Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company finally opened its expanded campus in April, and even if pandemic delays meant the inaugural production of Chekhov’s Seagull didn’t have the all-ensemble cast originally envisioned for the christening, no matter: The venue itself was the draw. Though it’s saddled with a clunky donor-exalting name — the Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell — that’s about the only thing weighing down the space. Designed for intimacy and ideal acoustics by the in-demand firm Charcoalblue, the only permanent in-the-round stage in the city is a tantalizing new canvas for Steppenwolf’s artists. 1650 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park