Wheaton Grand Theater

From a volunteer: Status of theater is now open. Showing classic/family films on one screen (second screen expected to open in Spring 2003), as well as live music and other events. Architect was Norman Brydges of Chicago (a Frank Lloyd Wright student)

Website is www.wheatongrand.org

New website is www.wheatongrand.net

This is a fantastic theatre in a fantastic small town. The Wheaton Grand is one theatre that sits in a cool suburban downtown. Theatres like this can be used to help slowly emerging revitalized downtown areas. Why is it that only we, the fans on Cinema Treasures, can see this? I do not agree with the short write up above that, "the theatre must be closed for 18 months" to complete a restoration. This appears to be a common misconception about restoration. Every project is unique, however, it appears to me that the Wheaton needs to operate successfully for a year FIRST to garner public support THEN begin its restoration in phases. The Wheaton is unique in that it has three usable spaces now. Granted that the bathrooms need work and some major clean up is in order but at least this gem is open to the public now! More importantly, the local kids have been presenting concerts there for a while now. That is a great sign! Good luck, Wheaton! You are on to something good.

I am in a band and we have performed at the Wheaton Grand a few times, both in one of the 120 smaller theater, and the 750 capacity (seats have been taken out except in the very back) bigger theater. It is apperent the theaters were split up because when you're in the original room and you look at the ceiling, you can see the huge dome but you can only see half of it. Since I'm only 19 and have never seen the theater only as one screen, I can only imagine it once looked very nice. I live in WHeaton, only a minute from the theater, and hope that it can be restored soon.

It is being restored, as we speak. Check the website: www.wheatongrand.net Lots of activities, movies, magic, murder mysteries, concerts, kids theatre, classical music. The material at the top of this page is incorrect and we did send a request to change it. The theatre will NOT close for 18 months and no official decision has been made to make it one big theatre. Stay tuned for more developments. We do book local bands and have teenagers and volunteers helping in all phases of operation.

The 1,000 seat Wheaton Grand Theater opened on Monday, May 25, 1925. After noted musician Dr. William Kuntze opened the special program with an overture on the Kimball organ, the audience was treated to the feature film, "The Dressmaker from Paris" and one of the classic "Our Gang" comedies. Vaudeville and live drama presentations would also pack the house on subsequent evenings.

Although I love this site, sometimes people (Ross and Dave who did the original write up on this site) are asleep at the wheel. The architect has been identified several times and has been verified as Norman Brydges. Why is it not at the top of this page? The theatre did NOT open in 1923 but was started in 1923 and opened in 1925, (more corrections, boys). The Wheaton Grand celebrates 80 years this May and there will be a giant celebration. Check out the website: www.wheatongrand.net And most importantly, NO decision has been made to "close the theatre for 18 months!" As the owner of the company now managing the theatre, Grande Venues, Inc., that will not happen on my watch!

I think Paul is right. It seems the people running this web site are prone to slapping together a story, in the name of having something posted (Varsity Theater, Evanston, IL for instance). I think the effort to create this forum is great, and the designers deserve recognition. But, to post unverified facts and refuse to change them upon request of those involved with legitimate reuse efforts makes the preservation community look disorganized, and ultimately hurts the cause.

Life's Too Short, what needs to be corrected with the Varsity Theatre page in Evanston? I am the one who posted it, and I don't feel that I "slapped it together". Give me specific and correct facts as to what needs to be changed and I'll fix the page. I don't see anything in your comments on that page that gives any specifics other than the fact there was never a pharmacy in the buildng after the theater closed. Thanks.

Paul et al.,

Thanks for your comments about the Cinema Treasures website.

Here's the basic reality of this site: there are now over 8,300 theaters as of January 18, 2005. Mistakes do happen, unfortunately, as we have submissions from hundreds, if not thousands, of contributors, but we do our very best to update these listings and/or correct any errors.

Each new theater added means a new theater's description to maintain. As you can imagine, we get a lot of information in the comment sections and via email all day, every day. Those increased theaters add exponentially to the workload of updating everything, unfortunately.

Thanks to Bryan Krefft, our truly dedicated theater editor, we update these listings as best we can. Bryan does an amazing job as a volunteer.

Remember that the website is now over 4 years old so some descriptions are also anywhere from 1 - 4 years old. Sometimes, they have not been updated since their original submission if no updates were submitted or no news was sent in.

We do not wish to "hurt the cause" of preservation, nor do I think we are. Instead, we are trying to give managers, patrons, owners, and enthusiasts a forum to discuss the classic movie theaters of the past and present.

We will continue to work harder to make sure that the site is as accurate as possible and we ask for your patience and understanding. It is worth noting that this is a not-for-profit website supported entirely by volunteers.

Thank you for your comments and please do not hesitate to email me at ross@cinematreasures.org if you would like to discuss this further or speak with me about any other issues.

It is always a pleasure to hear from our users/contributors and we hope to make the site even better in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Ross Melnick
Cinema Treasures, Co-Founder

I appreciate the job you do.

Regarding Evanston's Varsity, I have two concerns:

1) I think you need to be careful with words like, "gutted". I have been around architecture my whole life, and every time that word has been used, it was to refer to a building that had been stripped to the four exterior walls. Current information on the Varsity suggests that 75-90% of the interior exists.

2) I suspect that, because you do have so much to look after, you sometimes post facts that have not been properly confirmed. I know the place never had one retail tenant, although a pharmacy may now move into one of the stalls. I don't think there were 2600 seats in the Varsity either, although it was big. But I fully admit my uncertainty there. Those THS guys could confirm this number, I suppose.

And that's really the point. If a statement cannot be properly confirmed (and there is only one way to do that), a disclaimer should be attached. This site comes up in search engine results all the time, and is often the only available internet reference. I think it is reasonable to assume that members of the media, and potential developers find their way in here on a pretty regular basis. That being the case, I think you have a responsibility to report your facts in the proper manner. Misinformation has the capacity to act as an enemy of historic preservation.

Regarding corrections, Paul appears to have sent you a formal request in November, and posted several related messages. I think you could have gotten to it in that span of time...especially when Paul is diligently working out there to make his building a living part of the community. It's not like someone asked you to correct the demolition year of some nickelodeon.

Now that I have given you a hard time, I will say: keep up the good work! You have created a valuable forum.

Thank you all. I love this site and to the saints of this idea, thank you Mr. Melnick and Mr. Krefft. They make this work and theatres worth preserving. I love great theatres and have made it my mission to help with restoration and programming. It's a wonderful life!

I,during the 1980's owned the organ that originally was installed in the Grand. It was a Kimball 2m/8 r organ installed in 1 chamber. The opus date of the organ was 1921 so I do not know why the theatre listed 1923 as opening. Dr. Kuntz was the first organist but since he was a professor at Wheaton College he had to quit as a theatre organist was not quite uppity enough. After the organ was removed in the talkie era it served the First Pres Ch of Kankakee, IL and at that time a harp was added to the percussions. In the 70's they removed the Kimball with a new Keates pipe organ and I bought the organ form a warehouse floor in Kanakee, IL for $3,000.00. I had the organ installed in 2 of my homes and then sold it as I was moving into a much smaller home. The trumpet for the Kimball is now in my friend, Bern Nordmann's 3m/13r organ in his home in Kirkwood, MO. The rest of it is in northern MO and was never reassembled after the fellow bout it from me for $2500.00. When I visited the Grand in the later time I had a picture of the marqwue and the movie, "Silent Movie" was playing. In the theatre the Kimball was on the left side of the stage area and on a little platform.
JamesGrebe pianoman@accessus.net

I hadn't looked at this site, but checked it out after speaking with Paul Warshauer, General Manager. Thanks Paul for your time and I hope my Carolina Theatre contact emails you in the near future.

The opus number of the Kimball theatre organ installed in the Grand Theatre in 1923 was/is 6794.
JamesGrebe pianoman@accessus.net

When was the Wheaton Grand made into a 4 screen/multiplex as I assume it was a single screen theatre?

I don't have the exact year(s), but the theater was divided into 2 auditoriums in the early 80's, and then split into 4 in the late 80's. In 2003, a group of volunteers removed part of the center wall, so that the two auditoriums nearest the stage were turned into a single auditorium. The theater is presently in a 3 auditorium configuration. It will be a single auditorium upon completion of the restoration.

Jloster: Do you know Paul Warshauer who is the general manager at the Wheaton Grand? Recently I had a lovely theatre phone chat with him. He is a very dedicated, focused and sincere theatre buff. And I must say that I was thrilled with your final sentence..."It will be a single auditorium upon completion of the restoration."

Patsy,

Yes, Paul and his company Grande Venues Incorporated were hired by the Executive Board of the Grand Theater Corporation (of which I'm a Board Member) to run Programming at the theater. They've been there for about 4 months now.

Correction, John. We were not hired. Our company was retained. We work for ourselves in several theatres and wear many hats. Our contracts range from programming to restoration, from management to operations. We also do parking, commercial leases, historic tax credit work, fundraising and real estate development. The Wheaton is but one star in the firmament of great theatres!

More on the organ. The Kimball was set up more like a church organ than theatre style. There was only 1 unit chest (flute) and the rest of the organ was on pitman chests. All ranks except flute were 61n. The ranks on the great, horn diapsaon, muted viol, trumpet. The swell, tibia, vox humana, viol, viol celeste, & the flute on other. The diapsaon was very horny and served as a nice solo stop. The trumpet was fiery. The strings were very nice. As it sat origanally the chestwork fit together in a large sqaure shape with a walk board between. The offset held the bottom of the flutes. Originally it had chimes, and a bass drum & cymbal. They were gone when I bought it and instead was a Barton 37n metal bar harp.Originally the vox had it's own 7.5 wp regulator and all else was on a big cone valve regulator(10wp). Regulators were under the chestwork. I added a 3rd regulator for the Swell portion and a 3rd trem. All the relay and switches were internal in the console and the swell shutter were 11 graduated in size and individually operated. A very powerful organ for it's size. It served the church after the Grand till it was replaced by a new Keates Pipe organ.
JamesGrebe pianoman@accessus.net

Today's Chicago Tribune has this article regarding the Wheaton Grand. (Note the link is temporary and will most likely be gone in a few days).

Bryan: One must register to read the Chicago Tribune article so could you post it on CT?

ATTENTION MUSCIANS and ENTERTAINERS!!

WHEATON GRAND THEATER DOES NOT HONOR THEIR SIGNED BOOKING CONTRACTS.

If you have scheduled show, you may be arbitrarily cancelled by Wheaton Grand Theater, even if you have a signed contract with them.
Beware!

