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Genesee Theatre
The Genesee Theatre is a concert, performing arts and private events venue in Waukegan, Illinois, hosting over 80 diverse events every year.
The Genesee first opened on Christmas day in 1927 as a luxurious movie palace. And for over 60 years, The Genesee served Waukegan as such, hosting several world premieres (Man About Town (1939); 5-27-77 (2017); etc.) and showing classic films during their initial releases (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1939); Star Wars (1977); etc.). The Genesee closed in 1989 due to competition from major multiplexes.
The theatre reopened in 2004 after a 5-year $23 million renovation. Many improvements were made to the theatre including new lighting and sound systems, a Broadway-sized stage and rigging system, reproduction of the original 1927 marquee, installation of chandeliers including those seen in the Grand Lobby and main Auditorium, and so much more!
The Genesee offers a variety of live performances year-round, including live music, comedy, ballet, movies and more. Major stars including James Brown, Peter Frampton, Morrisey, Kristen Chenoweth, Amy Grant, Stewart Copeland, Ringo Starr, John Mulaney, Jay Leno, Tim Allen, Alan Parsons, Rick Springfield and others have graced our stage!
More history of The Genesee can be found on our website.
MORE ABOUT THIS VENUE
Venue Type: Concert Hall; Historic Building/Landmark; Theater
LOCATION
MAKE IT A NIGHT
ALBUQUERQUE LITTLE THEATRE
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- Vinaigrette
- Garcias Kitchen The Original
- Route 66 Malt Shop
- Bottger Mansion of Old Town
Bottger Mansion of Old Town- Liu Chinese Fast Food
Bottger Mansion of Old Town - Liu Chinese
- Vinaigrette
Accessibility Information
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Accessible Parking
There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces across from the theatre.
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Assisted Listening
The Genesee has listening devices to assist guests with hearing impairments. On the night of the event, interested parties should pick up these devices with the Patron Services Manager located in the Box Office. We ask that you leave your driver’s license until the device is returned at the end of the event. Ushers are available during the performance for further questions.
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Changing Stations
Changing stations are present throughout the women’s and family restrooms.
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Drop Off
Guests are able to drop off in front of the theatre on Genesee St.
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Elevator
The Genesee has one large elevator to the left of the Box Office. It is attended by an usher at all times during an event.
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Family Restrooms
The Genesee has one family restroom located in the Road Show lounge on the first floor.
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Low Vision
Arrangements to accommodate visual impairments may be made for some events through the Genesee Theatre Box Office. Call our Patron Services Manager at (847) 406-3157.
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Service Animal
Trained service animals will be permitted in the Genesee Theatre during events. A guest whose service animal disrupts or could pose a threat to the safety of other patrons, staff or performers will be asked to escort the animal from the theatre and may return without the service animal.
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Wheelchair Access
The Genesee is wheelchair accessible with specified seating in the orchestra and balcony levels. A number of Transfer seats are also available if some guests with mobility challenges wish to sit in the comfort of our theatre seats. One guest is welcome to accompany the person using the wheelchair or mobility device. For more information, call our Patron Services Manager at (847) 263-6300.
ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Additionally, American Sign Language interpretation is available upon request. In order to provide qualified and appropriately prepared signers, we require signing requests at least two weeks prior to the performance date. You may request this service when ordering tickets through the Box Office.
Find all ADA information on our website.
PARKING INFO
Street parking is available on Genesee St and is complimentary after 5:00PM. Before 5:00PM, metered parking is $.50/hour.
Covered garage parking is available at Waukegan Lot C, 225 N County St for $10. Cash or card is accepted. Uncovered Lot Parking is available in Lots G, H, I, K and L.
Valet parking is available through Advantage Valet for most events. Please approach the valet area from the East on Sheridan Rd. Valet parking is $15 and accepts cash only.
More information can be found on our website.
PUBLIC HOURS
The Box Office is open Tuesday to Friday: 11:00AM to 5:30PM and Saturday: 10:00AM to 3:00PM.
Visit, email tickets@geneseetheatre.com or call (847) 263-6300.
The Box Office is open two hours prior to every performance in addition to our regular hours.
Contact information
