Comments on Revitalize Des Plaines!: The Des Plaines Theatre's First Rebirth

Phil - that sounds like a great idea, I'll sug...

2010-11-09T08:50:27.352-06:00

Phil - that sounds like a great idea, I'll suggest it to the management.
Pat - Mayor Arredia's committee reconvened as the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society in early 2003 when the theatre was threatened with destruction. After the theatre was sold, it worked with the owner on a number of improvements. Ultimately DPTPS was unable to reach a workable arrangement with the owner and the last board meeting was held in 2008. I served as DPTPS Secretary for several years and this blog is a direct outgrowth.

The owner is funding the current renovations out of pocket. In the current project the theatre will be receiving new exterior doors and windows, the dividing wall and false ceiling will be removed, walls will be patched and painted, additional seating added, the stage will be made functional, and the lobby will be set up to function as a cafe during off hours. More work will be done in future phases. The tenant will be Stage One Productions, until recently located across the street.

I was on the "Save the Des Plaines Theatre&qu...

2010-11-09T08:36:39.446-06:00

I was on the "Save the Des Plaines Theatre" committee 5 years ago. What happened to it? What will you be doing to the theatre?
Pat Olson

Maybe somebody hold a reunion at the theater for t...

2010-11-09T06:38:41.914-06:00

Maybe somebody hold a reunion at the theater for those of us who worked there as managers, ushers or candy girls? I was from the Class of '65.

It was my first job. I was an usher from 1965-66, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Mr. Giles was the manager. We even wore red scotch plaid coats and baggie black pants with suspenders and a bow tie. Pay was not all that great...85 cents an hour, but we looked real smart and got free popcorn from the candy girls!

Phil Heller