Grande Venues, Incorporated (GVI) has had their contract terminated with the Wheaton Theater, which is operated by the 501c3 not-for-profit organization the Grand Theater Corporation (GTC). GVI received the notice of termination on March 29th, 2005 via certified mail, giving them 14 days to pack up their belongings and leave. By midnight on April 12th, they should have been off the premises, but were not, and we had to change the locks on the building. We are attempting to negotiate a settlement to try to honor some of the shows that GVI booked. So far we have seen contracts that weren't countersigned, contracts that were signed after GVI was given their termination notice, etc.

Unfortunately, GVI has forbidden us to even attempt to contact the bands that they have contracts with, and they have not given us contact
information for nearly all of the bands they hired. This naturally puts us in a difficult situation, for we want to try to minimize the inconvenience to their bands, but yet we cannot work with them because we don't know how to contact them.

We have only seen a few of the contracts, but my guess is that not a single contract informs their bands of the following two important terms in the GTC/GVI contract: 1) the GTC has the right to terminate the GTC/GVI contract, with OR WITHOUT cause upon 14 days notice; and 2) that GVI expressly agreed "Neither this Agreement, nor any term or condition therein, shall create an agency, joint venture, or partnership relationship between the parties, nor shall either party hold itself out to third parties in such capacity. Neither party has the power or authority to act for, represent, or bind the other in any manner other than as specified herein. No one hired by GVI shall be considered either an employee of independent contractor of GTC unless GTC agrees in writing." As such, GVI had no authority to bind the GTC, and all of GVI's contracts should have been subject to GVI's contract with the GTC being in full force and effect on the date of the event. We are trying to honor GVI's contracts so that the level of inconvenience to bands is minimized, but this is very difficult with GVI's refusal to either notify the bands that the GVI/GTC contract has been cancelled, or by GVI refusing to give us contact information.

We find it hard to believe that GVI continued to attempt to book bands
AFTER their contract with the GTC was terminated. Again, we do not know for sure, but it looks like none of the bands that GVI signed after the contract was terminated were told that the contract was terminated.

Last Friday, several volunteers came to the theater in the attempt to honor one of GVI's events. Not only was a contract NOT produced by GVI, but none of the bands showed up. The Grand Theater Corporation is making the attempt to honor what we can, given a difficult arrangement. Meanwhile we continue to receive calls from vendors that are seeking payment for past expenses incurred by GVI and not yet paid. In addition, GVI did not pay us their contracted March or April payments, their January and February payments were not paid in full and Paul Warshauer had theater property removed from the theater without our knowledge or consent. As an unpaid volunteer who has been involved with this theater for five years, and who spends dozens of hours a week on a project that’s very dear to my heart, I find it sad that Paul accuses me of being untrustworthy. For further reading, you might want to read the judgment entered against Paul Warshauer last year in a lawsuit filed by Annoyance Productions here: http://www.annoyanceproductions.com/lawsuit.html

Hopefully the Grand Theater Corporation can get back to the business of restoring a theater, and Mr. Warhshauer and his company can move on as well.

Sorry, that should have been "Last Saturday", not "Last Friday"

Oh my god. That is awful. Going by the information posted by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, it looks like there are three outstanding judgments against this guy, from three plaintiffs, worth a total of about $10,000. And to think...I made comments supporting this dirt bag.

Dear Life's Too Short: Do not rush to conclusions based on current "upaid manager" John Loster's faulty information. Much of the "misinformation" has been directed at me and my company to deflect criticism against the GTC's vision of "one theatre." We have urged the public to get involved with "Three Venues Not One!" It is politically incorrect for this group to go against the public's wishes! The "cases" you refer to from the Clerk's office are from old Uptown Theatre business and have been settled a while ago. My big question is why have our comments been systematically removed from this part of the website? We made formal and legitimate accusations against board members at the WGT and it sppears this website was "sanitized." Loster has been bad for business since he quit two times ago. Watch out for him, not me.

Certainly Paul must have some credibility if he's been able to be involved in so many projects. A google search shows a number of different projects, and doesn't neccessarily paint a flattering picture, but certainly there must be something more to the stories.

Brian: Thank you for your supportive post in regards to Mr. Paul W. I have been working with him since this past winter and find him to be a very interesting and dedicated theatre businessman.

What does any of this one theater stuff matter, Paul? You have been fired. Your office contains a stack of soft drinks now. Furthermore, I am more likely to believe several paragraphs of events presented along a timeline that can be verified than your vague accusations (stated in an inflammatory manner) based on conceptual differences.

I know that Paul has been involved with the Portage, the Uptown, and the Wheaton. None of these projects went anywhere, and there seems to be a string of accusations, some of which have escalated to the point where the judiciary system was involved.

Paul is good salesman...enthusiastic and intelligent. I have observed that a good salesman can usually create another opportunity, even if the previous one was a dismal affair.

I would be cautious, Patsy. I really can't say anything for certain. But the information has piled up to the point where I would conduct extensive due diligence before becoming financially involved with this gentleman.

I thought you had a pretty good thing going out there, Paul. I am sorry that your intentions now appear to be dubious.

Poor LTS, (Life's Too Short): Thanks for your comments (dirt bag??) and Patsy's compliments, too. I love this site but everyone should do "due diligence" including LTS. If you play in the big league you eventually get to court. Period. Theatre litigation is a part of real estate and everyone from Trump to Martha Stewart learn to deal with it. (Not that we are in that league yet!) Some claims are frivolous, some are borne from jealousy or misunderstanding. For the record: No one was "fired" at the Wheaton! My company, GVI was "retained" as consultants. The board didn't like our work, or our advice so we have signed a settlement. I will make that document available when the time is right. The Uptown Theatre mess is still playing itself out in a big way on the north side and more news will be out in the coming months that will clearly be favorable to me and my company. Due diligence is right! I haved done so many projecst positively, directed hundreds of murder mysteries, musicals, plays worked with tens of thousands of people in all walsk of life....too bad only the bad stuff gets put on here. Due diligence. I take chances on theatres. Do you? Unless you play in the game stop cirticizing others. Get in there and at least TRY to save old theatres. Stop yelling ffrom the sidelines.

Well...to some extent I brought this on myself by calling you a dirt bag. That was certainly not a cool-headed thing to do.

But, the fact that I am not active in restoration activities does not negate my opinion. A man with a string of angry people following him does not end up in that situation for no reason. While it is true that Donald Trump has dealt with his share of legal trouble, I know that the activities of GVI are not even close to being on the same scale of complexity. There is a world of difference between running an international real estate empire and managing one suburban theater.

The nature of your statements makes me suspect that you deal in emotion, rather than logic. If you are interested in defending your reputation, why don't you post a list of your successful theater renovation projects...with references (names and phone numbers). Certainly if there is substance behind your sales pitch, that should not be a problem.

By the way, it doesn't appear to me that your comments are being sanitized. It looks to me like you are being allowed to speak your peace.

There is a nice article in today's Daily Herald about the Wheaton Grand.

Bryan: Great article. Thanks.

The Wheaton Grand Theatre turned 80 on Wednesday. How sad no one threw it a party. Grande Venues had big plans for an 8 story cake (one for each decade). We also had bigger plans for its renovation/restoration. GVI got estimates from two major architects and could renovate and open for 4.1 million. Now "restoration guru, Ray Shepardson" (James Fuller, a reporter's words) wants to spend 8 million! Why don't the people of Wheaton get involved? Why don't business and civic leaders ask questions of that misguided board of directors? Is one theatre realistic downtown Wheaton? The DuPage Theatre in Lombard (nearby) suffers but at least there is a better plan for a downtown redevlopment! Meanwhile morale is down at the theatre with the volunteers and teenagers now that no one sits in the front window running events. Sad.

Back to reality: The Wheaton Grand Theater not only turned 80 years young on Wednesday (May 25th), but we celebrated the kickoff of our 80th Anniversary Season with a concert by local band Paulina. To thank the community for their support, the concert was free to the public (thanks to Paulina for donating their talent & time!) Just because Paul Warshauer wasn't invited, doesn't mean it wasn't a party (quite the opposite!) About 15 volunteers and board members came by, as well as several dozen fans/public. Volunteers who had stopped coming by because of Paul's presence stopped by to say hello. One volunteer even promised to start volunteering on a regular basis again (hooray!) We followed that up with concerts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday. All staffed by local volunteers who give up their free time to help a cause dear to their hearts. Shame on you Paul for saying the people of Wheaton aren't involved. The entire Executive Board, and most of the volunteers, as well as many of our customers are local residents, whether that be Wheaton or the surrounding communities (Carol Stream, Winfield, Naperville, etc.) We've been receiving help and support and advice from local people for over FIVE YEARS! I don't know who's morale is bad, Paul. We have numerous volunteers who are happy that the project is back on track and several of the people who worked for you are volunteering their time (for NO money) at the theater. The roughly 500 people who came out over the last week seemed to be having a pretty good time too, but thanks for your concern! LOL!

John
Wheaton Grand
www.wheatongrand.net

How sad, John. It is easy to blame someone else when you and your board has fallen down. Nice try but intelligent people see through your pack of lies. You gave an 80th birthday party where 15 people and a few friends stop by? Sad. You claim to have been trying to restore the theatre for 5 years. What has happened? Why haven't you done even ONE fundraiser to put money into the building? Your GTC board is so disconnected with the public it can't do anything without putting them to sleep... with inertia. Did it take GVI to kick start your efforts? We had thousands of people excited again about the theatre. Now nothing. No action. The 500 people (an exaggeration?) who attended the events you mention are the result of GVIs marketing and contract process, not yours. Our contracts are still there but you do not market them or any others. What happened to the marquee? What happened to all the young people who used to volunteer? You refuse to return stolen property that belongs to GVI. You continue to lie to the public about "their involvement." Listen to the former advisory board, the schools, the boy and girl scouts, the seniors, the churches, the business and city officials, the kids and many others who WANT three venues, movies and programs for kids. You lost the YMCA's contract to rent the theatre for theatre camps for the summer! Sad. You lie to the public about renting the old office space (no one there as of this morning). It is time to face the facts, John. You are on a sinking ship. Move over and let others continue the work started. There are plenty of other volunteers who refuse to go back to the theatre because YOU are there. Stop with the personal attacks and focus on the theatre, John. Do the right thing and resign. Then the REAL work of restoring an old theatre can begin.

