CHICAGO (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The historic Shubert theater, in downtown Chicago will reopen soon with a fresh coat of paint and a new lease on life. The theater, a historic landmark in Chicago has been undergoing a 40 million dollar renovation and is slated to re-open on Wednesday, May 22nd as the LaSalle Bank Theatre.
The theater, which opened as the Majestic in 1906 has been a major part of the theater community for nearly a century. During the early years, the theater was a part of the Orpheum Vaudeville circuit and featured artists and acts such as Lily Langtree and Harry Houdini. The theater then went dark for 15 years, during the Depression and World War 2 until it was remodeled and given a new moniker, The Shubert, named after the influential theater family that had purchased the venue. The theater then became part of the broadway circuit, playing host to many of the great roadshows, such as Carousel, South Pacific, and Guys and Dolls. More recent production highlights include the Chicago premiere of Rent, Sweet Smell of Success, Monty Python's Spamalot and Movin' Out.
The theater today is managed by Nederlander, who in a deal with Live Nation hopes to make the theater a foundation once more for Chicago's broadway scene. Lush interior architectural details and expanded 2,000 person seating will serve to make the theater a comfortable stop for pre-Broadway shows and touring roadshows.
"There's no question that most producers are most interested in this one," Broadway in Chicago President Lou Raizin told the Chicago Tribune, "This is a vital step in the revitalization of the theater district."
