This 300-seat playhouse was designed as a venue in which to stage fresh off-Loop theater. For a long time, the theater was the home to a sit-down production of the comedy "Over the River and Through the Woods," but has had trouble finding any long running hits since then; the flop "Jewtopia" is an example.

Occasionally smaller-budget touring productions make a stop here, and sometimes if a show is selling exceptionally well at a smaller venue in the area it will transfer to the Mercury (the Bailiwick's production of "Parade" transferred there and ran for most of the summer in 2004). Because of its ideal location on Southport, there is a host of bars and restaurants to choose from in the area, including the Irish bar and grill Cullen's located in the same building.

Parking is available (for a fee) across the street at a local school.