Well, I think that given an iota of intelligence, most rational people can tell by the postings here that you're the liar. Your past speaks for itself, so I won't waste anyone else's time by rehashing your misdeeds. A man like you states a blatant falsehood "you lie to the public about renting the old office space (no one there as of this morning), oblivious to the fact that we have a signed lease effective June 1st for that space. When you were by there this morning, did you not glimpse the TWO LARGE SIGNS in the front window of the new tenant that were put up over the weekend? I know they weren't green and have pictures of dead presidents on them, but surely you must have seen them. See these little things you tend to gloss over are called facts. And if you pay attention, I don't go out of my way to launch personal attacks on you, though they certainly would be warranted. My posts are always in response to your ravings. Why don't YOU try shutting up for a change, and I'll be more than happy not to have the need to respond to your lies. Your choice.

I, for one, am really getting tired of reading these public CT exchanges and wish they would stop! I don't know JLoster, but I have communicated with Paul Warshauer though I don't personally know him. I'm sure there are some truths and some falsehoods in all of these many exchanges. but this is ridiculous and not very professional, imo.

Patsy, I would be MORE than happy to stop having to respond as I have mentioned. If you read through these unfortunate postings you can see that I've responded only when myself or the theater board has been attacked in writing. I guarantee you and all the readers of this page that I will have nothing negative to say, unless again provoked. I would much rather talk about the Wheaton Grand theater and our future plans. And I would be more than happy to talk to you about those plans for the Wheaton Grand, and if you're local, one of our representatives would be happy to show you around the theater. You can email me at info@wheatongrand.net or post theater-related questions here, and I'll be happy to answer them.

Actually, that invitation goes to the rest of you folks who have expressed interest in the Wheaton Grand as well. Bryan & Life's Too Short, etc. I'd be more than happy to take you through the theater if you haven't been already. Just let me know.

I was the one who owned the former pipe organ from the Grand. It seems to me that all this public bickering back and forth is completely non-productive and will turn the public against you all. I was very excited to hear about the refurbishing of the theatre and the possibility of returning the organ to it's home but all this turmoil is going to end all hopes of a glorius revival. If you all want to argue with each other do it privately and not on the CT site.
James Grebe

Thank you for a voice of reason Mr. Grebe. So to sum up... all of us have different opinions about this particular theatre so let's let it be and do work to help other theatres. Loster and his board will do their best to restore the Wheaton Grand. If they succeed, hooray. If not, it is another theatre gone. Sad that the GTC board members go out and try to ruin our reputation. Sad. A settlement is in the works between GVI (us) and GTC (them) so let the lawyers work it out. Unless attacked or maligned, I will not post here again. Goodbye. Thank you.

I am a current and past volunteer at the Wheaton Grand Theatre and I can attest that the morale and enthusiasm is very high. Things are good!

The restoration of this theater is a project that is near and dear to me because my first job in high school was selling tickets at the Wheaton Theatre. I then graduated to selling concessions and spent countless hours working and watching movies in the beautiful, grand theater.

The subdivision of the theater was a travesty. Not only did it destroy the granduer and beauty but turned it into a run of the mill venue. The Wheaton Grand deserves to be restored to its original (one venue) glory.

Finally, John Loster is tireless in his efforts to make sure that the theater will once again shine. He is the reason that I am back volunteering as much as possible and deserves that gratitude of anyone who attends or performs at the Wheaton Grand.

Thanks.

In response to comments of June 1, I don't think it is a bad thing to have heated discussion on this web site. Emotional debate is part of the preservation landscape. Take a look at some of the comments on the Crocker Theater in Elgin, if you think this is bad. There's a guy over there that calls himself: "ELGINsucks*****". I think the answer is to not visit Cinema Treasures sections that you find distasteful.

I don't see that you have posted any references, as I mentioned on May 22, Paul.

Dear Life's Too Short. Emotional debate is a good thing but those who complain must play the game before they are "experts." By the way, who are you? Do you do theatre restorations? Do you stick your neck out? I do not think I need to provide references to you, however, go to our website: www.grandevenues.com Now that I have been brought back in: the Wheaton Grand is doomed to fail regardless of the Pollyannas on this website and on their board. Where are the theatre people on their board or volunteers? None. They do not have a grip on reality or maintain reasonable business models. Plain and simple: Multiple venues = success. ALL reports indicate that single theatres are failing at a rapid rate. Wheaton has NO parking for an 800 seat venue. The board is deluded thinking the public will roll out $8 million when they can have it all for $4.1 million. GVI has a great plan to preserve Wheaton's architectural elements and still have the theatre be self sufficient. GVI now has projects in Illinois, California and Connecticut. Certain Grand Theatre board members go out of their way to try and discredit us. We don't care. Cities and arts organizations keep hiring us as we do the hard work before restoration begins. Other projects are on the way. At least we try and do not sit in an armchair and critcize everyone else. We are moving forward not looking backwards. Lots of theatres need help. We are on the way up.

Paul-
I don't see any references to sucessful projects on the site (I see you've updated it), which was what was in question. These are the only references I noted: "GVI currently has projects across the country and runs theatres in Havana and Pittsfield." "GVI has been involved in several historic theatre projects across the country." This is your opportunity to defend yourself; you've had a lot of negative things said about you here and in the press. This is your chance to show us what you've accomplished. I see you have a photo of the New Regal on the site; were you involved with it? I think your business plan has a lot of appeal and potential, and I wish you and the theatres you work with the greatest of success, but based on what i've seen from the public view of the Uptown, Uptown-Broadway, Portage, Sky Club, and Wheaton Grand, I, for one, would be hesitant to work with GVI. Of course, though, i'd love to be proven wrong.

Brian: Thank you. I am encouraged by your enthusiasm. We hope to be helpful and successful to several theatres each year. Again read between the lines for the Wheaton. They want ONE theatre and we want THREE theatres for THAT location. OK. The Uptown remains in play. The lease for the Portage was sold. We have done many projects quietly. You have only read about the loud public ones. By the way are you in the theatre restoration business? Have you tried to save old theatres?

I'm a college student, but I am involved with the Des Plaines Theatre.

1) STATEMENT: Dear Life's Too Short. Emotional debate is a good thing but those who complain must play the game before they are "experts."

ANSWER: I am not sure what you are saying. If you don't work in theater renovation, there is no way you can know anything about smart business at all? Is that what you are saying?


2) STATEMENT: By the way, who are you? Do you do theatre restorations? Do you stick your neck out?

ANSWER: I have been around architects, theatres and people trying to restore them my entire life. My relatives designed many of America's movie palaces, including some you have been associated with. My family has provided historical information and, in some cases, blueprint copies to various restoration organizations. The most notable example is the Chicago Theatre (when it was being restored in the 80's). I did volunteer electrical work in Chicago's Uptown Theatre back in the early 90's...as part of a small group of people trying to keep the building maintained. I drove from Chicago to Sioux City, IA to participate in the grand reopening of the Sioux City Orpheum while all planes were grounded after 9/11. I have many more stories.


3) STATEMENT: I do not think I need to provide references to you, however, go to our website: www.grandevenues.com

ANSWER: Your web site, like your postings here, contains no references...only vague mention of your work. You have pictures posted of theatres that you either haven't been publicly involved with (as far as I know), or severed ties with under dubious conditions. I imagine the good people at the Wheaton Grand would like you to take the picture of their building off your web site, for instance. Legitimate businessmen post references. I have happy clients who allow me to give out their contact information. Web designers have work samples. Conrad Schmidt Studios, to take a theatre-related example, has a list of successfully completed projects posted on their web site. You offer nothing concrete...I suspect because you have nothing concrete, and you are defensive about the subject.


4) STATEMENT: Now that I have been brought back in: the Wheaton Grand is doomed to fail regardless of the Pollyannas on this website and on their board. Where are the theatre people on their board or volunteers? None. They do not have a grip on reality or maintain reasonable business models. Plain and simple: Multiple venues = success. ALL reports indicate that single theatres are failing at a rapid rate. Wheaton has NO parking for an 800 seat venue. The board is deluded thinking the public will roll out $8 million when they can have it all for $4.1 million. GVI has a great plan to preserve Wheaton's architectural elements and still have the theatre be self sufficient.

ANSWER: So, you have ESP then? THAT should be posted on your web site. Your statement about single unit theatres being doomed to fail simply isn't true. Look around on this web site: there are plenty of successful projects out there.


5) STATEMENT: GVI now has projects in Illinois, California and Connecticut. Certain Grand Theatre board members go out of their way to try and discredit us. We don't care. Cities and arts organizations keep hiring us as we do the hard work before restoration begins. Other projects are on the way. At least we try and do not sit in an armchair and critcize everyone else. We are moving forward not looking backwards. Lots of theatres need help. We are on the way up.

ANSWER: A good salesman, as they say, can sell ice to Eskimos. I have met you Paul, and I know that you are a good salesman: enthusiastic and intelligent...and I think that is why you continue to find new projects. But are these going to end in failure, like all the other GVI projects I know of? Where are your successes? I am not a theatre professional. But I understand the business. Regardless of that debate, I know that doing business with a man who has no references, who appears to throw off a lot of sales hype, and who has nothing but failure and outstanding legal judgments behind him, is a dubious proposition.


If you have a list of happy clients and successful projects, tell us about it. I will be the first to admit that I was wrong about you. All I have heard (in the press, on this site, from people I know in the business community) is negative examples.

I hope you are tragically misunderstood Paul. But I have a growing suspicion that you go from community group to community group, taking advantage of good-intentioned people associated with historic theatres. It looks an awful lot like you are thinking about working over young Brian Wolf here. If that is the case, and you are using this web site to look for potential targets, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Dear Life's: My my! I do good work and am not ashamed of myself, my company or my projects. I have directed hundreds of plays, written and directed murder mysteries, worked with thousands of kids in theatre, taught theatre in high school and junior high school, worked in summer camps... What have YOU done? Why don't you identify yourself as you appear to know so much about me? You claim to have met me yet you hide in the shadows. Hmmm. Who is hiding now? Call our office, or schedule an appointment to see us. My staff and I shall be happy to offer you references, contracts, photos, terstimonials, andm ost important, concrete proof of our statement that ONE theatre will not work in Wheaton. But then again maybe you do not really work with theatres and have your own agenda to discredit me. At least I am doing what I love. Are you?

Mr Warshauer,

Why are you reluctant to provide references to this forum? You elude to testimonails but are not willing to produce them in an open forum. One does not have to be an expert in theatres to know a phony when they see one.

If historic theatre restoration is so important to you then why not wish the Wheaton Grand board the best of luck and move on. The WGT board is a group of sincere, hard working and dedicated people who want the best for this historic building and do not need to put up with insults from a disgruntled "contractor".

