It’s finally here!  Since the doors of The Des Plaines Theatre first opened on August 9, 1925, the historic gem has had its ups and downs.  It has endured, emerging from economic challenges and a multitude of ownership and management changes.

The theatre was poised to be the center of the community.  It was built by Barney Winkelman, a local saloon owner and entertainment entrepreneur.  He tore down his home and barn on that location at Lee and Miner Streets, a plot of land originally owned by Des Plaines pioneer, Socrates Rand.  Out of respect to Socrates, he gave the second floor of the theatre to Winny Rand, Socrates’ widow, and she made it her retirement residence.

It opened with great excitement and splendor.  It was managed by The Polka Brothers, theatre afficionados of the era.  Silent films and Vaudeville acts regularly captivated the rigorous five-shows-a-day schedule.

The theatre has survived wars, economic downturns, stock market crashes, Prohibition, a near-tragic fire, 911, the Pandemic and everything in between.  But somehow, the grand dame of Des Plaines still stands.

When I was approached to potentially participate in the re-birth of the venue, I was very excited.  The City Manager at the time, Mike Bartholomew called and made the statement that, “Des Plaines is investing in its downtown, and the theatre will be a vital part of the plan.  And we want what you created in St. Charles at The Arcada!”

“This sounds cool,” I thought to myself.  So I went to tour the basically condemned property.  “Now I know why it was condemned,” I said when I got there.  It was in very rough shape, a victim of disrepair and lack of care.  But I can tell you, the vision hit me like a truck the moment I walked in!

Every day, I worked very closely with the City’s Public Works Department, architects and tradesmen.  Words cannot express my appreciation to the city for the faith and trust it placed in me with regards to the design and functionality of the building.  The City Manager was a champion of this project and both City Councils of then and today have been nothing but supportive. 

Much of the renovation happened during COVID and was performed to a great degree by city employees, in a responsible way to save public funds.  They constructed it via every detail I asked for.  Colors, room design, operationally, I was involved in pretty much every part of the renovations.  They were great to work with.

We opened officially on October 31, 2021 with an emotional, star-studded spectacular headlined by A-List actor Kevin Costner.  We Built it, and he came!

The “Bourbon ‘N Brass” Speakeasy has come to be one of the most popular Jazz/Blues venues in the area.  “Des Pizza,” named as an homage to the City of Des Plaines itself, boasts my new recipe for pizza, named the, “Pizz-O”.  Folks are lovin’ it!

Big Al’s Tavern, is that quintessential “Corner Bar’ of the 1940s.  It is named after my dad, “Big Al the Tailor,” who was a WWII hero from Chicago’s Little Italy on Taylor Street.

Then comes the theatre itself.  Still adorned with the original decor surrounding the stage proscenium and arches above the doors.  The place oozes of Art Deco, and the vibe of a simple yet splendid pre-sound-system music hall exudes from every inch of the 1925 plaster walls.

Since our re-opening, we have had over eight hundred shows, special events and community initiatives.  I just love the look on the faces of those who visit then theatre for the first time, especially when they pop their heads into the speakeasy..  They just cannot believe the downright “Cool-Factor” of the Des Plaines Theatre.

Then there are those who have been here before, but not since the re-do.  The jaw-dropping is so much fun to watch!  “The last time I was here I saw ‘Star Wars’ for 75 cents!” I hear a lot. 

The Des Plaines Theatre has truly become a national treasure with a home-town flair.  I am so grateful to my wonderful staff, our precious volunteer ushers, the City of Des Plaines and the beloved customers who have made it their home for entertainment.

I have a fabulous Centennial Celebration planned, and I can’t wait to tell you how it went next week.

But of course, I would LOVE to see you there!

And here’s to the next 100 years.  I am already making plans for the Bi-Centennial!