Historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles IL.

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on September 18, 2015 at 4:58 pm

The Daily Herald shared a slid show featuring the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL. Designed and funded by Lester Norris, the Spanish influenced theater opened on Labor Day, Sept. 6, 1926. The premiere showcased a film called “The Last Frontier” and Vaudeville acts of Fibber McGee and Molly Lor.

Many Vaudeville acts would follow over the years, gaining the theater a reputation as “one of the outstanding Vaudeville houses in the Fox River Valley,” according to the theater’s current website, oshows.com.

Other famous performers would visit the theater over the years, including the John Philip Sousa Band, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Jeanette McDonald, Maria Von Trapp and more.

In 2005, Ron Onesti purchased the historic gem, refurbished and upgraded it and helped make it a major draw once again to the city of St. Charles, showcasing performers of all backgrounds from today’s era.

Enjoy the slideshow and read the article about the Arcada in the Daily Herald here: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20150917/entlife/150919040/

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ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres on our website at www.historictheatres.org