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The Vic Theatre

Coordinates: 41°56′22″N 87°39′14″W / 41.9395°N 87.6538°W / 41.9395; -87.6538
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The Vic Theatre
The Vic
Map
Former namesVictoria Theatre
Address3145 N. Sheffield Ave.
LocationChicago, Illinois
OwnerJam Productions
Capacity1,400
Construction
Opened 1912 (1912-MM)
Renovated1983 By Walter Klein & Big Bob Suszynski
Website
www.victheater.com

The Vic Theatre is a music venue located in Chicago, Illinois. Vic Theatre can easily accommodate 1,400 people or with a seated capacity of 1,000.

History

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Vic Theatre, designed by architect John Eberson, opened in 1912 as the Victoria Theatre. It took three years to build the luxurious five-story Vaudeville house. The theatre was owned and built by Robert E. Ricksen and Frank Gazzolo. Ricksen and Gazzolo operated the Crown and Imperial theaters as well. Costing $300,000 to construct it was equipped with every luxury. (Source: September 14, 1912 Billboard publication)

In 1983 The Vic was purchased by Walt Klein who spent several million restoring it. Opening with the 20th Anniversary of Second City and recorded for broadcast by HBO The Vic was originally programmed by Lou Valpano and Celebration Flipside. Within a year programming was handled by Dave Frey, who brought in Holiday Star Theater as a partner.

In 1986 Walt and his team brought in Thunderdome Enterprises to handle day to day operations and bring the popular ClubLand nightclub to extend the venue's operating hours. During this period concert booking and promotions were moved to Jam Productions. In 1988 Michael Butler produced the 20th anniversary revival of "Hair" at the Vic. In 1990 ClubLand closed, and Thunderdome Enterprises reconcepted the nightclub into the short-lived Catwalk. In the mid-1990's, Brew & View was established at the Vic, offering movies and drinks on non-concert nights. Later, Walt sold The Vic to Jam Productions.

Some notable performances

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References

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  1. ^ Horn, pp. 118–20
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41°56′22″N 87°39′14″W / 41.9395°N 87.6538°W / 41.9395; -87.6538