No, most cities aren’t dealing with these issues, but most cities aren’t bringing in as many shows in any given year as we are.

We’re careful about not announcing anything until we’re reasonably certain it will come here. Our intention is to always take the minimum amount of risk to deliver what our subscribers are looking for.

In the 51/2 years we’ve been presenting shows, we’ve really only had four or five changes and two cancellations up until [this season]. Unfortunately, we know you’re only as good as you are right now.

Chicago theatergoers are savvy. They want to see the best and the brightest and they want to see it first — preferably before it goes to Broadway or, in the case of ‘Wicked,’ early into...