Having worked at the theatre in the 1970's I know the beauty that it once was and have seen some of the resotration ideas. No matter which company is chosen to return it to that beauty, it will be a glorius renovation.

Since that will not be GVI, move on, concentrate on your own projects and leave the WGT alone to continue their work in restoring the beautiful Theatre to it's ONE VENUE past.

LZogas: See? Everyone has an axe to grind but how many do their research? Who are you, by the way? We are hardly disgrunted contractors. We DID lots of programming in that theatre for six months! Cub scouts, magic shows, concerts, movies, plays, murder mysteries, Chamber of Commerce functions, a kickoff fundraiser for Sgt. Gomez...on and on. What are they doing in there now? NOTHING! We are not disgrunted. We are sad. This board blew a giant contract with the YMCA to do summer camps for kids! They also blew a chance to presentt "Fiddler on the Roof" for the 8th graders at St. Mikes. They still owe us money and have kept our concessions and property inside the theatre as hostages! The Wheaton Board is NOT hard working nor are they sincere. Other theatres and cities have invited the public to participate in the design phase and even help with the fundraising. This board does not and is mezmorized by Ray Shepardson alone. Bad idea. He needs 8 mil? This is crazy! GVI needed 4.1 mil and could open a successful theatre sooner! Banks liked our plans, investors liked our plans, business organizations and the public liked our plans. The Wheaton board does not even honor its own volunteers by asking them what they see. Elections for directors are done in secret. No one knows who regulates that board. Come on: They are not saints as you paint them. I have told anyone you can check out our projects in person by visiting our office. Make an appointment. However with renegade board members of the Wheaton Grand running around speading lies, (and committing tortious interference) we are naturally cautious. Just run a web search and you will see GVI projects in cities like Pittsfield, Havana and others in several states who have hired us or where we are currently running theatres. We are moving forward and are successful in other markets BUT we do care about our own hometown! Why don't YOU ask more questions of them and find out why ONE theatre will be a disaster. Where is their proof or projections? Let cooler heads prevail. Now I must get back to real work.

> Let cooler heads prevail.

Indeed. This bickering is unseemly and certainly isn't going to help any of you save this theatre.

Mr Warshauer,

As I have indicated in the past, I am a past and current volunteer and worked at the theatre in the 1970's. I attended your St Patricks Day murder mystery and while the concept was exciting the actual event was a disappointment.

Please stop your fabrications. You are making a fool of yourself with all your infantile charges and anyone with half their wits about them will know that you are, in fact, acting like a disgruntled child who did not get their way so you are belittling the cause you once championed.

Unless you attend the meetings of the WGT, which I have, and find out what is going on then perhaps you should refrain from commenting since you have no idea what is happening. Volunteers can and do attend these meetings and are asked for their input and suggestions. I have asked questions and gotten answers that do not backup your theory that one theatre will not work. You are entitled to your opinion on that issue but since you are no longer involved in the project you should leave the WGT alone.

"Renegade Board Members" of the board as you call them, as well as all your dire predictions are figments of your defeatist and negative attitude.

Just go away and leave the WGT alone. We don't need your negativity.

Negativity? How about reality! I have attended and actively participated in meetings of GTC. For the record: TWO of EIGHT board members attended the General meeting last week of the GTC. Some turnout of board members! There were less than 6 people who attended. It doesn't sound like negativity. Sounds like apathy. Too bad you didn't enjoy my murder mystery. Nearly everyone else did. While I am out DOING, you are out there WHINING. Again... I will take Mr. Newman's advise and do productive things until otherwise provoked on this site.

Explain this to me: if you are so hesitant to display references in a public forum, why is your organization claiming to run the Wheaton Grand Theatre in a newspaper article dated May 25, 2005?

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/5744/

I've read the blogs associated with the Wheaton Grand that mention my company, Grande Venues, Inc. (GVI). There is always two sides to every story, and many times the story is blown way out of proportion. But I've not checked in here to debate or defend what has been said. Rather, I want to share a true and important story with all of you.

In February 2005 GVI hosted the Cub Scouts Blue & Gold annual banquet. My 6 year old son, a Tiger Cub Scout, was also in attendance that evening.

The entertainment for the evening was a play starring 18 Cub Scouts. When the director asked for volunteers, most of the boys raised their hands and were eager to participate in the play. My son, who is extremely bashful, sat and watched while the other children raised their hands in excitement. For any of you with children like this, you can relate to being concerned about your child's confidence. His bashfulness was not new. In fact, I new he would not raise his hand. You can imagine all the guilt I felt as a parent.

But, something amazing happened. After most of the children stepped onto the stage, the director made one last request for children to volunteer. One boy slowly raised his hand. The boy was my son. I cried tears of joy. For the first time in his life he was not afraid and wanted to join in the fun.

Why do I tell this story? The director's name was Paul Warshauer, my partner, or Uncle Paul as he is known by my 6 year old son. Through his passion and through his talent he made this happen for my son. So you see I'm not here to debate or defend what has been said. I'm here to share a true story.

I welcome any emails pertaining to my company or what we are trying to do.

Mike Novelli
President, GVI

This is a first post for me because I am new to the site but I have volunteered for about 5 months and I have heard all of the stories about management problems. I just want it to be known that the WGT is a beautiful theater and we should be doing all we can to get people to help us restore it not bickering to see who can call each other the worst name. Isn't this site about the theaters? Not the management.

Uncle Paul? Cub scout stories? Give me a break.

You appear pretty negative, "Lifes too short" Try working to HELP old theatres not to destroy our work. Mike Novelli wrote from his heart. Respect his words. You really don't know me or my work. Why not come out into the light of day and tell us who you really are instead of lurking in the shadows? Call me so we can discuss your issues or are you too scared? (630) 480-3345.

LTS did nothing to destroy your work. They just disagreed with something someone else said. Really Paul, I don't think that it is something to get your feathers rustled about. But I do agree with them. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

So just sum it all up - YOU ALL SUCK!

ouch agent007 but i can agree that some of the attitudes displayed do suck.

Too scared? What are we, fifth graders in the school yard? My relatives designed the Chicago, Uptown, Oriental and many other of America's great theatres. Our family takes pride in seeing these buildings continue to thrive. My issue is that I take it personally when it looks like a couple of hustlers are taking advantage of people involved in restoration efforts. As far as lurking in the shadows goes, what do you want me to do, give you my name and address? Call you, so that you get my phone number on your caller ID? Why? You seem like the kind of guy who might be dumb enough to stop by and try something.

Mike Novelli did not speak from the heart. Those words came from another part of the body.

You have crossed the line. Novelli is an honest and good man. You are the con man, sir. Stay off these sites and leave the communications to people who care about saving old theatres. You do not say anything constructive. Get a job.

Dear Life's Too Short,

I'm truly amazed at the amount of energy you exert on this site. I'm not criticizing you for this. In fact you seem to possess a strong diligence quality.

As you are probably aware, I do not spend much time on blogs mainly because I enjoy working at my business and dealing with the daily challenges it presents. When the day is done I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride knowing GVI has taken another step in preserving the arts and its many beautiful historic buildings.

You seem to possess a great deal of knowledge and experience about historic theatres yourself. I'd be very interested in learning about your work and/or contributions to the arts. I'm not too proud to admit I don't know everything about this field. Feel free to call me at 630-489-3345 to discuss in private or via email at mike@grandevenues.com

Life really is too short...I invite you to help make a difference.

Sincerely,

Mike Novelli
President, GVI

Dear Life's too short,

My correct phone number is 630-480-2245.

Mike Novelli
President, GVI

Again, 630-480-3345...sorry!

Now I am a jobless con man who abuses this web site? Give me a break...you are the one who is all over this site trying to entice people with investment opportunities.

I think life is too short...to short for all this bickering and mean spirited comments by "LTS". Maybe he should stop commenting altogether on this particular theater site and give the rest of us...a break.

I think we all care about saving these theatres

Please read this article: http://www.dailyherald.com/search/searchstory.asp?id=75892 Grande Venues will finally have its day in court. Our lawsuit is now public record and we strongly encourage member of the public to read it. For those who like to save old theatres this will be illuminating. Boards of directors may NOT impose their vision on a community--their mandate is to involve members of the community not to live in an Ivory Tower.

That's a cute move, Paul. Trying to bolster our terrible public image by filing a lawsuit and telling the media about it, are we? If you were so worried about falling plaster and faulty systems, why were you booking concerts and allowing crowds of teenagers to enter the building? The day we met, you didn't have a problem with giving me a tour of the entire theatre building (and then asking for an on-the-spot donation). There's no way you would have taken on that potential liability if you were truly worried. You think you are owed $100,000? I certainly don't have statements of cash flow, but I can't believe your community rock concerts and little murder mystery presentations were generating that kind of money. This is not illuminating. It gives the impression that your company, on top of apparently having no assets and no references, wants to waste the time of a busy court system for it's own petty designs. I will be very interested in seeing how long the judge allows this to go on.

For the record, I think your ideas on how to reuse the building were good ones. I had no issue with your tri-auditorium concept. But, unless a global conspiracy exists against GVI, I see far too many accusations out there (dating back to the 70's) for me to believe in the validity of your firm. I am sorry the gentleman from Canada finds my comments distasteful. But, at the same time, I think he has wandered in here mid-stream. Finding productive uses for old theatres is a difficult task. I see no evidence that GVI contributes to that cause in a meaningful, long-term manner.

Life's Too Short: Thank you for your comments about our three venue idea. We have blueprints, pro formas and other documents that strongly support our suggestion to go ahead with the GVI plan. We made a formal presentation to the GTC board with a professional architect, engineer, and they pretended to be interested. They have NEVER given the three venue idea a serious moment of deliberation. They retained Shepardson, a "charletan and a con man" (these are the Mayor of Waukegan's words) as a consultant and now are hypnotized by his grand scheme to raise $8-11 million dollars! Come on! When we called them on it, they shut us down and cut off our programming income. Our renovation/restoration plan comes in under the $4.1 million budget and we are ready to go! THAT is why we sued. Ask the public, too. Do they want ONE big barn that will be empty or do they want the public engaged and involved inside the theatre with children's programming, classic movies, magic, murder mysteries and a host of fundraisers, parties and concerts? I agree with previous comments made here by others. You are mean spirited and not constructive. When you say "we" do you mean you are on the board or a volunteer at the Wheaton Grand Theatre? If you are get a clue and get a life. Let the rest of us who are in the theatre business try and save old theatres. You have no idea about our lawsuit, about my murder mysteries, our other theatre projects or our desire to save old theatres like the Wheaton Grand. You do not know me, Mike Novelli our staff or our work so stop pretending you do. Give it a rest.

