Get ’em while they’re hot: Chicago Theatre Week tickets selling fast

Posted January 14, 2026 5:01 pm

Jackson Evans stars as nebbishy Seymour, whose carnivorous houseplant threatens him and his beloved Audrey (Maya Rowe) in Marriott Theatre's revival of “Little Shop of Horrors,” one of the productions offering discount tickets during Chicago Theatre Week. Courtesy of Joe Mazza

Three days after tickets went on sale earlier this month for Chicago Theatre Week, which offers theater lovers discounted admission to select performances, League of Chicago Theatres executive director Marissa Lynn Jones reported sales had topped 8,000 and were expected to exceed 10,000 within the week.

With about three weeks to go before this year's 10-day celebration commences at theaters throughout Chicago and the suburbs, sales are on track to equal or surpass the 15,000 tickets sold last year. Jones says that may be an underestimate, because not all organizations reported their tickets sales during 2025's event.

And while tickets sales dropped in recent years from a high of more than 20,000 in 2023, Jones says theater week — produced in cooperation with Choose Chicago — remains a landmark event showcasing Chicago's rich theatrical tradition.

League of Chicago Theatres executive director Marissa Lynn Jones says ticket sales have been strong in advance of Chicago Theatre Week, which takes place Feb. 5-15 at theaters throughout the city and suburbs.

The mission is twofold: introduce new and veteran theatergoers to companies and spaces they haven't experienced before and support the league's 200-plus members as they “continue to thrive and bring in new audiences,” said Jones.

“I'm in favor of anything that expands access to shows,” said Peter Blair, Marriott Theatre executive producer.

The Lincolnshire theater, whose revival of “Little Shop of Horrors” begins previews Jan. 21, has participated in Chicago Theatre Week since its 2013 inception.

Peter Blair, executive producer role at Marriott Theatre, says discounted tickets of $30 or less may be the incentive some people need to check out a theater company or a show they’re unfamiliar with.

Blair says tickets priced at $30 or less for select performances may be the incentive audience members need to sample both theater companies and works with which they are unfamiliar.

“We're hoping everyone can find a way to see a show,” said Blair.

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble associate artistic director Daniel Millhouse agrees.

“I've had a handful of patrons say to me they didn't know the theater existed and how excited they are to come back and see more shows,” Millhouse said.

Between 60% and 100% of the tickets BTE makes available during theater week are sold. This year the Glen Ellyn company is staging Paul Slade Smith's “Unnecessary Farce” during theater week.

Regarding Chicago Theatre Week, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble associate artistic director Daniel Millhouse says what happens between theatergoers after the performance can be as important as the show itself.

“We're inviting patrons to come together and share an experience,” said Millhouse, adding “the real magic happens right before and right after the show” as audience members digest and discuss what they saw.

“From the beginning of history, storytelling has been how we reflect who we are,” said Jones, adding that nothing equals the experience of live theater.

“In a world full of fast media and quick experiences that can be replayed or relived on screen … having an experience in-person with family or friends that can't be rewound or relived, that you only have a memory of, is a special thing we can hold on to,” she said.

Chicago Theatre Week 2026

When: Feb. 5-15

Where: Suburban and Chicago theaters. For a complete list of productions and participating theaters, see choosechicago.com/chicago-theatre-week

Tickets: $30 or less. Tickets available through HotTix.org