Genesee Theatre
Genesee Theatre
4.5
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The historic Genesee Theatre is a 2,400 seat entertainment venue located in Waukegan, Illinois. Located along the northern shore of Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee, the Genesee Theatre is a hub of activity for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Hosting a variety of music, comedy, and dance, the Genesee marks Waukegan as a destination for high-quality entertainment once reserved for major cities. The Genesee was built in 1927 as a vaudeville stage and movie palace before being restored in 2004 to its modern glory as a live entertainment venue boasting one of the largest stages in the Midwest, an acoustically dynamic auditorium, and a beautifully restored grand lobby for intimate and elegant events.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
272 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
57
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
robert K
Orland Hills, IL85 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This is a nice old Theater that was built when people were skinny. The theater is warm and charming. The location is not close to either a major expressway. The downtown area does not offer many places to eat. My biggest problem is a small lobby and very small seats.
Written May 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darnell J
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
I've been to this theater many times and never been disappointed. Not a bad seat in the house but I always pick to sit up close. The atmosphere is outstanding and the staff is very helpful. Oh and the price is right on time. I love it because it's close to home and I don't have to worry about traveling to far. Two thumbs up!
Regards,
D Jones
Regards,
D Jones
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robert K
Orland Hills, IL85 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
This is a Nice OLD theater. The artwork and inside is a throwback to the theaters of old and that is the biggest issue. There is no bad seat in the whole theater. The seats are designed for people who weigh less than 225lbs. So, if you weigh more, the seats will not be comfortable. The area is nice, but you have to travel to find a family place to eat that isn't fast food.
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We are sorry to hear that your experience was less than perfect. We'd like to hear more about your experience so we can improve. Please write to us at Customer.Service@GeneseeTheatre.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Written April 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LadyJanePottle
Des Plaines IL35 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
The Genessee Theatre is beautiful, and conveniently located in downtown Waukegan, with lots of reasonably priced parking. Not a bad seat in the theater.. I saw the Righteous Brothers in concert, and they put on a great show! I’m sure to come again.
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the five-star review! We are so glad that you enjoyed your recent visit. We look forward to having you back soon!
Written November 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dale K
Oak Lawn, IL75 contributions
Dec 2021
The theater is large and beautiful with precautions taken for covid-19 however there were a lot of people in close proximity to one another not wearing their masks. I did see one usher attempting to have people put on their masks but in my opinion, there could have been many more ushers. This is a safety concern. My wife and I will be coming back in December, January and February for additional concerts and I hope, by then, the theater can do better in protecting others from non-mask wearers. Perhaps even having people present a vaccination card would be useful.
Besides that we greatly enjoyed the Tommy James and the
Shondells and the Box Tops.
Besides that we greatly enjoyed the Tommy James and the
Shondells and the Box Tops.
Written December 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drew H
Madison, WI135 contributions
Oct 2021
A very special old-school theater establishment, in the same vein as the Oriental in Milwaukee, Orpheum in Madison and Coronado in Rockford. It's simply a beautiful place to see a concert or any type of show. A genuine treasure in downtown Waukegan.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven T
Mundelein, IL7 contributions
Oct 2019
Good News - Seating is very close to the stage (seems like an old movie theater); convenient on the street or limited pay parking; bar on site with reasonable prices for a venue with a live act; comfortable seats; probably a better venue for a comedian or smaller act.
Improvement Needed - Acoustics were not great for a rock show (it seemed like the sound staff was trying to make improvements on the fly); long wait at the bar area for a drink; bathroom space needs expansion.
Improvement Needed - Acoustics were not great for a rock show (it seemed like the sound staff was trying to make improvements on the fly); long wait at the bar area for a drink; bathroom space needs expansion.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Appreciate your feedback. Could you tell me approximately where you were sitting? There can be variations on how the show sounds in different parts of the auditorium. As we consider new equipment and work with future acts, the more specific information we get the more it helps us.
Written June 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
donaldsQ4284IH
Gurnee, United States7 contributions
Dec 2019
I am not sure if there is a bad seat in this theater. We have never been disappointed with the shows. The theater is clean and the decor is outstanding. The parking is within walking distance of the theater..
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this 5-Star review. We really appreciate you being a customer and helping to share the word about us!
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mary m
Antioch, IL53 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
On Friday night a Whitney Houston tribute show singer Belinda Davis gave a fantastic performance. It was like something you would see in Las Vegas. The theater is absolutely beautiful and has great acoustics. They have great artist there. Check out there shows that are coming. The prices are Fantastic. Very good Shows coming up. Buy your tickets at the box office and save a lot of money.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave an excellent rating. We really appreciate your business!
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scott L.
Bloomingdale, IL14 contributions
Feb 2020
The Genesse Theater in Waukegan is an absolute gem. Beautiful architecture and fabulous acoustics make shows here a fantastic experience.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for giving us your take on how we are doing! We're glad that customers like you are having a great experience!
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I read the rules about oversized bags, Does this apply to purses, too?
Written June 13, 2023
Megan H
Ladd, Illinois
we are going to the melissa etheridge concert on October 3, 2021.. I'm in a wheelchair and my spouse got ticket seating in the 1st or second row of the orchestra area fir seating.. will I have a problem seeing if I need to sit for the majority of the concert?.. Also, is there still valet parking and what time should we come for a 7p show, so we can get situated in our seats and locate restrooms and exits before the show starts?? I'm a huge worry wart and like to know where all is located.. lol
Written April 5, 2021
How do I get to this parking lot west of the theatre that people mention - if I'm going east on Grand Ave., would I take a right at N County Street?
Leaving the parking lot - is there a stoplight at N. County and Grand Avenue? Or, what is the best way to get back on Grand Ave. to go west at a stoplighted intersection from this parking lot?
Written November 17, 2018
You can valet right in front for $20 The lot is jus about 100 yards away
Written November 17, 2018
Is there a decent place to eat near Genesse? All the places we previously went to are either gone or not available any more for dinner.
Written October 27, 2018
No really good place near the theater. Need to eat in Gurnee or Livertyville.
Written March 8, 2019
Is there bar service in the lobby and can you take drinks into the theater?
Written March 5, 2018
I have been to the GT often. It is a great venue. There typically is a wine/beer bar set up just past the entrance where you scan your ticket and a full bar in a room on the right after you scan your tickets. You can take snacks purchased there and drinks to your seat to enjoy during the show.
Written March 6, 2018
What is the best place to go for dinner before a concert...hopefully walking distance from the theater?
Written September 26, 2017
Elizabeth Amos
Waukegan, Illinois
Appreciate you writing in! We do offer this easy to read document with some nearby restaurant suggestions. If you go to the Genesee Theatre website, click Plan Your Visit then Area Restaurants, you'll be able to get some ideas!
Written October 3, 2017
We will be staying at a hotel in downtown Chicago. How would we get to the theatre using public transportation?
Written June 1, 2017
Catch a Metra Union Pacific North Line commuter train at the Ogilvie Transportation Center at Madison and Canal Streets. The train ride will take about 1 hr. 20 minutes. Buy your ticket in advance to avoid the penalty fee assessed by conductors on the train! The theater is less than 1/2 mile from the Waukegan stop. Please check the schedule for the Metra trains, that will be the trickiest part.
Written June 2, 2017
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