What a great way to see two of the city's signature strengths: a sublime skyline view from the water's edge and an evening of off-Loop Chicago theater. The Prairie School-style building, built in 1920 as a sanitarium for babies and children suffering from tuberculosis, has hosted theatrical productions along the lake for half a century, but in recent years, the park district has hit upon a perfect programming gimmick. Each week, a different independent theater company gets to strut its stuff, usually restaging a play they performed earlier in the year. Performances run from June into August on Wednesday to Sunday evenings, and some shows do sell out, so it pays to reserve in advance. At intermission, you can walk out the back door and look south to the city lights. The onsite Lakefront Restaurant offers tavern food and a seasonal patio.