Mr. Warshauer:

To get this out front, I am a current business owner downtown Wheaton, in close proximity to the Grand. I do not have any experience renovating movie theaters or any other historical buildings. I am not revealing my name or business because of the open hostility demonstrated on this board. I will not have myself abused verbally or physically by either side of this argument.

I do have several questions as well as a few statements, but I will try to keep this brief so as not to be lost in the many, many posts.

First, I do not feel that one needs to be an expert in order to have an opinion on a subject. You have evidence to prove your point of view, JLOSTER has evidence to support himself as well. Being a business person downtown Wheaton, my success or failure will be impacted by the success or failure of the Grand. This is where my point of view stands.

First, I would like to know exactly who the "we" are that you are speaking of in regards to wanting 3 theaters. I am not one of them, and no of no one who is. If the right people are on the "three theaters side", it might affect my opinions.

Second, I would like to know where you are getting the idea that people are somehow upset at the fact that you are not running events out of the front of the theater. I've never observed such a thing myself.

Third, I don't understand your math. I believe the theater currently has a fire code maximum limit of 722 occupants in the larger theater (which I do not believe includes the smaller area). How is it that the City of Wheaton can support 722 persons in one theater, but not 800 were the theater to be renovated? I'm a bit confused there.

Fourth, exactly how to you expect that your plans would be of more benefit to me? I don't particularly see non-profit organizations like the boy scouts or YMCA bringing in a lot of extraneous income for shopping. Being non-profit, I would imagine that they would not be able to pay premium for the use of the Grand theater, either.

Fifth, I must say it distresses me horribly that anyone would take it upon themselves to file a lawsuit against a non-profit organization. This is an all volunteer organization, maintained solely for the purpose of renovating the theater. You claim over and over to want the best for the theater, and yet you would take money from that same project to line your own pockets. This does make it very difficult for me to side with you in this current situation.

Sixth, I have seen absolutely no apology for the fact that you made assumptions and verbally assaulted the board of the theater for forcing you to leave your office when that space had not been rented. It was indeed rented, JLOSTER contradicted you, and the signs were visible for the world to see (or at least all of downtown Wheaton) well before the first of June. There is currently a business there. I would feel better about you as a person as well as a businessman if I knew you could admit when you are wrong, and utter some sort of apology for the assumption you made about the property.

No, I do not know you, Mike Novelli or your staff, but your reaction to my message will be what I will base any opionions upon, so I would hope you will make your comments wisely.

Thank you for your time, I look foward to reading your comments.

Well, aside from having mis-numbered my post, it doesn't look to bad, does it?

Silly me.

The Neighbor

Dear Neighbor:
I am grateful for your calm and logical questions. I, too will be brief although our lawsuit speaks for itself. If you would like a copy, go to the Clerk of Court at the DuPage Courthouse or call our office and I will mail you one. I offer no apology as we have been wronged. The truth will come out soon enough

When we chose to file an action against the board of the Grand Theatre Corporation, (GTC) we weighed our options carefully. Many discussions and negotiations occurred prior to the final action. A not for profit can be guilty of all kinds of bad business decisions and negligence. If they are volunteers, let them quit so that others who KNOW theatre and business can come onto the board. If a board allows a building to remain open if it is unsafe, there is the potential for personal liability as well. We demanded that the GTC fix falling plaster, bad fire exit signs, etc. They did not. We did what we thought was right. They tossed us out illegally and rented our office. We rented a larger and much nicer office down the street. That is OK but let a court or a jury of our peers decide how much they cost our company by dishonoring all of our programming contracts, potential earnings, and our signficant commission income.

There is so much misinformation I would like to hold a forum to answer all questions by the public regarding our plan for the Grand but until the court case clears, we must do it from this forum. As always I am happy to meet with a group of people at any time to openly discuss our love of the Wheaton Grand and our $4.1 million restoration plan. We welcome a debate or open forum with the Board of GTC but they refuse to meet. Why?

Your comments take our business plan out of context. The YMCA, Girl Scouts, Senior Center, and many other shows are NOT the sole part of our business plan for a three venue renovation. They are REASONS that a three venue plan should be considered. Multiple sources of revenue = success. Movies, live concerts, public forums, lectures, plays, murder mysteries, magic, dinner theatre, fund raisers, business meetings and conferences, children's programs and much more all occur in our formal five year pro forma. A strong revenue stream that allows for modest donations from the public and not massive support that the GTC's plan advocates.

As a downtown businessman you should embrace our plan as people will be downtown watching more events on more days of the week that the GTC plan to have one big theatre used infrequently. If GTC has their way, a giant mausoleum will occupy the downtown with concerts or performances once a week or less. Look at the Rialto, Genessee or Paramount where little or NO local programming occurs. How do you build a base of support if local people are not on stage? How can you hope for a theatre to survive if you don't have a vibrant children's theatre program? THEY are the future of any theatre community.

For the record, not one board member has any theatre training or experience. During our six months of programming we brought in so many new audience members and programs that it is staggering. No one can dispute our programming skills. We made money for all concerned. We hired many teenagers and cleaned the theatre. I hear that it is a pig sty now with no air conditioning.

John Loster is not a good manager. He quit twice before walking off of the job. Ask the board and they must confirm this fact. I will continue to demand the best for that theatre and if it means "publicly assaulting the board," I will do it and so should you all! It is OUR theatre NOT the board's. Their reprehensible behavior is NOT what a 501c3 (not for profit) is supposed to do!

When was the last time they asked YOU, the public, for your opinion? The GTC board cancels public meetings and open forums out of fear. Call them and ask to attend one of their "open board meetings." Ask questions. Learn about the theatre and its great potential for Wheaton. Get involved.

Now, there is virtually NO programming in the theatre other than rock and punk band concerts. NO movies, NO children's programming. Dangerous conditions still occur within the theatre. Moshing, slam dancing and other teen misbehaviors occur because of infrequent patrols in the concert venue. We hear this from many teenagers and their parents. (Documents and testimony available on request.)

OK, naturally there is lots more to say...e-mail me if you wish. Paul@grandevenues.com Happy to reply to any and all comments. Thank you.

Mr. Warshauer:

You have seriously disappointed me with your answer.

First, on a personal note you have disapointed me with your assumption that I am a business man. I am a business woman. I will try not to sound feministic about this, and simply assume that you are of an older generation and unused to strong, independently minded business women.

Also, I am disappointed because I did not seek an apology from you to the Wheaton Grand Theater Board in general, but in regard to the specific issue of the office space having been rented. In this situation you were indeed wrong, and I take it as a mark of character when a person is able to own up to their mistakes. You apparently are not of such character. But I will try again, and hope you simply overlooked this point amidst the many other points of my rather large post. So if you will post an apology, I will look upon it as a mark of a good character and it may weigh in against the other opinions that I am beginning to develop in light of this pending litigation.

I am glad you have found suitable offices. However, I do believe that your statement regarding your eviction from that office as illegal is incorrect. Your contract with the theater board was terminated whether you were fired or the contract was broken. The property belongs to the theater, and no rent was being collected from you for the property. I am also sorry for you that you believe they withheld your property without proper notice, however I believe that if you had a reasonable discussion with them they would have willingly returned it to you. Indeed, I believe you still came out ahead of the bargain marginally as the property was in severe need of repair after your office vacated. I am sure the repair of the space as well as the removal of your possessions actually cost more than the approximate value of them.

As a downtown business woman, I do not necessarily embrace either your plan nor theirs as of yet. I do not believe that you in any way have a better plan, or that the current plan is as bad as you have painted it to be.

Are you aware of what is currently being produced at the theater? You seem somewhat removed from the actual schedule. The theater has three nights a week more or less consistently booked. And these are not all "punk" or "heavy metal" shows. In fact, many of them are what is known as "indy" in the trades, more of a offshoot...like folk music with a hard edge to it. Yes, they have had some heavy metal shows, but I understand that these will be phased out as they are not condusive to the downtown business environment. There have indeed been other productions; last week there was a library sponsored showing of the original Star Wars movie, which was completely sold out. The prior week there was a matinee movie showing as well. I would encourage you to check your facts, or at least update the information you are gathering. Its apparently outdated. I believe there was a bit of a recovery after the abrupt separation of your company from theirs; as Mr. Loster has himself said on this very board, there were numerous problems contacting people who were already booked to play, and no copies of contracts were forwarded to the board. In this situation, I would assume a period of adjustment would be necessary before the Theater would be able to locate appropriate talent.

As far as the training of the theater volunteers/employees, I have no way to judge your opinions as being true or false at least insofar as their training and/or lack of knowledge. However, if they arrived with no training, they must have received excellent training somewhere because I have absolutely no complaints about the way they conduct themselves.

I have never felt the need for them to ask me what my opinion is, or to wait until there is some mystical board meeting to put in my opinion. Mr. Loster has email at which he can be reached, there is the website for the Theater, and if I truly wished to, I am sure that I could knock on the door or walk in on a night when there was a production and speak to any of the volunteers. I am not worried at all about the Theater knowing my opinion. In fact, I plan on doing said same at my next convenience so that I might hear from Mr. Loster as well; your voice seems to have silenced his on this board, and I would like to get input from both sides of this debate.

In regard to the lawsuit, and your apparent noble efforts to somehow punish the non-profit theater board for safety issues you've perceived; where will this $100,000 go? Will you be hiring a contractor to fix these problems? Will the money be put into a trust fund for the medical bills of children who are injured in the mosh pits? I don't believe your motives to be that philanthropic, and I must again say that I cannot look with a kind eye at someone who files suit against a non-profit entity, no matter how much they say it is "evil". Has the fire department fined the theater at all? Have the building inspectors been through and issues citations? These are the facts that I would like to know before I decide whether or not the Theater is as bad as you would like to suggest it is.

Also, I sense in this we are confusing two separate issues. Whether or not you were legally terminated is one issue. Whether or not the current Board is doing a "good job" and "know the theater business" is a separate issue altogether. It would do well if we could separate those two issues in any future discussions. Does your pending litigation have anything at all to do with the way the Theater is currently run, or is it just a claim for damages due to the termination (legal or not) of the contract?

You may think that I've taken your business plan out of context, but I maintain that even given three stages, boy scouts, YMCA and Senior Center activities really do NOT bring in a great deal of revenue to the downtown area, whereas these local bands appear to and if they were able to contract larger entertainers, they would bring in more people with a higher amount of available income for shopping. That is my bottom line. Please don't misunderstand me, community is a wonderful thing and should be considered. But there are plenty of venues for these other non-profits. I'm sure that even if the theater were to become one instead of three theater areas, when the theater was being rented out on the weekends for these larger performances, it would still be available for other things in off-hours. That, I believe, is the normal way these things work.

