We don't get to feel like that a lot.

At the end of the day, the Harris Theater is a great place to see a performance. It's easy to see the stage, it's easy to get around the theater, and the people there are extremely helpful. You'll have a wonderful experience.

What a surreal experience in this place.
I got five minutes late for a concert, my fault. Before purchising the ticket, I asked if the concert started. They say, no worry it just started, I could actually hear announcements. Rushed really fast to the door and they did not let me in. They stated it would take 30 minutes and in the meanwhile I could watch the concert being projected on a screen, while they were dragging chairs and such. They cashed the money, with no regards for whether or not they could provide a service. When I finally made it inside I was too pissed to enjoy the concert. The structure is wonderful but it needs new management.

Very hip underground venue with psychedelic colored lights in the underground lobbies. Great place to catch a show, with wonderful acoustics.

Transcendent performance. Never heard a better Pergolesi.

This was such a lovely experience! We went to the Messiah song along and enjoyed every moment. The parking garage is right next to the building, so that was very nice. Only issue was there wasn't enough light to see our music.

In general it is fine, but it is somewhat uncomfortable and the view is somewhat limited due to the design.

Nice place n show I saw amazing magicians n show! Area is great there too

I'm not really a theater person, but I've gone to Harris Theater twice this year and have enjoyed each performance. The seating is set up so you can see the stage from every level. The ushers are helpful and in my experience pretty organized in directing us to our seats. The only comment that I have has nothing to do with the theater but more about the parking garages near the theater. You can park near the theater in Millennium Park garage but be aware of the level and space you dock your car as the garage is a bit confusing and does not have many signs that are helpful in finding your car.

Mock trial event by Greek museum was FABULOUS, persuasive, comedic, and very interesting! Wish student ticket prices were less than $50. Current price of $50 for students and $100 for adults is cost-prohibitive for many, and has been for us in past. Audience participation in determining verdict was fun. Great venue. Dressy.

I enjoy attending performances at the Harris Theatre tremendously. The Harris also offers Excellant family programming, that I share with my grandchildren.

Good sight lines. Great acoustics. Helpful staff. Well run box office. Amazing performers. Not a bad seat in the house.

Modern, clean design and fun to descend from the Randolph entrance. It's like being part of a secret club. A light installation follows you on your journey downward and there's a small art gallery in the hallway on the theater's main level. Very much enjoyed my experience!

Best kept secret in Chicago...tucked away underground near the Lake in the heart of downtown..Great sight lines, sound and service. Saw lot's of shows here including Jennifer Holiday and Soul Children of Chicago (Fall 2011). Great parking and public transportation. Thanks so very much for the entertainment!

Great venue. Excellent service by staff. Great show. Easy to get to by walk, drive or mass transit. Easy entrance from Millenium garage or by elevator from millenium park. Every seat a great view of the stage.

Good venue for live arts shows. Dance, recitals, classical etc

Saw Champions of Magic. Very entertaining show with classic tricks and some humour

Yes, the acoustics are Great, saw Chaka Chan and other artists at the Harris Theater.

Another of the city s key venues. When you park, leave your coat in the car.

Recently we attended a benefit here with some good friends. The theme was orchestrations with American-Italian themes centered around piano. The Chicago Philharmonic was also conducted by an Italian conductor.

My friend was a little upset with the first piece played because there was no piano. He loves piano! I told him don't worry, as I pointed to a giant piano siting in the wings. Sure enough 3 guys in black rolled out the piano for the second piece. This was a big production to get the piano out on the stage.

Then a lady from Highland Park came out in her evening gown to bang on the keys. It was a very spirited piece of music.

What always cracks me up is what happens after every piece is finished and we've all seen this if you've attended a classical orchestra show. The song finishes, crowd applauds, conductor points out important players, possibly shake hands, conductor leaves stage for 3 seconds, returns to conduct next piece. I just always find this humorous. I know the conductor is suppose to be collecting his thoughts off stage but only 3 seconds. I say milk it and wait like 5 minutes until the audience breaks out the lighters. Then surprise them and do a costume change too. Use that time wisely conductor man. I am only kidding but I figured I would offer some creative fun. Hey it's all a show so live it.

I also must point out that drinks are expensive here. I think it may be cheaper to drink at a baseball game. In fact, at intermission they had a person walking around selling mini wine bottles. They need to teach this person on how to sell. She should have been yelling, "Get your VINO here!" or "There's a 20 minute liquor line in the lobby!" I'm thinking I may need to re-train the sales staff on the floor.

Yeah the line at the bar was really that long...so lady selling wine from a bag was a faster option. The fastest option was to purchase "intermission drinks" at the bar before the show even started. Then simply arrive at the bar during intermission and your drinks were ready and you didn't have to wait in a long line. Who knew drinking at a classical concert was this complicated!

