Reader’s Choice

The Viaduct Theater

As the son of a theater critic, my eldest has been taken to lots of shows. But the first theater company he got interested in on his own as an adult was the House Theatre of Chicago. I don’t doubt that their high-energy, rock-inflected, never-back-down productions had a lot to do with it—but I’m also certain that the lobby bar at their old space, the Viaduct Theater, was a huge factor too. Grungy but comfortable, with just the right amount of poor lighting and a touch of faded class, it offered my kid a congenial atmosphere for having a beer and hanging out—often enough with the cast—before and after performances. The House has moved on, but the Viaduct’s still there, hosting other companies. And so is the bar. People are always worrying about how to lure digital natives to live theater. Here’s one simple answer.  Wed-Sat, from about an hour before shows, 3111 N. Western, 773-296-6024, viaducttheatre.com. —Tony Adler

Readers’ Choice

Strawdog Theatre Company

 3829 N. Broadway, second floor, 312-528-9696, strawdog.org.

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