‘Wait, Wait ... Don’t Tell Me!’ resumes live tapings in brand new Chicago location
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The venerable National Public Radio quiz show “Wait, Wait ... Don’t Tell Me!,” hosted by Peter Sagal, is taking up residence in the historic and newly renovated Studebaker Theatre in Chicago’s venerable Fine Arts Building.
“Wait, Wait” has been taping shows via Zoom during the pandemic. It previously was in residence for some 15 years at the Chase Auditorium in Chicago’s Loop, a basement venue located under the skyscraper at 10 S. Dearborn St.
The move to the Studebaker Theatre, at 401 S. Michigan Ave., coincides with the completed renovation of that theater, also soon to be the home of a new commercial musical, “Skates.”
The new version of the Studebaker will have about 700 seats, says artistic director Jacob Harvey. For years, the majesty of that theater was hidden behind partitions as it functioned as a movie multiplex. It’s a privately owned venue, controlled by the family of the late Robert Berger, who began the renovation. Chicago Opera Theater and Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras are also producing in the space. The renovation adds updated lobbies and a VIP lounge in the second balcony.
The move anticipates milestones at both institutions in 2023: the Fine Arts Building will celebrate its 125th anniversary while “Wait Wait ... Don’t Tell Me!” will be 25 years old.
The quiz show, which also features the much-loved Chicago personality Bill Kurtis, will tape its first show at the Studebaker in June.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.
