Compared to NYC’s Broadway (and off-Broadway) shows, which on a good day will set you back $50 a seat, Chicago theatre is generally affordable, with both the Goodman and Steppenwolf theatres offering a smattering of seats for $25 or less, especially if you attend during preview runs or matinee times. But above and beyond these “regular” discounts, Hot Tix offers half-price theatre tickets, both online and at its retail outlets, located at 72 E. Randolph (across the street from the Chicago Cultural Center) and 163 E. Pearson (inside the Water Works Visitor Center). Recent deals on popular shows include $32 for Blue Man Group (Briar Street Theatre), $11.25 for Cirque Shanghai (Navy Pier), $15 for Late Night Catechism (Royal George Theatre), and $7.50 for Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (Neo Futurarium). The site handles both mainstream and storefront theatre selections, and with prices as low as $5 a seat, it’s worth taking the risk to see a show or two you might not otherwise risk.

Hot Tix (72 E. Randolph & 163 E. Pearson) is open Tue-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Online ticket sales are available for select shows at www.hottix.org, where theatre buffs can also sign up for a twice-weekly newsletter offering advance notice of shows going on sale at discounted rates.

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