The theater is beautiful. The front of the theater and box office is located off Randolph street. If you are sitting on the main floor you will have to make your way all the way down to the bottom using an elevator or stairs. You are basically heading down to the lower Columbus street level. This layout is unique because typically the main door isn't at the top of the theater.

I also once had the opportunity to explore back stage. I was very fortunate to be offering support statewide for the premiere of Kevin Smith's movie "Red State" which premiered in Chicago at the Harris Theater. It's fun to feel like a rockstar for the day with an All Access Pass. I was amazed at the ability of the theater to do digital projection in here.

Now if I was comparing these two events. Kevin Smith's movie premiere was sold out but the philharmonic had plenty of seats open. Kevin would probably say, "F***ING RIGHT!" I guess the reason I point this out is because it shows the versatility of this theater to host both classical art and modern art. It shows that no matter what age you are you can always enjoy a night at the theater.

So if your looking for a night of culture then checkout what is happening at the Harris Theater. You may be surprise at what you might find.

The performance we paid to see was billed as the Elgin Orchestra performing Abbey Road. It would have been great to actually hear the orchestra! Instead, we strained to hear anything beyond the vocals and the drummer - who some genius determined should bang loudly from a position in front of the orchestra! An example of how bad this was, during While My Guitar Gently Weeps, we could barely hear the lead guitar. And then, they brought forward a violinist who, though vigorously working her bow, could not be heard at all! And we were sitting less than ten feet from the mixing board! Very disappointing

Free concert, movies, and events. Admiration for the its design also free

Beautiful place, excellent service and attention, comfortable place.

So I came to see one of my favorite ballet s The Nutcracker I am from Spain and came to visit only for a couple days anywho little did I know coming a little late would result in me not seeing the play at all. I am very devastated and sad of the poor costumer survice the two ladies in the front who were checking everyone I m displayed to me. Very closed minded and ignorant I tried explaining to them and they laughed at me I was surely humiliated. I hope they don t treat everyone like that because it was truely a shame. I grew up knowing there s always another way but their mindset wasn t equivalent. The reason I am complicating is imagine I was the president walking in he would get immigrate access because of his position. We should all be treated in equality no matter what our position or appearance. Need new management; great atmosphere.

Love going here!!! I take my dad to magic shows everywhere but this place is by far the best

The truly unappreciated value of this theater is that since it is underground, they can achieve full blackout darkness.

Came here for ideas week. The place is pretty amazing!

State of the art stage and acoustics. Reasonably priced drinks (for a venue). Comfortable seating. What more can you want from a venue?

This facility is great to see a show in. And even better to perform in. I had the pleasure of doing so a couple times and they have a rehearsal studio for the dancers downstairs. I love that the stage is underground and they built up. The acoustics are great. a lovely new facility. For a night of arts you won't be disappointed.

The atmosphere here is one of a kind. I love the view I get and I love the performances! The weather in Chicago is unpredictable so make sure to wear so layers. They have a great free summer concert series.

Nice place to see a variety of music and dance performances. Every seat is a good seat.

On a good day you can come here and watch and listen to the orchestra practicing. This seems like one of those local things that many people do here and one that I can say I did as well when I was in the city. Even if they're not practicing it's still a nice venue to check out. Still try to go on a day while they're practicing.

Very cool underground venue with great sound and layout. I came here for a concert last year and had a great experience

I love this theater for its location and programs. Right by millennium park, it has the unfair advantages;) Good time each time.

Music and performance were wonderful. The refreshments at the beginning and intermission were a little lackluster and slow, but overall a good experience

First time visit,the theater was amazing good acoustics,seating arrangement was great,location great and easy to find.

This was a great place for free family fun entertainment. We went the night they played live orchestra with a Charlie Chaplin film. Great seating that accommodated 500 plus people from auditorium seating, steps and lawn space.

Great seats and the interesting location! It's mostly underground due to building height constraints. Plenty of bathroom facilities. Elevators are available of course and cloakrooms.

Very nice theatre with modern setup. However the seats are very small and no cup holders for the drink.

This was was awesome and the manager was very kind, helpful and knowledgeable.

The music was wonderful, but I did not like the theater, all the way down in the basement. Kind of dark, industrial looking.
But the music was wonderful.

Harris theater is a great medium-large size venue for concerts and shows in downtown Chicago. It has underground parking attached to theater that is convenient to use.

Love the environment and the inclusion that is experienced in the events offered here. Great theater. I come every year for the Puertorican Cuatro Festival

Not a bad seat to be found. Friendly staff and great location.

Lovely little theatre, perfect for a random weekday night.

A great theater for classic and modern dance and music