# James M. Nederlander Theatre > The James M. Nederlander Theatre is a landmark Broadway venue in the heart of Chicago's Fort Dearborn Addition neighborhood, located at 24 W Randolph St. Designed by the legendary George L. and Cornelius W. Rapp and opened on May 8, 1926, it stands as one of the first motion picture palaces built to deliver a complete experience for the patron. The interior remains a virtual art museum, with large mosaics, elephant-throne lighting, multicolored glazed Buddhas, and an auditorium of "hasheesh-dream design." Restored to its original grandeur in 1998, the theatre now hosts major Broadway productions and is a celebrated stop on the Broadway in Chicago circuit. Guests consistently praise the ornate surroundings and note that every seat in the house offers a great sightline. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/james-m-nederlander-theatre-35962 - **Type**: Entertainment - **Cuisine**: Movie Theater - **Location**: Chicago, IL - **Address**: 24 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, US - **Phone**: 13129771700 - **Website**: https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/chicagos-james-m-nederlander-theatre/ - **Coordinates**: 41.884734, -87.628726 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Artistic, Cultural, Buzzing ## About The James M. Nederlander Theatre is a landmark Broadway venue in the heart of Chicago's Fort Dearborn Addition neighborhood, located at 24 W Randolph St. Designed by the legendary George L. and Cornelius W. Rapp and opened on May 8, 1926, it stands as one of the first motion picture palaces built to deliver a complete experience for the patron. The interior remains a virtual art museum, with large mosaics, elephant-throne lighting, multicolored glazed Buddhas, and an auditorium of "hasheesh-dream design." Restored to its original grandeur in 1998, the theatre now hosts major Broadway productions and is a celebrated stop on the Broadway in Chicago circuit. Guests consistently praise the ornate surroundings and note that every seat in the house offers a great sightline. ## Highlights - **Historic 1926 architecture** — Ornate mosaics, exotic throne lighting, and glazed Buddhas fill every corner. - **Major Broadway productions** — The theatre hosts Tony Award-winning and sold-out Broadway hits year-round. - **Great seats throughout** — Reviewers praise the sightlines from every level, including the balcony. - **Specialty cocktail bars** — Each level features a bar with specialty cocktails to enjoy before the show. ## FAQ ### Where is the James M. Nederlander Theatre located? The James M. Nederlander Theatre is located at 24 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, in the Fort Dearborn Addition neighborhood of downtown Chicago. ### How can I contact the James M. Nederlander Theatre? You can reach the theatre by phone at +1 (312) 977-1700, or browse current productions and purchase tickets at broadwayinchicago.com. ### What kind of shows does the James M. Nederlander Theatre present? The theatre presents major Broadway productions as part of the Broadway in Chicago series. Past productions have included Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, MJ the Musical, Six, and Jagged Little Pill. Shows often sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended. ### What is the history of the James M. Nederlander Theatre? The theatre opened on May 8, 1926, and was designed by the celebrated architectural duo George L. and Cornelius W. Rapp. It was one of the first motion picture palaces built to deliver a full sensory experience for patrons. Legends including Judy Garland, Duke Ellington, and The Three Stooges have all performed there. After a period of disrepair, Mayor Richard M. Daley championed a full restoration, and the venue reopened in October 1998 for live Broadway productions. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of James M. Nederlander Theatre on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### What makes the interior of the Nederlander Theatre special? The décor is considered a virtual art museum, featuring large mosaics of an exotic prince and princess, an inner foyer with elephant-throne lighting, multicolored glazed Buddhas, and an auditorium inspired by what the original designers called a "hasheesh-dream design." The theatre is listed on the Federal National Registry of Historic Places, recognized in 1978 for its architectural significance. ### Is the James M. Nederlander Theatre good for a date night or group outing? The theatre is a popular choice for date nights, family outings, and group celebrations alike. The stunning interior sets a dramatic and memorable backdrop, and each level has its own bar with specialty cocktails. Reviewers note that the energy is buzzing and the atmosphere feels both cultural and artistic. ### Are there tips for getting the best tickets to shows at the Nederlander? Broadway in Chicago