Genesee Theater: Tickets, Parking and a Night in Waukegan

The Genesee Theatre opened on December 25, 1927, with four sold-out showings of “The Valley of the Giants.” After closing in 1989, it was purchased by the City of Waukegan in 1999. A $23 million renovation restored and expanded the venue, which reopened on December 3, 2004.

Today, the restored theater has more than 2,400 seats and a stage twice its former size, along with expansive lobbies and lounges. An 18-foot Baccarat crystal chandelier hangs in the grand lobby. The city designated the theater a landmark on April 20, 2009.

The theater presents music, comedy, fine arts, family shows, Broadway and variety events. Check the official site before you go for current performances and show-specific details.

Ticketmaster is the theater’s only authorized online ticket seller, and tickets are also sold at the box office. The theater says buying in person at the box office is the least expensive way to order; additional fees or service charges may apply through ticket sellers. Sales are final except when a show is canceled or rescheduled.

Unless a performance states otherwise, everyone needs a ticket. Children aged 2 years and younger are not admitted unless the performance is intended for children.

Complimentary street parking on Genesee Street is available on weekends and weekdays after 5:00 PM. Before 5:00 PM, metered parking costs $0.50 per hour. Covered garage parking is available at Waukegan Municipal Garage C, 225 North County Street.

Valet parking through Advantage Valet is available for most events. It is cash only, and drivers should approach from the east on Sheridan Road.

If you plan to use the box office, its regular hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; it is closed Sunday and Monday. The box office also opens two hours before every performance.

Doors open approximately 90 minutes before performances, so you can plan your arrival around the venue’s entry time. Full bar service and packaged snacks are available in the lounges; hot food is not served.

The Genesee Theatre is a local outing from North Chicago. The theater says the Union Pacific North Metra station is a short walk away, and Pace Transit provides daily service to downtown Waukegan.

For North Chicago rail connections, the Great Lakes station guide covers getting to and from that station.

Accessible seating for wheelchairs and other mobility devices is available on the Orchestra and Balcony levels. Orchestra-level transfer seats are also available, and ADA seating is offered first-come, first-served. Request accessible seating through Ticketmaster or contact the box office directly; the theater advises requesting it when purchasing tickets to guarantee availability.

Guests can be dropped off at the Clayton Street entrance, and an elevator provides access to the balcony. Listening devices for guests with hearing impairments are available from the box office; you’ll need to leave a driver’s license until you return the device.

ASL interpretation and captioning can be requested, with requests asked for at least two weeks before the performance.

Trained service animals are permitted, though the theater reserves the right to require removal if an animal disrupts or threatens the performance. Photography is allowed in lobby areas, but cameras and recording devices are prohibited in the auditorium unless the production specifies otherwise. Professional cameras and recording devices require a press pass.

Backpacks and bags larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches are not permitted in the auditorium, and all bags may be searched. Weapons, laser pens, signs, banners, oversized bags, balloons, outside food and outside beverages are prohibited. Smoking, vaping and electronic smoking are not allowed inside.

Where is the Genesee Theatre?

It is at 203 North Genesee Street, Waukegan, Illinois 60085.

Can you buy tickets at the box office?

Yes. The theater sells tickets at its box office as well as through Ticketmaster, its only authorized online ticket seller.

Is parking available at the theater?

Options include complimentary street parking at certain times, a covered municipal garage and valet parking for most events.

Can you request ASL interpretation or captioning?

Yes. The theater accepts requests for ASL interpretation and captioning, and asks that you request them at least two weeks before the performance.