Bailiwick specializes in presenting gay and lesbian theater, though this isn't officially in their mission statement. Still, it is something of a running joke in the community that a show rarely goes on at this venue that doesn't contain at least one guy with his shirt off.

Not that that's a bad thing; the long running hit "Naked Boys Singing" played to groups of giggling bachelorette partiers for years now; more recently the piece has reincarnated as "Barenaked Lads." Bailiwick features an annual "Pride Festival," a summer series of Gay and Lesbian theater.

The Bailiwick produces theater year-round in its three performance spaces; a good-sized mainstage that in recent years has produced the Chicago premieres of such shows as "Parade" and "First Lady Suite," as well as a studio just inside the front door on the left and an attic space all the way to the back. Even when not containing Bailiwick productions, these spaces are often humming with works by smaller theater companies that rent there.

The theater also offers concessions during most shows. Parking in the area can be a bit iffy (it is Lakeview after all), but you might get lucky if you try some of the side streets to the south of Belmont. Nearby restaurants abound, especially if you head east on Belmont toward the Red Line, or west to check out the bars on Southport. Actor hangouts include the nearby Schubas and Las Palmas, and sometimes dinner packages will be offered with tickets at Joey's Brick House across the street.