Wicked in Chicago

[Soccer Princess]

My mom and I are going to Chicago for a girls weekend in March for my birthday. We are staying at the James hotel and plan on doing shopping and seeing Wicked.

1. Does anyone know how far our hotel is from the theatre? We will need to take a cab or can we walk?

2. Regarding tickets for Wicked, are the cheaper ones really bad? I have never been there before, so I'm not sure of the seating there. Is it worth it to pay for a better ticket? We are looking at the $29.50, $42.50, or $57.50 seats. With all of the fees/charges they add on, we really don't want to pay more than this per ticket.

Would you rather have dress circle or a closer balcony seat? Is there a big difference the different levels of balcony seats?

3. Do they sell the soundtrack CD there? If so, how much is it? Any other fun Wicked goodies to look for?

4. What exactly is the Suite Service you can add on? Any experiences with that? Is it worth the extra $$ per ticket?

Thanks so much!

 

[tink_lover]

Soccer Princess - I have seen Wicked in Chicago 5 times! I hope you will love it as much as I do. I don't know where your hotel is but if it is downtown, Chicago is pretty walkable (is that a word?). I would just go online and pull up a map of the downtown Chicago area.

We have always purchased our tickets online from Ticketmaster. I have sat orchestra, balcony - 1st and 2nd row and dress circle. I think you should try to get as close as possible. Again, if you go online you can pull up the seating chart from the Ford Theater and check it out.

We have never done the Suite service because we always have dinner before the show so I'm never ready to eat or drink there.

I did buy the CD there - don't remember how much it was. There are a lot of fun t-shirts to purchase.

One thing is that the women's restroom situation in that theater is not good. Run for the downstairs bathrooms right away at intermission otherwise the line gets really, really long and you might not get back to your seat for the start of the second act. Have fun!!

 

[elgerber]

I second the restroom suggestion, that line is out of control!!!

We sat 2nd row in the Loge/Balcony, they were incredible. In my opinion, if you are not in the first few rows in the Orchestra, elevated seating is better.

You can buy the CD, I believe it's $25, but you can get the same CD at Best Buy or Amazon for less. I just checked, it's $25 from Wicked, or $9.99 at Amazon.

You will have a wonderful time, I've seen it twice, and it's incredible!!!

 

[Dismom+two]

I just saw Wicked in NYC yesterday and it was wonderful!! Before I went, I actually downloaded the soundtrack from itunes if you have an ipod and then I just burned a cd for the car. It was also $9.99 on there.

I hope you have a great trip!!! Enjoy the show!

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Your hotel is a modest walk or a quick cab ride from the theater. It's roughly 10-11 blocks, or just short of a mile.

 

[Soccer Princess]

Thanks so much for the replies!! Anyone else want to chime in?

 

[::Snow_White::]

I can't answer any of your questions except for the soundtrack.
As others have said they do sell it, but it is cheaper on Itunes.

I had to pay around $90 to my school for the tickets as I am going with our band.
We are also going to see it on tour, though not until May.

Just wanted to say enjoy your trip when you go!

 

[disney100666]

I saw Wicked in Boston back in November? I think. and yes you can get the soundtrack not sure of the price. They have the cutest t shirts, there are soo many to choose from! you'll enjoy it it's very good!

 

[Barbossa]

We've seen Wicked from the floor level and up in the balcony, and floor level (aka orchestra) wins hands down. When Elphaba defies gravity it's way more awesome seeing her from below.

 

[wilderness01]

We've seen Wicked from the floor level and up in the balcony, and floor level (aka orchestra) wins hands down. When Elphaba defies gravity it's way more awesome seeing her from below.

I agree. Have a great time. I also agree to buy your CD before you get there as it will be cheaper.

 

[Sha]

I SO want to see Wicked... I think I missed a chance 2 years ago here in FL but that was before I listened to the book while working. I just gave 2 of my friends 2 different Barbie dolls from Wizard of Oz ( one got Elfie and the other Gelinda sp) and I have to say, the Wicked Witch was framed

just my 2 cents... sorry for intruding

 

[Soccer Princess]

Thanks everyone! We went for the $57.50 tickets Row F center in the balcony.

Does anyone have any dinner suggestions close to the theater? Not too pricey, but decent. Thanks!

 

[golfgal]

Our high school band is taking a trip to Chicago this weekend to see Wicked and Blue Man Group. I wish I was going!

 

[Soccer Princess]

Thanks everyone! We went for the $57.50 tickets Row F center in the balcony.

Does anyone have any dinner suggestions close to the theater? Not too pricey, but decent. Thanks!

Anyone have any restaurant suggestions? Thanks!!

 

[tink_lover]

My suggestion would be to take a $12 cab ride and eat at our favorite place - Cafe Baba Reeba

 

[KimAshton]

I have to ask how you enjoyed Wicked??? If you have seen it yet. I went to NYC yesterday and got a lotto ticket and was up in the front row and for $26 is was great but my neck hurts.

 

[Dismom+two]

I have to ask how you enjoyed Wicked??? If you have seen it yet. I went to NYC yesterday and got a lotto ticket and was up in the front row and for $26 is was great but my neck hurts.

WOW...front row huh? I bet your neck hurts!!
DH and I went to NYC LAST weekend with ds and saw it. We were in upstairs watching it...I LOVED IT!! I loved it so much that I have just bought tickets for my DD13 and myself to see it again...in April. We will be on the floor in row K.

 

[KimAshton]

WOW...front row huh? I bet your neck hurts!!
DH and I went to NYC LAST weekend with ds and saw it. We were in upstairs watching it...I LOVED IT!! I loved it so much that I have just bought tickets for my DD13 and myself to see it again...in April. We will be on the floor in row K.

Nice. I am going out to LA in March so I am going to get tickets and see it out there.

NYC has the nice lotto but I almost didn't get it cause I was the last name called and that was after someone had gotten a ticket through her hubby so they had to pick another one.

I just love Wicked.