PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Where oh where in Chicago can one take in a live performance featuring the likes of Gary Sinise, Terry Kinney and John Mahoney and maybe even the incredible John Malkovich, all within an intimate, true theatre setting, where every seat is a great one? Steppenwolf Theatre, my dear!

Not only is this place fabulous for seeing true live theatre, but so many of the shows themselves are absolute treasures, with actors who have a knack for hitting the nail on the head when it comes to truly understanding the Chicago culture. Witty, thought provoking, powerful, and dare I say sensual and even bad ass! The Goodman will never get that description, I'm sure! While blue bloods are most certainly welcome to attend, regular Joes who may be leery of seeing a production will thank me profusely for sending them here! Hollywood will never be able to capture the pure energy that is Steppenwolf.

The production quality is beyond all expectations, many times leaving folks with their jaws agape at the sheer investments. Even so, these guys haven't forgotten who makes this place tick and thanks them in several ways, like providing a reasonably priced parking lot in an otherwise impossible area (including time for some grub afterwards!), and by offering tickets at half price an hour before the show. Since shows rarely sell out, scoring a seat can wind up costing as little as $10! If you're looking for the seriously edgy and raw, you may want to check out performances held in the Garage Theatre.

Of course, the Steppenwolf is more than just a place to catch some great performances by real actors, as it's also a performing arts school, again giving it credence as a theatre that truly nurtures its talent. After all, this is the birth place of some of the best Hollywood has to offer, so it's only right they keep up with that tradition.

So yes, yes, yes! Hit the box office and see what sparks your interest. And leave the formalwear in the back of the closet – save that for your cousin Bob's wedding.