Tommy Gun's Garage is Chicago's longest-running dinner theater. A celebration of Chicago gangsters, it opened its doors in 1987 with more than 100 items on the dinner menu. Onetime owners Chicago police officer Robert Sanfratello and his son, Bobby, reduced the number of menu choices because preparing and serving took three hours. Today the "Gangland Feast" consists of entrées named for famous Chicago gangsters such as Big Jim Colosimo, allegedly killed by Al Capone, and Chicago mayor Big Bill Thompson, who, according to Time magazine, died in 1944 with a stash of $1,500,000 in small bills. Shows feature a cast of singing, dancing, joke-telling gangsters, interrupted by the occasional police raid or murder of a cast member.
Tommy Gun's Garage
2114 South Wabash
Chicago, IL 60616
800-461-0178
tommygunsgarage.com
Noble Horse Theatre shows feature horses and riders from around the world. The building, a riding stable built just after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, presents the perfect setting for classic tales such as "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "The Nutcracker." Owner Dan Sampson invites guests to visit the horses and richly costumed performers after the show. Some riding enthusiasts bring healthy treats for their favorite steeds. The shows are family friendly. Dinner is optional and must be ordered in advance.
Noble Horse Theatre
1410 N. Orleans Street
Chicago, IL 60610
312-266-7878
noblehorsechicago.com
The Drury Lane Oakbrook specializes in popular musicals and Broadway revivals. Located in suburban Oakbrook Terrace, about 20 miles and 30 minutes' drive from downtown Chicago, the state-of-the-art theater seats more than 1,000 people. Past performers include Suzanne Somers, Tony Danza and Debbie Reynolds.
Drury Lane Oakbrook
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
630-530-8300
drurylaneoakbrook.com/live_theatre
Located 20 miles north of and 30 minutes' drive from O'Hare International Airport, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire sells an amazing 400,000 tickets annually. Plays that have been staged include "A Chorus Line," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "The Music Man" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Marriott's Theatre for Young Audiences introduces children to the joy of live theater with matinee performances of squirm-proof fairy tales that clock in at under an hour.
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
847-634-0200
marriotttheatre.com