McVicker 's Theater ( 1857 – 1984 ) was a playhouse in Chicago , Illinois , United States . Built for actor James Hubert McVicker , the theater was the leading stage for comedic plays in Chicago 's early years . It often hosted performances by Edwin Booth , who married McVicker 's daughter and was once targeted there in an attempted murder . Adler & Sullivan designed a remodel in 1883 . Although destroyed in two fires , including the Great Chicago Fire , McVicker 's remained an operating theater until 1984 . It was demolished the next year James Hubert McVicker was born in New York City , New York on February 14 , 1822 . His father James died shortly after his birth , so he was raised by his mother Nancy and two siblings . He attended some public school before apprenticing as a printer when he was ten . For the next five years , he operated machines in New York printing houses . In October 1837 , he was hired as an apprentice for the '' Republican '' in St. Louis , Missouri , and was named a journeyman three years later . However he found little enjoyment in the trade and he decided to acquire a classic education
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
McVicker's Theater