The History of Chicago’s Broadway

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The theatres in Chicago have a very vast and interesting history. Starting in the 1920’s, it has been around for a long time. Stephen Schwartz once said “I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return”(goodreads.com). Broadway can help teach people morales. Broadway is one of the most exciting parts of downtown Chicago. Broadway in Chicago is undoubtedly less recognized then what it should be due to its talent and national status.
When people say “Theatre in Chicago” they are talking about the very best of Broadway. It is affordable, convenient, and very diverse; it is way more than just Broadway productions, Broadway in Chicago also shows local and original productions, as well as the Broadway hits everyone knows and loves. It is also known as the home for improvisational comedy. It is the source for terrific seats to the most exciting shows and events in all of Downtown Chicago (themaginificentmile.com). The historic venues are all located in the very exciting downtown theatre district and can easily be accessed anywhere from the metropolitan area (broadwayinchicago.com).
Out of the theatre district there are five different theatres. The Bank of America Theatre, originally titled the Majestic Theatre, first opened in 1906. It was Chicago’s first million-dollar-plus venue and the tallest building in the city at this time. It was doing well and was very successful, but then tragedy hit, and, due to the Great Depression, it was shut down for a total of fifteen years. It wasn’t reopened until 1945, after going through remodeling. In of April 2010, the Broadway Playhouse at the Water Tower ...

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...way Bandwagon”. Variety. 13 Sep. 2013.
Jones, Chris. “It’s a Hot Time in Chi-town”. Variety. 2004.
Kennedy, Mark. “Broadway Musical ‘Chicago’ to Enter History Books”. The Denver Post. 20 Dec. 2012.
N/A. “Theater History”. Broadway in Chicago. 2013.
N/A. “Chicago Broadway Shows”. The Magnificent Mile. 2013.
Oxman, Steven. “The Addams Family”. Variety. 21 Dec. 2009.
Secter, Bob. “The Iroquois Theater Fire”. Chicago Tribune. 30 Dec. 1903.
Taylor, Troy. “Weird Chicago: Iroquois Theater Fire”. Weird Chicago. 2006.

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