For the longest time, while New York City's Broadway was solely known as the place for big-time dramatic and musical theatre in America, Chicago solidified its reputation of having one of the most vibrant regional and community theaters environments in the country. However, back in the 1990s as certain parts of the Loop revitalized, several of the city's existing downtown theatre palaces were refurbished and updated, leading to an influx and steady flow of Broadway-caliber productions. The line-up of big-time theatrical productions currently in Chicago and coming to town in the near future is quite exciting and includes the following:

WICKED
@ Oriental Theatre 24 W. Randolph | 312.977.1700

One of the most popular musicals in history tells the tale about the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, long before Dorothy drops in. (Show runs through Jan 25, 2009)

Tickets: $32 - $100.
Day-Of-Performance Drawing: $25 [Drawing takes place 2 hours prior to the performance Tue - Fri @ the Oriental Theatre box office; and @ Borders (150 N. State) Sat & Sun.]

JERSEY BOYS
@ Bank of America Theatre 18 W. Monroe | 312.977.1700

This 2006 Tony Award-winning best musical takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and the secret of the 40-year friendship of these four blue-collar kids. (Show runs through Apr 12, 2009).

Tickets: $30 - $110.
Day-Of-Performance Rush Ticket: $25. [On sale at 10am (Sun at 11am) the day of each performance. 10 front row seats are available at the Box Office only. As many as 40 additional seats are made available online at Ticketmaster.com and at the Bank of America Theatre Box office. Limit two (2) tickets per patron; seats are limited view.]

DIRTY DANCING
@ Cadillac Palace Theatre 151 W. Randolph | 312.986.5853

The worldwide musical smash, based on the movie, is having its pre-Broadway U.S. premiere right here in Chicago! (Show runs through Dec 7, 2008) Tickets: $28 - $123.

GREASE
@ Auditorium Theatre 50 East Congress Parkway | 312.922.2110

This musical take a step back into time when poodle skirts, drive-ins, and T-birds were all the rage. This touring show features American Idol's Taylor Hicks.and Ace Young. (Runs Jan 6 - 18, 2009)

MONTY'S PYTHON'S SPAMALOT
@ Auditorium Theatre 50 East Congress Parkway | 312.922.2110

Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, this musical comedy sensation lovingly rips off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." (Runs Jan 20 - Feb 1, 2009)

XANADU
@ Drury Lane Theatre - Water Tower Place 175 E. Chestnut

This roller-skating, disco-dancing, glow-stick-waving smash-hit musical takes audiences back to 1980s California. (Show begins Jan 16, 2009) Tickets: $25 - $87.50

CHICAGO The Musical
@ Oriental Theatre 24 W. Randolph | 312.977.1700

This fantastically fun Tony Award winning musical stars John O'Hurley of "Seinfeld" and "Dancing With The Stars" as Billy Flynn. (Show runs Feb 25 - Mar 8, 2009)

RENT
@ Oriental Theatre 24 W. Randolph | 312.977.1700

This new touring production of the classic musical about love, friendship and community will feature original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. (Show runs Mar 31 - Apr 12, 2009) Tickets: $28 - $148

Fore more detailed information about the shows, the theatres, and ticket prices, be sure to check out Broadway In Chicago's web site ( www.BroadwayInChicago.com ) or call the HOTLINE: 312.977.1700.