Chicago IL: On State Street, That Great Street.... Print


Remember the lyrics from Frank Sinatra’s song, Chicago?

On State Street, that great street, I just want to say:
They do things that they don’t do on Broadway!


The Chicago Theatre is one of the most lavish historic movie palaces still open. The 93-year-old film and stage show emporium seats 3,600. It’s seven stories high, with the familiar big sign stretching over State Street in front of six of the stories. On a recent visit, we found touring the theatre brought back a great nostalgic memory. When at the Great Lakes Naval Base in 1943 on liberty in Chicago, we were in front row seats and listened to the Tommy Dorsey Band with its new singer, a kid from Hoboken NJ named Francis Albert something....

Next time you’re in Chicago, stop in to see a show or just to marvel at this glittering example of the golden age of movie theatres. It’s at 175 N. State St., Chicago IL 60601, www.thechicagotheatre.com

Editor’s photo is a view from theWit Hotel, a luxurious Four-Diamond Doubletree by Hilton, at 201 N. State St., thewithotel.com