You've also not given me an answer as far as:

Your figures on the number of people the City of Wheaton can support in regard to parking.

Who, besides yourself, supports the three theaters concept. Are there any other Wheaton businesses backing your plan?

I have no real interest in taking this discussion off the list, and less interest in handing out my personal information. I would much prefer that all debate be in this public forum where others may be able to join in the discussion.

Thank you for your prompt reply. I look forward to a hearty debate on the issues at hand.

The Neighbor

I am sorry to post this note so late but I was away for a while and did not get the chance to visit this site until now. Congratulations to the Wheaton Grand Theatre for its SOLD OUT show on July 17, 2005. It was a great evening without incident and an overwhelming success where everyone involved should be congratulated.

On another issue, it is refreshing to hear from "The Neighbor". A calm and reasoned voice with intelligent questions and responses. I believe the theatre should be returned to its original glory. (I worked there in the 70's and remember the granduer of one large theatre.) I also have attended some of the WGT Board Meetings and have not found any reluctance to answer questions on the part of the Board, in fact, they have gone out of their way to answer whatever is asked of them.

Again, Congratulations and keep up the good work John, et al, the WGT is a treasure that you do proud.

Thank you, LZOGAS, for being so complimentary! I have to say, I'm intrigued about the entire situation. In the long run, I want what's best for the entire city, although what's best for the theater itself certainly factors in.

Its just unfortunate that there are so many obviously emotional issues beneath the surface of this argument. Getting through the various layers of anger is difficult to say the least.

I do look forward to getting to the bottom of things and finding an answer in there, somewhere!

The Neighbor

Puhleese. LZogas and the Neighbor?? It getting pretty deep in here. Where is the rest of the public on this site? They are asleep in Wheaton and expect someone else to do the work. There is no good work until the theatre is restored. The current board had four years and has done nothing. FEW dollars went into any maintenance or restoration. Move over and let someone else do it. Anyone...anyone?

Mr. Warshauer,

You are the one that needs to move aside.

My congratulations and comments were to the WGT for its SOLD OUT show (which you failed to acknowledge), not to you. Did you EVER have a sold out show when you were employed by the WGT? I thought not. So stay out of it.

Go find a theatre that needs you (the WGT does not) and work on that.

Mr. Warhsauer:

Again, I can't help but express my disappointment in your response. I am trying to maintain an objective and rational debate on the issues at hand without the over emotionalizing which clouds the facts. I have been cordial to both yourself and LZOGAS, neither of whom I know personally. I hope you are not offended that I'm being considerate towards someone that you have such an obvious disregard for; I try to be polite to anyone until I am given a reason to be otherwise.

I have also noted that you have not answered any of my questions. Perhaps you don't take them seriously? Do you find my questions intimidating? Or perhaps, if I give you the benefit of the doubt, you simply read the most recent posts. I would ask you to consider my questions, and if you have any answers, to please respond.

In addition, I would like to know if there are any steps above and beyond the forementioned events to secure funds? Any other fundraising projects? Anything to generate word of mouth? I know I can not drive through Lombard without encountering signs to support the DuPage Theater. Has anything been attempted in this regard? Is anything planned? Mr. Warshauer has expressed remorse at there not being more downtown businesses active in this discussion...is there anything at all that can be done to bring the others aboard?

As always,
The Neighbor

Mr. Warhsauer:

Again, I can't help but express my disappointment in your response. I am trying to maintain an objective and rational debate on the issues at hand without the over emotionalizing which clouds the facts. I have been cordial to both yourself and LZOGAS, neither of whom I know personally. I hope you are not offended that I'm being considerate towards someone that you have such an obvious disregard for; I try to be polite to anyone until I am given a reason to be otherwise.

I have also noted that you have not answered any of my questions. Perhaps you don't take them seriously? Do you find my questions intimidating? Or perhaps, if I give you the benefit of the doubt, you simply read the most recent posts. I would ask you to consider my questions, and if you have any answers, to please respond.

In addition, I would like to know if there are any steps above and beyond the forementioned events to secure funds? Any other fundraising projects? Anything to generate word of mouth? I know I can not drive through Lombard without encountering signs to support the DuPage Theater. Has anything been attempted in this regard? Is anything planned? Mr. Warshauer has expressed remorse at there not being more downtown businesses active in this discussion...is there anything at all that can be done to bring the others aboard?

As always,
The Neighbor

Please spell my name correctly. So I dissapoint you? Who cares! I don't have to answer to you. I know about the good work I do; so do many others. We had many sold out shows at the Wheaton Grande, too but our sell outs were to many different groups. Stop trying to show off. You are all deluded and have little talent. Where are the funds to restore the theatre? When do you start fixing up the unsafe building? Where are the financials that justify keeping the Wheaton open as ONE theatre? Answer those questions so that YOU gain credibility with the public. You dissapoint me and everyone else in Wheaton by your silly charades.

Mr. Warshauer:

I'm sorry if I inadvertantly misspelled your name. It was not intentional, I assure you.

I've never made any accusations about whether or not you did an excellent job at the Wheaton Grand when you were handling the bookings. In my mind, it is a completely irrelevant topic as that is obviously the past. If you would like to persue that avenue of discussion, please feel free, but consider me to be uninterested. My interests lie solely with the future of the theater, not the past. I was interested in your proposition in regards to whether or not to have one theater only because it was an option that I consider still potentially viable and an interesting question. However, your contract (whether legally or not) has been severed, and the current board has no interest at all in reinstating you. In my mind, this makes your current stand futile at best.

I have never stated that I was involved with the theater financially. I know nothing at all about it, and have stated that from the beginning of these conversations. But I am a downtown business ownere, and have an interest in bringing more business into the downtown area to the benefit of all. In that light, I would like to contribute any way that I can. In the manner of assisting you with your apparently endless quest to point fingers, I have no interst. I have no need to gain credibility with the public. I am not involved at all in the running of operations at the theater.

I am disappointed, Mr. Warshauer, but perhaps less than I was at the beginning. It has become apparent that the discussions that I had looked forward to when I first started to post will never come to pass as you have no interest in creating a future for the theater if it does not involve your management. If you will not contribute to productive discussion, I will no longer direct any comments to you, and would request that you not further address any accusations, insults or derogatory statements towards those of us who would like to carry on intelligent conversations. Your virulent outbursts are discouraging many people from engaging in more productive debate.

Therefore, I reiterate my questions from my last post to LZOGAS and others involved with the theater who would care to respond. What is there that downtown business can do in order to assist with the restoration of the theater?

As Always,
The Neighbor

Ummmmm.....I'm really confused. Mr. Warshauer, could you please explain to me how more theaters = more people. Walls take space that seats could be. I dont see why you on taking revenue away from the WTG. I also wanted to thank The Neighboor for their tireless effort to support the WTG and its glory. How can an adult act so much like a 10 year old?

WGTLuver:
Thank you for your support.

I believe that Mr. Warshauer is assuming that since I am not completely on his side, I must be some sort of plant from the Theater Group. I assure you this is not the case.

I was also confused by the theory of three theaters. Not just by the number of walls, but by the types of entertainment he proposed would be beneficial somehow, and that the theater would be somehow useless if it was restored back to its original one theater format. Unfortunately, Mr. Warshauer has taken my questions in regards to his proposition as some sort of demand that he prove himself. I was simply looking for information that would have helped me to see his point of view on this topic. I do have to admit that due to completely subjective considerations, I have more-or-less discounted his point of view altogether.

I do hope that other people begin to become more active in this list so that we can have productive discussions about the theater. Are there any other ways to raise money besides the currently running shows? Would it be useful for me to put a donation jar in my shop? Flyers? Is there any way to have posters printed up for downtown businesses? A garage sale like the one Wheaton Drama just had? I don't know...whatever other charities do for fundraising. I'm game for just about anything that helps, if I have the room as my store is rather small and filled almost to capacity as we "speak"!

Thank you for joining in, WGTLuver

The Neighbor

This article regarding the Wheaton Grand was in today's Chicago Tribune:


Wheaton Grand Theater faces second lawsuit by promoters

By Warren Moulds
Special to the Tribune
Published August 10, 2005


Wheaton Grand Theater Corp.'s attempt to revitalize the venerable old stage-and-movie house is being overshadowed by darker dramas these days thanks to promoters who are suing it over alleged broken contracts.

Grande Venues Inc., a local theater management and marketing firm, filed a lawsuit July 19 in DuPage Circuit Court, seeking $100,000 from the theater group. The suit alleges the theater broke a contract signed last August for Grande Venues to run the day-to-day operations and book entertainment through November.

Grande Venues (GVI) said not only did it lose "many performances and other acts of entertainment" booked for the year, but the theater group also hurt business by "making malicious and false statements about GVI" to other theater operators in Illinois ... including the Arcada in St. Charles," the suit said.

Grande Venues' suit is the second filed against the theater in the last two months. Earlier, Elgin-based bandleader-promoter Michael Twietmeyer filed a lawsuit asking for $5,000, alleging the theater group forced five concerts to be canceled. Twietmeyer, whose band is called Salt Shaker, is handling his own case.

The theater disputes both lawsuits and has filed motions to dismiss them. The theater's contract with Grande Venues, according to attorney Timothy Newitt, had a provision allowing it to terminate its relationship without cause, as long as it is with 14 days' notice.

Because Grande Venues did not meet performance standards, Newitt said, the theater invoked its right and fired the group at the end of March. He said the termination was effective April 15, before GVI contracted Twietmeyer. Newitt said the theater also is seeking a dismissal of Grande Venues' suit on two other grounds, one of them being defamation.

Paul Warshauer, co-principal of Grande Venues with Mike Novelli, accused theater officials with maliciously "bad-mouthing us to other theaters." The Wheaton-based company has "15 deals from California to Connecticut, from Texas to Maine," he said.

The Wheaton Grand Theater "retained our company to do programming and [serve] as restoration consultants," he said. "The Grand Theater did very little to support our effort in the six months we were there. But that's OK [because] we generated about $90,000 in the six months and ... were on our projection to generate $225,000 in [ticket and concession] sales."

Grande Venues' lawsuit also claims the theater's physical condition was unsafe. "Fire exit [signs] started to burn out and plaster started falling from the ceiling" that necessitated scaffolding protection, Warshauer stated in the suit. "The furnace also was faulty, he said.

