Give The Gift of Theatre

It's cold, it's snowy, it's Christmas time, which means it's time to buy things. Now more than ever. And if you're stuck on a gift idea for that person on your list who has everything but culture, then might we suggest the gift of Theatre? Fortunately, you live in Chicago, where, from ridiculously enormous Broadway extravaganzas to actors-tripping-over-your-feet storefront drama, there is no shortage of options.

Broadway In Chicago offers gift certificates in denominations of $10, $25, $50, $75, $100, and $200. They can be redeemed for any show sponsored by BIC at one of their four venues: the Cadillac Palace, Ford Center at Oriental, Bank of America, or Broadway Playhouse theatres. They are not redeemable at Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster has its own line of gift cards that can be purchased on its website, in similar denominations as BIC listed above. Among the most popular shows for gift tickets are Wicked (playing through Jan. 23), Les Miserables (coming in February), Million Dollar Quartet, and Blue Man Group. These can all be purchased through Ticketmaster, but the gift cards can be redeemed at any venue Ticketmaster has an agreement with, which includes not only live theatre, but also concerts, sports events, and special events like ice shows and circuses.

Most of the major regional theatres in town, including Goodman, Steppenwolf, Lookingglass, Chicago Shakespeare, and The Second City offer gift certificates redeemable towards the purchase of tickets at their shows. In addition, many also offer the (albeit more expensive) option of gifting someone with a subscription to an entire season.

An interesting and unique possibility for someone who's more into the storefront end of the scale is the Rogers Park Flex Pass. For $50, this pass allows the holder admission to one show of their choice at each of the four member theatres: Lifeline Theatre, Side Project, Raven Theatre, and Theo Ubique. Dining discounts at five participating Rogers Park restaurants are also included with the Flex Pass.

For half-price tickets, Goldstar is a popular site, and they offer gift certificates redeemable for any show listed with them. Many of the smaller, less-publicized venues in town like working with Goldstar because it allows them to sell some last-minute seats at half-price that may have otherwise been empty, so this makes them another good choice for seeing storefront theatre.

Lastly, while most theatres will bend over backwards to get you in their doors and thus are fairly generous with things like expiration dates, specifics (like return policy) will vary. Be a defensive shopper and read all terms and conditions carefully, and make sure the recipient understands them as well.

Luke Heiden
Contributing Writer