Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Chicago

Although the seating in this grand old theatre is somewhat to be desired, it's the atmosphere, and the absolutely stunning architecture inside that sets this venue apart. This show was one of the best musicals that I have seen in years, it made you laugh, and if you're melancholy..make you cry. Iwould highly recommend this play and theatre to anyone visiting Chicago.

We were there to see Wicked. The tickets were in the balcony which may be the problem. The seats are so close together that anyone over 5'5" is very uncomfortable. I am 5'7" and have a bad knee and I remember very little of wicked because the pain was so great that I had tears running down my face. The rest of our party are taller then I and all agreed that we would never return. I would love to return for other shows if you could let me know or post somewhere on the site whether seats in other areas have more room. Was this a result of the remodeling as we don't remember experiencing this several years ago?

This show was outstanding! The talent, lighting effects, costumes, score, orchestra... I can't believe I left feeling disappointed! The problem was the sound system. We sat 2nd row balcony, dead center and something was off because everytime more than two performers sang at a time, it was so muddled that we couldn't understand the vast majority of the words. We have great hearing as we are only 40, and our three kids ages 8-13 had the same complaint. There were also times the orchestra overpowered the singers. Was it just an off day in the soundbooth?? Our advise... GO see it, but pick up the soundtrack at Wal-Mart for $10 and learn the songs first so you know the lyrics!

The Oriental Theater is pretty much amazing. We attened a 2 pm showing of WICKED at the theater and it was great. The Feel of the theater, the architeture (sp) is just great. The show WICKED was worth every single penny. If you are ever in Chicago GO TO IT.

The theatre itself is beautiful. The show was wonderful and we had no trouble seeing or hearing the show. It was a little spendy but it wasn't bad. Just don't plan on eating. Wait until the show is over and go somewhere else. Otherwise I highly recommend the place.

I loved the theatre, but was deceived on my ticked purchase. The tickets I purchased on line stated row o center excellent seats. I paid more for them and I ended up with seats on the very end to the far right of stage. Even though we couldn't see the stage entirely we did enjoy the play.

I purchased two $70 tickets for Wicked. Both were normal tickets off of stage right. Amazingly, I had my view obstructed by a horizontal pole set up in the wheel chair access area. I would not have bought the tickets if they said they were obstructed view seats. I now have a stiff neck from ducking down to see under the rail and a bad taste in my mouth about the whole evening. The Oriental is a beautiful theater and a pleasure to visit. I was surprised at the lack of proper attire as well, but you are usually guaranteed an amzing show. From what I heard, the show I was at sounded great.