CIBC Theatre | "Parade" Seating Guide – Best Views & Ticket Deals

Smart Seat Selection for "Parade" at CIBC Theatre, Chicago

The CIBC Theatre's horseshoe-shaped auditorium offers three main levels (Orchestra, Dress Circle, Balcony) with distinct viewing experiences. For "Parade," a musical with intimate storytelling, we recommend prioritizing clear sightlines to the stage. Here's our expert breakdown of current ticket options:

💰 Best Value Tickets (Under $100)

• BALCRC Row H ($53-61): Front balcony side with surprisingly good angles—minimal head-turning needed. Rows A-C in same section jump to $79-98 but offer more direct sightlines.
• BALCLC Row K ($61): Left-center equivalent of above. Slightly better for scenes staged left.

🎯 Sweet Spot (Best Balance of Price & View)

• MEZZANINE LEFT CENTER Row M ($101): Elevated but not steep, with excellent depth perception for the staging. Avoid far side mezzanine seats at this price point.
• BALCRC/BALCLC Row C ($79-82): Front balcony center—no obstructions and full stage visibility. 15° downward view is ideal for catching ensemble choreography.

✨ Higher Tier Options (Premium Experience)

• ORCH-C Rows K-P ($218-268): Mid-orchestra center gold standard. Row K puts you just behind soundboard for perfect audio balance.
• DRESS CIRCLE Row H ($616): Historic first balcony with plush seating. Steep premium but unmatched sightlines and legroom.

⚠️ Considerations & Warnings

• Balcony Rows N ($194+): Very high with 35°+ downward sightlines—best for budget-conscious viewers comfortable with heights.
• ORCH LEFT/RIGHT Rows V ($452): Extreme sides may miss some upstage action in this production.
• MEZZ RC Row M ($419): Right-center premium seems excessive when similar views available in ORCH-C for less.

🔍 View Comparison

• Orchestra Center: 0-10° upward sightline (Rows A-J), flat viewing (Rows K-T), slight upward (Rows U-Z)
• Dress Circle: 15° downward—ideal for catching detailed staging
• Balcony: 25-40° downward—ensemble patterns visible but facial expressions harder to read

💡 Our Top Recommendations

• Best Budget Pick: BALCRC Row H ($53) - unbeatable value
• Premium Choice: ORCH-C Row K ($268) - perfect centerline
• Group Option: BALCLC Row K ($61 x4) - great block seating

🎭 "Parade"-Specific Advice

This production makes heavy use of the stage's depth. For full immersion in the courtroom scenes and factory sequences, prioritize seats with clear upstage views (avoid far side orchestra). The balcony's elevated perspective actually enhances the lynching scene's dramatic impact.