The James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago is one of the city’s most iconic venues, and its history is as rich and colorful as its ornate interior. Originally known as the Oriental Theatre, it was designed by the legendary George L. and Cornelius W. Rapp and opened to much fanfare on May 8, 1926. The theatre was one of the first motion picture palaces designed to create a complete experience for the theatre patron.
From the outset, the Oriental Theatre was designed to be a sensory experience. Its decor is a virtual art museum, with large mosaics of an exotic prince and princess, an inner foyer with elephant-throne lighting and multicolored glazed Buddhas, and an auditorium of “hasheesh-dream design.” The theater presented popular first-run motion pictures, complemented by lavish stage shows, and soon became a popular destination for moviegoers and theater enthusiasts alike.
Over the years, the Oriental Theatre featured many stars, including The Three Stooges, Judy Garland, Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice, Duke Ellington, and Danny Kaye. The theater also hosted live performances by such artists as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Little Richard.
However, the theater eventually fell into disrepair. In an effort to preserve the building, it was added to the Federal National Registry of Historic Places in 1978, but the theater continued to crumble. The theater was closed to the public in 1981, and the site was considered for a shopping mall and cinema.
In 1996, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley stepped in and announced that the venue would be restored to its original grandeur for the presentation of live stage musicals. The theater was renamed the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in 1997, and the restoration was completed in October 1998. The venue opened with the Chicago premiere of Ragtime.
Since its reopening, the James M. Nederlander Theatre has become one of Chicago’s premier destinations for live theater. Broadway In Chicago, which was formed in 2000, has brought numerous hit shows to the venue, including the record-breaking run of Wicked, Billy Elliott, and Pre-Broadway World Premieres like The Addams Family, Big Fish, On Your Feet!, The SpongeBob Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Pretty Woman: the Musical, and The Cher Show, with many more to come.
In February 2019, the theater was renamed the James M. Nederlander Theatre in honor of the legendary Broadway theater owner and producer and patriarch of Broadway, James M. Nederlander. As the founder of Broadway In Chicago, he championed theater in Chicago, presenting shows in the city for over six decades.
The James M. Nederlander Theatre has a seating capacity of 2,253, with three levels of seating and a balcony that wraps around the theater’s ornate interior. The theater is fully equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, ensuring a top-quality theatrical experience for every production.
In addition to hosting live theater productions, the James M. Nederlander Theatre is available for private events and corporate functions. Its grand, opulent interior and prime location in the heart of Chicago make it a popular venue for weddings, galas, and other special events.
Overall, the James M. Nederlander Theatre is a Chicago landmark that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and stunning design continue to draw theater enthusiasts from around the world, and its commitment to presenting top-quality theater ensures that it will remain a beloved destination for years to come.
