We love: Lakeshore Theater

The Lakeshore Theater (3175 N Broadway, 773-472-3492) rocks when it comes to comedy (Maria Bamford, Upright Citizens Brigade, Patton Oswalt), but while the staff preps the house for a show, a cramped lobby means many patrons have to wait outside in long lines. Months of gale-force winds and icy sleet are just around the corner, making this no laughing matter for comedy fans. So what gives? Co-owner and artistic director Chris Ritter says he’s working on it. When this issue hits, a new policy will already be in place in which both lobby and theater doors open simultaneously, thereby cutting out awkward crowding in the lobby—at least before the early show. Unfortunately, when the first show runs late, the buildup begins yet again. “It’s all well and good to request the artist not to go over,” Ritter says, “but short of bringing out an old vaudeville hook, we can only flash the light at them so ardently.” He offers two tips: Pick up after yourself to speed the cleaning of the house and get tickets before the night of the show to reduce holdups at the box office. But considering the Lakeshore is nearly a century old, Ritter says patrons are just going to have to put up with a few inconveniences. “[We’re] to comedy what Preservation Hall is to jazz,” he says. “A place that’s just so cool, people are willing to forgive its blemishes.”
In the meantime Check out the Lincoln Lodge (4008 N Lincoln Ave, 773-251-1539) for top local talent in a setting that’s equally vintage but oozes comfort.

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