"Mike and I were not hired as maintenance men for the building," he said. "It was dangerous. We had a lot of kids in there. ..."

Newitt questioned that if conditions were that bad, why did Grande Venues continue to book acts and why didn't Warshauer and Novelli complain to local authorities about the dangers?

Warshauer said that despite the lawsuit, Grande Venues still hopes its issues with the theater can be settled amicably.

"We not only want to come back, but we want to lead the $4.1 million restoration effort," he said. "We already have the architect, Clark & Associates, who did the [Wheaton Drama] theater next door."

He said a bank and several influential people liked the plan presented in February, but the theater's board "never gave us the time of day."

A hearing on Twietmeyer's suit is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Mr. Krefft:

Thank you for posting this article. It definitely helps to clear up some of the questions I have had regarding the theater which haven't yet been answered by others on this board. Of course, it does seem like there are always more questions than answers, but at least I have an idea of what has transpired to this point.

Thanks again,

The Neighbor

Thank you, as usual, Mr. Kreft and the many others who wonder about the truth regarding GVi and GTC. We will eventually have our day in court where people will hear that we really do love restoring old theatres! But don't take my word for it. Now former volunteer and promoter Ben Garvey will join in the fight. His shows were cancelled by John Loster. It is sad at the Wheaton Grand.

Mr. Garvey's show (singular) was canceled due to legitimate concerns. The following is an article from the Daily Herald:

Reports of gang activity canceled Wheaton show
By James Fuller
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Concerns about possible gang-related violence bounced a hip-hop concert scheduled for Saturday in Wheaton to a later date after local police tipped off the venue.

Wheaton police said Monday that they received information from officers in Maywood that gang members there were recently found in possession of fliers promoting the concert at the Wheaton Grand Theater.

Wheaton police Cmdr. Terry Mee said speculation coming from Maywood was that the concert could be a site for possible retaliation from a recent gang-related shooting there.

Wheaton police relayed that information to the operators of the theater, who then decided to cancel the concert.

Maywood Community Officer Percy Allen said he was aware of the cancellation, but had no knowledge of any Maywood connection or officers giving information to Wheaton police.

However, theater board member John Loster confirmed Mee’s description of the events leading up to the cancellation. He said the decision was based on several discussions with Wheaton police during the week leading up to the event.

The information on the possible gang activity came on the heels of accusations from the concert’s promoter, Ben Garvey, that the theater nixed the concert because of general fear of “the hip-hop community.”

The theater board disputes that notion.

“The reason the event was not held last Saturday had nothing to do with it being a hip-hop concert,” said Loster in a written statement. “We made the decision to cancel the show in the best interest of our audience and the community. That would have been the case whether the event was a hip-hop concert or a classical music performance.”

Garvey could not be reached Monday.

Dear Neighbor,

First, a general comment- the best way to get involved with the theater restoration is to attend our monthly informational meetings. This month, our meeting happens to be next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Next month and thereafter, our meetings are the second Tuesday of every month. This has been our schedule for 4+ years and you are more that welcome to attend.

Second, the Wheaton Theater rehabilitation process has been going on for years. Our organization has gone through dramatic changes to position ourselves to become a fundraising group. Our all volunteer board, from Wheaton and surrounding communities, has met with many community organizations, businesses, fundraising consultants and politicians and based on that input, we have created out a plan to raise the millions of dollars needed to rehabilitate the theater. The GTC held over a dozen workshops last Spring to get the word out to the community. We understand the critical connection between the GTC and the business community. In fact, our Board Chairman also serves as a theater representative on the Downtown Wheaton Association Board of Directors and two other GTC board members are downtown Wheaton business owners. The Wheaton theater will become and economic engine for the Downtown Wheaton revitalization effort.

There have been numerous comments and debates on this Web site and we
would like to refocus everyone's (that truly cares about the theater)
efforts to help us rehabilitate the theater. Here is our Mission
Statement:

"To rehabilitate and revitalize the historic Wheaton Grand Theatre as a performing arts and entertainment center for enriching the lives of the residents of Wheaton and surrounding communities for
the present and future generations."

We would also like to suggest that the public put Mike Novelli, a local Wheaton resident, and Paul Warshauer's comments into perspective. Both Mike Novelli and Paul Warshauer are co-founders of Grand Venues, Inc., a for-profit corporation. Their goal, as a for-profit entity, is to take the theater over. Period. They made that clear in the Warren Moulds Chicago Tribune article. The Board of Directors for the Grand Theater Corporation has no financial stake in the rehabilitation of the theater. We will continue to make our decisions based on the best interest of the theater and not based on our own personal gain. From our perspective, it is clear a for-profit group is trying to damage both our reputation and efforts to
rehabilitate the theater, which is a sad situation. We, the board,
volunteers and community, want to focus 100% of our efforts on
revitalizing the theater and not be distracted by the efforts of GVI to discredit our years of work. If there is anything you can do to help us mitigate these distractions, we would be grateful.

Hope to see you at next week's meeting.

Grand Theater Corporation

It has been a long and winding road to achieve the small notariety in the music business that I have obtained. I find it sad that unsubstantiated rumors about gang related activity cancelled a celebration of the five elements of hip hop: graffitti, breakdance, dj, mc and the beatbox.

I would also like to note that the Wheaton community did not cancel a KKK rally a few years ago at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. How could this event be any less threatening? The last time I checked breakdance, rhyme, paint, rhythm and music have never murdered minorities, and have never oppressed citizens of this great nation.

The Third Annual Suburban Hip Hop Extravaganza will be rescheduled, and I am currently in precarious dialogues with The Wheaton Grand Theatre Corporation considering the Wheaton Grand Theatre for the event. The stakes are now higher, and so the cause of the event will be elevated. This event is now being built to support CeaseFire, a charitable organization designed to eliminate gang violence in the Chicagoland area, a mission I support and believe in to the bottom of my heart.

www.ceasefirechicago.org

Make no mistake. I believe that what happened with the event on Saturday August 6 was wrong. I believe that it happened because of a fear of the hip hop community. But since I am a man of integrity, principle and Faith I will do what I can to right the situation. Though people are now afraid of what it means to celebrate hip hop, through education we will educate the Wheaton community to understand that there is nothing to be afraid of, and that there is nothing that can be done to stop the rhythm. After all, You Can't Stop The Juice.

Peace Out.

-Benny G

shout outs to The Renegade squad, All City, STick-n-Move, the Draw crew, the Piece Keepers, AG, THe Funk Bombers, N Visible Spotlite, The La Spiaza Crew, Fo Sho Records, Velvet Pineapple, GTC, GVI, and my main man Chali. hit me up on the low.

Thank you all for the information contributed.

First, let me say that I was aware of the reasons given for the cancellation of Mr. Garvey's August 6th performance. I have to say that I was relieved that the Wheaton Grand Theater Board had enough consideration for the safety of its neighbors and community to cancel the event. Yes, it might have been unnecessary. Yes, it might have been an over-reaction. But it was an action that was advised by the Wheaton Police Department, and that in and of itself is reason enough for me. I have no ill-will toward the "hip-hop community" and do hope that the event can be rescheduled. It may not be my "cup of tea", but that doesn't mean I'm against it. However, as a woman in business who is frequently alone in her store, one of the things I find the most attractive about downtown Wheaton is my complete sense of safety. I do hope it can be maintained.

I have indeed noticed the intent put forth by Mr. Novelli and Mr. Warshauer. Although I don't find for-profit organizations to be necessarily evil...I am after all, running one myself...I have gotten no intelligent response to my many questions as to his particular plans for the future of the Wheaton Grand. I had hoped that he would be able to share his information, to let me know exactly why his plan was so much better than the current plan being followed. He does seem to truly believe in it. I have been trying to listen to all sides of this discussion, to be able to make a fair and reasonable decision as far as who to believe. But since there has been no productive conversation there, I have turned my attention to those on the board who will have an intelligent discussion about the future of the theater.

I was quite pleased to see volunteers out and about working on the building tonight. All in all, they were quite pleasant. I also had a lovely conversation with one of the board members when they came into my store. Thank you for letting me know when the meeting will be. I will try to make arrangements to stay in the area after we close so that I may attend. I am extremely interested to see what is planned for the future, and where I might be able to help. Even if its as simple as putting flyers up in my store, I would be more than happy to assist.

I do look forward to the meeting, and to meeting many more of the volunteers and board members.

Thank you again for the information,

The Neighbor

Many of us in Wheaton know Benny G. He is a good man with a great heart for music and for people of all kinds. He has been a friend of the Wheaton Grand for years -- long before GVI became involved. So with his local roots and passion, is this the proper way to treat him? Ben is one of many who have been "turned away" by the GTC board. He is only the tip of the iceberg. Why didn't Loster or others on the board start a dialogue with him about providing additional security for his event? No harm would have come to anyone in the theatre. Music is a connecting bond between people; this board does not understand hip hop or "alternative music." The GTC board is clueless and leaderless and worse: It does NOT have the best interest of Wheaton residents in mind when it fails to present many different types of entertainment. (What happened to theatre for children or kids camps? Now we do murder mysteries elsewhere!) It takes professionals to do the job not part time volunteers who come and go with little regard for professionals in the theatre business. I repeat the observation and request made my many: The GTC board has failed to restore the theatre and it has had many years to do it. Resign and let others step in to finish the work. I look forward to the Tuesday night OPEN meeting. I encourage ALL local people to attend. In response to Loster's outrageous charge above that GVI wants to take over the theatre: it is partially true but NOT for personal gain. We see inertia and will create a new not-for-profit to operate the theatre with a board that is well balanced, trained and actively engaged in community affairs. Those folks interested in serving on a new Wheaton Grand board should send resumes or letters of interest to our office. (See website www.grandevenues.com)

1. The Hip Hop Extravaganza has been at the Wheaton Grand Theater before. So I don't understand how it can be stated that it is fear of the Hip Hop community.

2. OK...so additional security is formed at the event. What do you propose? Metal detectors at the front entrance? What if the tightened security didn't work and gang related violence did occur? (You don't know for a fact that no one at the theater would have been hurt if gang retaliation did occur.) How is that going to be perceived to the community and to the theater? Face it...the project would be doomed!

3. It doesn't always require professionals to run a theater! Matter of fact, learning to run a theater is what helps one become a professional. I imagine that you weren't a professional when you started out in this business but you went forward, you learned and now you do it for a living. I'm really tired of hearing this.

