You got a guy™ for venue tickets
Nederlander Theatre at Ford Center for the Performing Arts Tickets
Now selling
Upcoming Events at Nederlander Theatre at Ford Center for the Performing Arts
The venue
About Nederlander Theatre at Ford Center for the Performing Arts
The James M. Nederlander Theatre, formerly known as the Oriental Theatre and later the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre, is a landmark Broadway-style venue in downtown Chicago’s Loop. With a capacity of 2,253 seats spread across three levels—Orchestra, Lower Balcony, and Upper Balcony—the theatre hosts major regional premieres and Chicago runs that draw theater lovers from across the city and beyond. Operated by Broadway In Chicago, this venue has a rich history including notable productions like Ragtime’s Chicago premiere, Wicked’s Chicago run, and The Cher Show, among others. Whether you’re planning a night out or a weekend theatre excursion, we’ve got you covered with practical tips on seating, parking, transit, and nearby places to stay and dine.
Plan your visit with ease: secure your seats from our available options, explore convenient parking options with theater-rate garages, and utilize Chicago’s robust transit network, including CTA buses and L trains. For a complete stay, check out nearby hotels such as The Westin Chicago River North, Virgin Hotels Chicago, and Renaissance Chicago Downtown, plus recommended dining options from our affiliate partners to complement your theatre experience. Our goal is to be your trusted connection for a smooth, no-fuss ticket and theater night in Chicago’s Loop.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Name/history: James M. Nederlander Theatre; formerly Oriental Theatre (1926–1998) and Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre (1998–2019). Renamed in February 2019 to James M. Nederlander Theatre.
- Address: 24 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601.
- Venue type: Broadway-style theatre in downtown Chicago's Loop, operated by Broadway In Chicago.
- Capacity: 2,253 seats.
- Seating chart: three levels — Orchestra, Lower Balcony, Upper Balcony.
- Parking: No on-site parking; nearby public garages with a theater-rate option (e.g., InterPark Wells Street at 177 N. Wells St).
- Transit: Accessible via CTA buses (146, 147, 22, 36, 56, 6) and L trains (Blue, Brown, Red); Metra nearby.
- Nearby hotels: The Westin Chicago River North; Staypineapple at The Alise Chicago; Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel; Virgin Hotels Chicago; Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago.
- Notable events hosted: Ragtime Chicago premiere (1998); Wicked Chicago run (2005–2009); The Addams Family pre-Broadway run (2009–2010); Billy Elliot (2010); On Your Feet! (2015); SpongeBob SquarePants (2016); The Cher Show (2018).