occasionally offers discounted tickets, and some reviewers have found tickets for as low as $25 on the 25th of each month through broadwayinchicago.com. Since productions frequently sell out, checking availability early is a smart move. ### What do visitors say about the James M. Nederlander Theatre? Visitors consistently describe it as one of their favorite theatres in Chicago, praising the ornate and beautiful design throughout the building. Reviewers note that there is not a bad seat in the house, including those at the balcony level. The energy during major productions is frequently described as electric, with packed audiences and phenomenally talented casts. ## Reviews ### eswtang — 4.5/5 · Nov 3, 2024 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!! 🎭 Love how thry transformed the Nederlander into Hogwarts! Pro tip , we found tickets for $25 on the 25th of the month. Check Broadway in Chicsgo! #broadway #plays ### mrsouthloop — 5.0/5 · Nov 2, 2024 Hey, Chicago! Six, the Tony Award winning musical is back in town for a limited engagement until July 14th only. Are you a mega Six fan like me? Don’t miss their sing a long performance scheduled for July 6th! Get your tickets at Broadwayinchicago.com ### eswtang — 4.7/5 · Sep 27, 2023 Broadway in Chicago! Teehee! Back again at the Nederlander theater for MJ the Musical, the musical based on the life and music of Michael Jackson. The audience was definitely packed with the Millenials/ Gen Xers (and some much older) that grew up on Thriller . Loved hearing Man in the Mirror. #theater #chicago #broadway #jukeboxmusical ### chicagofamilyadv — 5.0/5 · Jun 17, 2024 Don’t miss your chance for summer’s hottest theater ticket to @sixustour . This is our 2nd time seeing it and it’s so much better than the first now that we have memorized the lyrics.  Also, we were invited to meet the cast, which was such a treat for us since we are HUGE Broadway fans.  It’s catchy, energetic, and fun packed in 80 min, recommended for ages 7+. In Chicago till July 14th and special sing along performance on July 6th evening performance. @kristinaleopold_ @cassiemsilva @kellyden ### eswtang — 5.0/5 · Mar 26, 2023 #Broadway in #Chicago ! The James M Nederlander Theater 🎭 is one of my favorite theaters in Chicago. It has ornate and beautiful design through the entire theater. Also, not a bad seat in the house including balcony level. If you’re looking for a night out at #theater scene, this is the place! ### eswtang — 4.8/5 · Apr 23, 2023 Broadway in Chicago! Back again at the Nederlander theater for Jagged Little Pill , the musical based on the music of Alanis Morissette. The audience was definitely packed with the Millenials/ Gen Xers that grew up on the classic album. Don’t let the ornate walls fool you, this place was rocking for “You Oughta Know” #theater #chicago #broadway ### brianallee — 5.0/5 · Sep 3, 2023 #Chicago brings in huge #broadway shows, including MJ, the Michael Jackson #Musical. Completely sold out, phenomenally talented cast! Bars on each level with specialty #cocktails. ### brianallee — 5.0/5 · Jun 18, 2024 Ok Queens, gather round & dress up for a night out with Broadway in Chicago! This theatre community is a huge advocate & celebrates Pride all June long - check out that 🌈 Playbill! SIX Musical is a fabulous, energizing musical to grab a group for a night out in Chicago! Fishnets, crowns, & colorful costumes are a plenty! #Chicago #Pride #Theatre ### brianallee — 5.0/5 · Oct 17, 2024 GAHHH - Harry Potter & The Cursed Child is in Chicago thru the holidays!!!! Nederlander Theatre is the ideal venue to bring this magic to life! #Chicago #Theatre ## Nearby - [Starbucks Reserve Roastery](https://frankiapp.com/business/starbucks-reserve-roastery-27477) — Coffee Shop - 646 N Michigan Ave (at E Erie St), Chicago, IL 60611, US - [Time Out Market Chicago](https://frankiapp.com/business/time-out-market-chicago-27466) — American - 916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, US - [Kasama](https://frankiapp.com/business/kasama-23977) — Filipino - 1001 N Winchester Ave (at Augusta Blvd), Chicago, IL 60622, US - [La Grande Boucherie](https://frankiapp.com/business/la-grande-boucherie-100562) — French - 431 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, US - [Rose Mary](https://frankiapp.com/business/rose-mary-17514) — Italian - 932 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607 , US - [Olio e Più - Chicago](https://frankiapp.com/business/olio-e-piu-chicago-101445) — Italian - 445 N Dearborn St , Chicago, IL 60654-4601, US - [Lost Never Found](https://frankiapp.com/business/lost-never-found-48948) — Bar - 3660 N Clark St (W Waveland Ave), Chicago, IL 60613, US - [Levain Bakery](https://frankiapp.com/business/levain-bakery-34201) — Bakery · $$$$ - 840 W Randolph St , Chicago, IL 60607, US --- View full profile, photos, videos, and reviews on Franki: https://frankiapp.com/business/james-m-nederlander-theatre-35962