Lookingglass Theatre Company stages original plays in the historic Water Tower Water Works building at 163 E Pearson St, near Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Its productions can mix literary stories with music, acrobatics, multimedia and inventive stage design. The intimate auditorium brings the action close, and the company’s changing program ranges from witty, music-led plays to physically demanding adaptations. Check the current production before you book, especially if you are expecting a traditional circus performance: acrobatics may be part of the storytelling, but the show is still theatre.
A theatre in the Water Tower Water Works
The company began in 1988, founded by Northwestern University graduates that included actor David Schwimmer. It found a permanent home in the Water Tower Water Works building in 2003. The historic structure is one of the city’s surviving buildings from the Chicago Fire.
Lookingglass received the Tony Award for regional theatre in 2011. The company has created more than 50 world-premiere works since its founding.
How the productions use the stage
Lookingglass is known for physically active storytelling and productions that may draw on acrobatics, multimedia and elaborate stage environments. Its adaptations have reworked classic literature and myths, while other plays bring together contemporary stories, music and performance.
The theatre’s close-up setting suits productions where movement and smaller stage details matter. The program changes, so the best way to judge whether a show fits your plans is to check its description before booking. The company also runs educational and community programs for children and teenagers aged 3 to 18.
FAQ
Where is Lookingglass Theatre Company?
It is at 163 E Pearson St in Chicago, inside the Water Tower Water Works building.
What kind of shows does Lookingglass Theatre Company stage?
The company presents original works and adaptations. Productions may combine acting with music, acrobatics, multimedia and detailed stage design.
Does Lookingglass Theatre Company have programs for children?
Yes. The company offers educational and community programs for children and teens aged 3 to 18.
