It’s being reopened February 10 under the name of Wayfarer Theaters
Here’s the story from the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.
“On February 10th, Wayfarer Theaters will open its inaugural flagship theater at the Renaissance Place in Highland Park. Wayfarer Theaters is a new collective space for films, live events, and conversation, designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship in our community. Wayfarer Theaters will offer a mixture of old and new films intended to uplift our spirits, including children’s movies and accompanying activities on weekends, and regularly scheduled talks and Q&As with filmmakers.
Wayfarer Theaters is a sister company to Wayfarer Studios (wayfarerstudios.com), a film and TV studio founded in 2019 by Paylocity founder Steve Sarowitz and Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni. An actor turned filmmaker, Baldoni uses his stardom as a platform to address social issues through impactful content creation and direct action—such as his ‘Man Enough’ TED talk, web series, book and podcast, and the nonprofit he founded to address homelessness in Los Angeles. As Baldoni describes it, Wayfarer Studios creates media that “amplifies the human spirit and serves as a catalyst for positive social change.”
Sarowitz sees the venture in a similar light: “When Justin and I founded Wayfarer Studios, our focus was to build a change agent that brings to life meaningful stories that will inspire and lift humanity to a higher level.” Sarowitz, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Highland Park, dedicates his time and resources toward eradicating the world’s negative ‘isms’—through nonprofit work and now impactful content creation alongside Baldoni.
In 2021, Sarowitz and Baldoni also launched the Wayfarer Foundation (wayfarerfoundation.org), a Baha’i-inspired organization that funds and supports spiritually-rooted and justice-oriented nonprofits, centering on the power of universal participation to create a more hopeful, joyful, and just world.
Among the films shown at Wayfarer Theaters will be media produced by Wayfarer Studios, such as two productions Baldoni directed: Five Feet Apart and Clouds, which was named one of Disney+’s best films.
The new theater’s General Manager, Clayton Stamper, welcomes this partnership: “Wayfarer Theaters wants to stand on the shoulders of its sister companies (Wayfarer Studios and Wayfarer Foundation) and continue to be a funnel for those causes, a catalyst for those matters of the heart—those aspects of humanity that we all share.”
Wayfarer Theaters will also engage with community members to curate films that connect with local audiences. “Especially in the initial months,” Stamper says, “I want to invite our guests to tell us what films they want to see, and what would elevate the experience for the people of Highland Park.” In addition, he looks forward to “working hands on with local organizations and community leaders.”
Wayfarer’s inaugural theater will also seek to “engage all the senses,” as Stamper put it. Along with high-definition visuals to tantalize the eyes, interactive multimedia displays and hands-on museum-style activations will delight guests of all ages. Live musical performances will grace the ear, and alongside traditional theater snacks Wayfarer will offer healthy alternatives, as part of its in-house café.”
The Friends of the Needles theatre website is dead. No further information is available anywhere on the internet. Google Streetview of November 2022 shows no renovation activity and the entrances boarded up.
1961 picture in the photo section.
According to the website classic movies should be added to functions.
Still open as a gay night club and drag bar.
Facebook link to above story with picture.Wayfarer
It’s being reopened February 10 under the name of Wayfarer Theaters Here’s the story from the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.
“On February 10th, Wayfarer Theaters will open its inaugural flagship theater at the Renaissance Place in Highland Park. Wayfarer Theaters is a new collective space for films, live events, and conversation, designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship in our community. Wayfarer Theaters will offer a mixture of old and new films intended to uplift our spirits, including children’s movies and accompanying activities on weekends, and regularly scheduled talks and Q&As with filmmakers. Wayfarer Theaters is a sister company to Wayfarer Studios (wayfarerstudios.com), a film and TV studio founded in 2019 by Paylocity founder Steve Sarowitz and Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni. An actor turned filmmaker, Baldoni uses his stardom as a platform to address social issues through impactful content creation and direct action—such as his ‘Man Enough’ TED talk, web series, book and podcast, and the nonprofit he founded to address homelessness in Los Angeles. As Baldoni describes it, Wayfarer Studios creates media that “amplifies the human spirit and serves as a catalyst for positive social change.” Sarowitz sees the venture in a similar light: “When Justin and I founded Wayfarer Studios, our focus was to build a change agent that brings to life meaningful stories that will inspire and lift humanity to a higher level.” Sarowitz, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Highland Park, dedicates his time and resources toward eradicating the world’s negative ‘isms’—through nonprofit work and now impactful content creation alongside Baldoni. In 2021, Sarowitz and Baldoni also launched the Wayfarer Foundation (wayfarerfoundation.org), a Baha’i-inspired organization that funds and supports spiritually-rooted and justice-oriented nonprofits, centering on the power of universal participation to create a more hopeful, joyful, and just world. Among the films shown at Wayfarer Theaters will be media produced by Wayfarer Studios, such as two productions Baldoni directed: Five Feet Apart and Clouds, which was named one of Disney+’s best films. The new theater’s General Manager, Clayton Stamper, welcomes this partnership: “Wayfarer Theaters wants to stand on the shoulders of its sister companies (Wayfarer Studios and Wayfarer Foundation) and continue to be a funnel for those causes, a catalyst for those matters of the heart—those aspects of humanity that we all share.” Wayfarer Theaters will also engage with community members to curate films that connect with local audiences. “Especially in the initial months,” Stamper says, “I want to invite our guests to tell us what films they want to see, and what would elevate the experience for the people of Highland Park.” In addition, he looks forward to “working hands on with local organizations and community leaders.” Wayfarer’s inaugural theater will also seek to “engage all the senses,” as Stamper put it. Along with high-definition visuals to tantalize the eyes, interactive multimedia displays and hands-on museum-style activations will delight guests of all ages. Live musical performances will grace the ear, and alongside traditional theater snacks Wayfarer will offer healthy alternatives, as part of its in-house café.”
The Friends of the Needles theatre website is dead. No further information is available anywhere on the internet. Google Streetview of November 2022 shows no renovation activity and the entrances boarded up.
I uploaded a 1980 photo of this theatre and home. It appears that the entrance was trackside under the marquee.
Updated website link: Vilas Cinema
The website is showing events, including classic films, beginning May 7 2023 forward. Looks like it’s re-opening.
From the showtimes listed on the theatre’s website it appears to be a 2-screen operation.
Website From photos on the web, it appears to be a pop-up operation on the grounds of an open air flea market.
This will take you directly to the Miami location.Silverspot
221 N Rochester is the correct address for the former Chief Theatre.
Now the location of the Wisconsin Athletic Club. Function should be fitness center.
“North of 36” was released in 1924.
Movie listings are on their Facebook page and also on the city’s Website
Now has 4 screens and called Marianna Cinemas. Phone number: 850-526-4538. Website
Showing movies again:Website
website Function should include classic movies and performing arts.
The website has it now open with one screen only.
Google Streetview of April 2022 shows only vacant land at this address. Status should be demolished.
Now open according to the website. Showing classic films and hosting performing arts events.
This theatre was closed for 3 years due to the Covid epidemic. It has now reopened.Link
Website
Movies should be added to functions. Sub run releases are listed on the website.