Auditorium Theatre — Attraction in Chicago

Last night, my partner and I were excited to experience Mitski's incredible concert at this theatre, a moment we had eagerly anticipated. However, our night took an unexpected turn right from the start. Upon arrival, the security team informed my partner that her Hydro Flask water bottle — a special $45 birthday gift from me to her — wasn't allowed inside. Surprisingly, no one offered us an explanation for this rule.

We initially thought we could simply pick up the bottle after the concert, but were shocked to learn that all confiscated water bottles, including expensive Hydro Flasks like ours, had been thrown away. This left us puzzled and deeply upset. Who would discard expensive water bottles like this? It's hard to imagine any customer-focused venue taking such actions without regard for personal belongings.

When we tried to get answers from the staff, their response was dismissive, offering no sympathy or reasons for their actions. This indifference wasn't just directed at us; we noticed other concertgoers faced the same cold treatment. Witnessing my partner in tears over the loss of a meaningful gift turned what should have been a joyful evening into a disappointing one.

This incident has led us to question the theatre's commitment to its guests. Small acts of kindness and understanding can make a big difference in someone's experience. Unfortunately, our experience was far from welcoming, highlighting a disregard for guest satisfaction and personal property. We're left wondering about the values of this venue and have decided not to return. We hope sharing our story prompts the theatre to reconsider its policies and how they engage with guests, ensuring no one else has to question their respect for personal belongings and overall...

I don't know why this theater has so many star ratings, but I hated this theater every moment I was in it. First off, there was long lnes for everything. Too many tickets given out for the Colbert show, then they made us wait outside for about 5 hours before letting us in. We got put up in the upper balcony and there should be no seats there! You can see nothing from way up there, as it has the view is blocked by lighting for the stage. Then, there is the hard wooden seats up there that is made me have back and shoulder pain today because we sat in them for hours. I'm sure this theater was meant for other things like plays, but hosting the Late Show with Stephen Colbert is not one of them. There's also little food and little to drink. It was an all aroud miserable experience. Sure, it looks nice. But who cares. My back pain is not enough to care about how it looks. Also, you're sitting so stiffly up there, that those seats shouldn't have been probably allowed. The staff, however, was very friendly and helped us find our seats, even though many people could not find their seats because there was NO signs telling you were to sit. None. It said something gallery on our tickets, but no indication on where to be seated. Needless to say, I will not be going back to this theater anytime soon, unless some serious renovations are done to it to make the seats more comfortable...

Saw Shankar vedantam on Sunday matinee. Hadn’t been to the auditorium for a show in years. Still as beautiful and impressive as ever.

House staff (door guards, ushers, house management , etc) were all very good- friendly, knowledgeable, efficient. Venue is clean, well staffed, and in good repair. Plenty of restrooms on the lower level. Ample concession stands.

My only complaints are related to sound/ and noise. We sat roughly center and towards the back of the upper orchestra level/ dress circle (row GG, not far from the audio console).

First the noise- occasionally during 1st half of the show there were intermittent banging sounds that sounded like they were coming from behind us and to the north side of lobby area . These same sounds became more frequent after intermission — as if folding tables were being put away. Very annoying.

Regarding the sound system. Overall, it was OK- the intelligibility and level were acceptable. I’d give this a solid letter grade of C …. with room for improvement. Unfortunately- there was intermittent low frequency feedback during much of the 1st half that distracted and took away from the impact of the presentation.

After intermission, the presenter was seated farther upstage and the problem largely disappeared.

Anyways— the sound and noise were a small part of a wonderful overall experience at the historic...