Peeking out from behind the concrete and glass of the Apollo Theater, can you feel the echoes of laughter and applause? This Apollo Theater in Chicago stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant performing arts scene. It has a unique story all its own.
Built in 1978, this Apollo Theater was the vision of theater producers Jason Brett and Stuart Oken. Chicagoan Michael Lustig conceived its dramatic design. The theater boasts a three-quarter thrust stage with 440 plush seats. These are configured in just eleven rows. This design allows audiences a uniquely intimate and accessible theatrical experience.
The Apollo Theater’s inaugural engagement was Albert Innaurato’s Gemini. Peter Schifter directed this production. He was the original Broadway director. David Mamet’s Sexual Perversity in Chicago became a smash hit at the Apollo. Jim Belushi made his dramatic stage debut in it. Sheldon Patinkin, former Second City Artistic Director, directed.
The Apollo’s second season featured Clifford Odet’s Waiting for Lefty. Patinkin also directed this 1930s American classic. Subsequently, Stephen Wade’s Banjo Dancing established a trend of long-running hits at the Apollo. Other long-running productions of the 1980s included Harry Chapin: Lies and Legends. Steel Magnolias and Pump Boys and Dinettes also played here. Pump Boys and Dinettes set a Chicago longevity record for a musical. It ran for five years. This record has since been broken by the Apollo’s current long-running hit, Million Dollar Quartet.
The Apollo Theater also became home to many plays produced by the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Balm in Gilead featured John Malkovich and Gary Sinise. Cloud Nine, Secret Rapture, Harvey, Wrong Turn at Lungfish, and Sam Shepard’s True West were also performed here.
In 1991, Michael Leavitt and Fox Theatricals took over the Apollo. They brought stars John Astin and Jamie Farr for Lend Me a Tenor. Other productions included Cole Porter, No Regrets, and Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Three Tall Women. The musical comedy Forbidden Hollywood and the one-man show 20th Century Man, starring Ray Davies of the Kinks also played here.
In 1996, producer Rob Kolson took over the Apollo. Since then, the theater’s track record for acclaimed hits has remained unblemished. The Apollo hosted two phenomenally popular musicals. These were Always…Patsy Cline and Buddy…The Buddy Holly Story. Robert Dubac’s long-running one-man show The Male Intellect: an oxymoron? followed.
Other highlights include If You Ever Leave Me, I’m Going With You. Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna wrote and starred in it. The world premiere of Hinton Battle: Largely Live, also played here. So did the Jeff-recommended production of Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh! Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple starred Barbara Eden and Rita McKenzie.
On September 26, 2000, The Vagina Monologues made its Midwest premiere. Author Eve Ensler starred for a limited run. The show then continued with an array of renowned local and national stars. Loretta Swit, Kim Fields, and Mayim Bialik all performed. Dawn Wells, Judy Tenuta, Maureen McCormick, Amy Morton, and Rondi Reed also starred. The show enjoyed a nearly three-year run. It became the fastest-selling show in the history of the Apollo.
On July 25, 2003, Menopause the Musical made its Chicago debut at the Apollo. It entertained nearly a quarter of a million people. Its run lasted three and a half years.
During the summer of 2005, a smaller, second stage was added to the Apollo Theater. It was formerly the Act One bookstore. The 50-seat Apollo Theater Studio has quickly become a sought-after venue. It hosts comedy, sketch, upstart theater companies, and improv.
The Apollo is also home to the Emerald City Theatre. It is Chicago’s largest children’s theater company dedicated solely to families. Emerald City Theatre draws nearly 50,000 patrons annually.
On October 31, 2008, the phenomenal musical Million Dollar Quartet made its home on the Apollo’s main stage. Its long historic run came to a close January 17, 2016, after over 2,500 performances.
From its intimate setting to its impressive history, the Apollo Theater continues to be a cornerstone of Chicago’s theater community.