The Congress Theater—whether in session or in recess—puts on a great show

The Congress Theater—whether in session or in recess—puts on a great show
Sunday's Vintage Bazaar is just the latest in an eclectic mix of events scheduled at the Congress Theater these days. WBEZ/Lee Bey
The Congress Theater—whether in session or in recess—puts on a great show
Sunday's Vintage Bazaar is just the latest in an eclectic mix of events scheduled at the Congress Theater these days. WBEZ/Lee Bey

The Congress Theater—whether in session or in recess—puts on a great show

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

These are precarious times for old Chicago theaters. The New Regal Theater on east 79th is in foreclosure; dedicated volunteers are fighting to get a new use for Bridgeport’s Ramova Theater.

And the Uptown has been closed 30 years of its 86-year existence. Ah, but there is the Congress Theater, quietly chugging along at 2135 N. Milwaukee, booking an assortment of live acts from Bone Thugs N Harmony a couple of years ago to Erasure this month. And of course, there is the architecture of the former 1926 movie palace which puts on a show all by itself:

Designed by architects Fridstein & Company, the theater is a designated Chicago landmark. And if you look closely, you can spot all kinds of gilded details in its facade. One of the nicest design features is the way the building seamlessly transitions to an apartment house on its northern side with the help of a faux exterior wall that knits the facade of the residences and the theater together. Good show, indeed.