4. In the end I think the 3 theater concept is great for the short term but not ideal for the long term. What happens if the 3 theater plan fails to generate profit? What happens if GVI decides to hang it up if it does run / get the theater? A new board is formed and it will more than likely try to restore it to one large theater or no board is created and the theater will face the wrecking ball. My bet is making one it one large theater as it has a chance of surviving in the long term.

My problem here is that there has been nothing offered as far as facts to back up a three theater plan. The basic "facts" in regards to a one theater plan is that:

1. It is the original design of the theater, and therefore more "authentic".

2. Larger events can be scheduled, the type that I believe would encourage business in the downtown area.

As far as the show being canceled; I believe I have met Mr. Garvey, although I'm not quite sure. If he is the gentleman I think he is, I have no concerns at all regarding him. However, I believe that caution was certainly the better tactic in this circumstance. I don't know if arrangements for security could have been made in advance, nor do I know if it would have helped. What about the alley? The parking lot? Those people who are not allowed in for whatever reason? Would they be loitering around after they discovered there was a search involved, leaning against the shop windows of innocent business owners? I don't know that security inside the theater is necessarily the answer.

Hopefully, in the type of concert that Mr. Garvey is attempting to reschedule, in the suburban environment it will be held in, and if the authorities are notified well in advance as well as additional security is provided...well, then hopefully all will be well. But it will take quite a bit more thought than the average concert, and it is something that should not be taken lightly or flippantly.

I would also like to know exactly how Mr. Warshauer plans to take over the board at the Wheaton Theater. They have, after all, seen to the termination of the contract. Are there plans for the new board to be retired? Replaced? Who does have control over such things? I understand it is a non-profit organization, so I'm a bit confused as to exactly who has a say in it, and would like to know.

I am planning on becoming much more involved in the theater (as involved as someone working her own business can be)and would certainly like to know all these details. If there is any chance at all that Mr. Warshauer will be more involved in the daily running of the theater, I will not be becoming involved myself. His behavior towards me on this board, as well as to others, gives me a certain discomfort when I think what it would be like to work with him on a daily basis.

The Neighbor

Regarding July 28 comments: at least this Waukegan guy, for all the trouble on that project, can produce a resume. From what I can see the theatre in Waukegan is also pretty consistently booked now...as one auditorium. I don't plan to give it a rest, no matter how many personal attacks you may levy. You employ the hallmark of a cheap salesman: say as many mindless things as you can to try and create doubt about another party. My opinions are perfectly valid.

Post some completed restoration projects...and not this smalltown theatre that just reopened within the last month. I will admit I was wrong and let you go on your merry way. Until then, all I have to go on is the behavior you exhibit and what I read in the press: cease and desist order at the Portage Theatre, a firestorm of financial scandals at the Uptown, being fired by the Wheaton, inability to secure a loan in downstate Illinois due to lack of assets, etc.

Dear "Neighbor:" What board are you on? Are you on the GTC board? I do not know you. OK... enough. Police... Hip Hop... Complaints... Misinformation... Lies... Heightened emotions! This posting is tame compared to the DuPage. Read their site! WOW. Now to business: Everyone please attend the open meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday August 16) at 7:30 pm the Wheaton Grand and listen to what the Grand Theatre Board has to say. I am certain that the Board will address the Hip Hop disaster, the current failure of air conditioning systems, several current and future lawsuits, GTC board departures, theatre faces. I will be there, personally, to discuss the three theatre plan and answer questions either at the meeting or immediately after at a local restaurant.

Mr. Warshauer:

No, you don't know me. And I have begun to develop the distinct impression that I do not want to know you. I have read your responses, and all of them on THIS board have been indirect and evasive at the best, and rude and confrontational at the worst. When I began on THIS board (of which I am a member), I had all the best intentions of asking you relevant questions (as well as others concerned) so that I could decide for myself which approaches would be the best for the downtown district, and which party I should align myself with.

In your open hostility and overall elusive manner, you have alienated me. I have therefore developed my own opinions without your information. I have been to the websites that have been provided to me by all others who have shared information openly. I have read newspaper articles, and spoken to people who are currently involved with the theater. The overall opinion of you in the general populace is not flattering at all. In fact, if I were you, I would have left town some time ago.

Even after reading all the information out there (and none of it was written by Mr. Loster or any of the Wheaton Theater staff or board), I was still willing to listen to your side of the conversation. But there was no conversation. You had again insisted upon coming onto this board and hurling insults, pointing fingers and giving absolutely no helpful information. I really do not care who you are or how much you know about theater. I had questions for which you had no answers. End of discussion.

I have now been priviliged to discuss a few items with Mr. Loster, and found him pleasant, intelligent and helpful. He did not "bash" you, which I believe is far more courtesy than you would have given him under the same circumstances. In fact, he was rather kind to you. It would seem that the Wheaton Theater Board simply wants a parting of the ways, and I do not understand why you have this desire to force yourself in where you are so obviously not wanted.

Comparing this board to the board on the DuPage is irrelevant. I have no desire to see the conversations here deteriorate any further. If this is the type of conversation you would like to have, I suggest that you stick to that forum. Perhaps they would appreciate your talents.

There has been, to my knowledge, no misinformation or lies except on your part. I have now been inside the theater. The air conditioning was working just fine on that visit. I have seen the newspaper article about the concert, and believe that the police had some advice on that matter, and I would be inclined to agree with them on their assessment of the situation. As for lawsuits, I believe you are the instigator of all of them; even when not involved directly, they seem to all be at your hand regardless.

I look forward to seeing you "in person". I'm wondering if you will be able to give any direct answers live since you seem inable to do so in this format. At this point, however, I will say that even if the three theater arrangement were possible, I would have serious reservations about your ability to handle it. You get far too emotional and unnecessarily rude to be able to manage people effectively.

I also agree with "Life's Too Short". You're very fond of listing off projects that are in the works. Aside from current projects, and projects that we know have been terminated due to poor working relationships, have there been any successful projects? Have you actually finished any restoration? Are there any theaters whose entertainment you are currently handling? Any evidence of another working theater that you have brought back from near death might encourage me to take a second look at your stand. After all, many people are unable to communicate effectively via the written word, and there is always the possibility that you are better at person-to-person communications. If this is the case, I ask you again to simply answer some of the very basic questions I have put forth, as well as the questions as laid out by "Life's Too Short".

I would be interested in your answers.

The Neighbor

Paul,

Get a clue. Your mindless rantings are of no interest to anyone except your deluded self.

GO AWAY

My, my: someone needs Prozac!

You know Paul, realizing you need help is the first step. Go get some.

The Prozac is not for me, "Interested." You are the one who posted the same goofy message three times... Get a life. Help save a theatre and stop flapping your jaws.

What would you know about saving anything? I've read all about you on the internet and in the papers. All you do is fling insults and criticize those who art trying to do good works. If you care about theatres, leave this one alone since not many good things happen when you are involved.

To all Wheaton Grand Theater supporters: I just wanted to share some great news with everyone. The Grand Theater (its original name) has just been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A big thanks to Dr. Charles Tuma, one of our Executive Board members who started the process of securing the listing over two years ago, and to Hema Pandya, a School of the Art Institute of Chicago student who volunteered hours of work and preparation and made the formal presentation in front of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency back in June. We just received the word from Washington this morning, and are pleased to share it with all of you.

Congratulations to the WGTC on the historic designation and thanks to all who worked so hard to get it done. It is well desreved and hopefully will serve as a springboard for fundraising and restoration.

Keep up the good work WGTC.

It was strange that some people were not allowed to attend the meeting last night...what are they hiding?

Mr. Loster:

I'd like to add my congratulations to The Grand Theater for its recognition as a Federally Recognized Historic Landmark!!! We all knew it was, after all...just a matter of a few good people putting in a heckuva lot of work. Kudos to all.

The meeting was very informative, and I am extremely glad that I attended. Many of my questions were put to rest, and I am more secure in the management, staff, board and volunteers of The Wheaton Grand than I was before I went. It will be interesting to see what comes of the issues that were brought to light. Thank you for answering my many questions that went unanswered in this forum. It is relieving to know that all the safety issues are well underhand, and have been for some time.

Again, thank you for informing me of the meeting. I will try to attend more of them in the future, and inspire other downtown business people to do the same whenever possible.

The Neighbor

Paul,

Who were the people that were not allowed into the meeting?

Dear fellow Wheaton Grand enthusiasts,

I'd like to share with you a recent conversation I had with PJ from LHAT (League of Historic American Theatres). For those of you that aren't aware of LHAT, they are the most recognized Historic theatre organization in the US. I called PJ to discuss theatre configuration and operation trends in the US. Specifically, what is the ratio of historic theatre owners that are only focused on preservation vs. those who combine preservation, functionality, and productivity.

I expected that this very prestigious organization would contend that nearly all theatre owners focus on preservation before functionality. But to my surprise, PJ gave a very practical answer. He said that many theatre owners who made preservation their top priority are now sorry they did so. They find themselves trying to undo the restrictions they placed on themselves with a one revenue, one venue theatre. He added that many theatre owners that have upcoming restoration plans who are seeking advice, are being directed to established theatre owners who have incorporated a multi-revenue, multi-venue house. The reason is because LHAT now understands that in order to save a theatre it must be able to function post restoration.

Additionally, when I asked PJ how difficult it is to change the design of a theatre once it becomes a national register. Again he surprised me with his answer. He said that there is definetely flexibility in the preservation process. He said no one wants to see these beautiful theatres become unattended museums.

I urge all of you to contact LHAT or PJ and learn what is really going on in the historic theatre preservation world.

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

Grand Venues can hardly be called a Wheaton Grand enthusiast when they are doing nothing but bad mouthing the board and filing frivilous law suits against the theatre.

Concentrate on your "alleged" other projects and leave the WGT alone. The WGT is doing just fine without Grand Venues and I would think at some point Grand Venues would realize how pathetic their smear campaign makes them look.

Thank you Neighbor. It was a pleasure having you at the meeting. Please encourage any & all downtown business owners to come to the meetings, or just stop by to chat.

More good news...the lawsuit filed by Michael Tweitmeyer against the Grand Theater Corporation was dismissed in court this morning.

Its been a good week!

Sad... Mike Novelli tells it like it is and no one cares to comment. GTC is NOT doing well. They have NOT raised any significant money or have they put any money into repairing the building. Ok there is a little joy in the Register process but the DuPage Theatre is on the National Register too and it is slated for demolition. The GTC Board has not put forward ONE plan with financials that demonstrates a single theatre could be solvent in five years. They have not put forward any REAL construction costs. You call that a success? We do not "badmouth." Our lawsuit is far from frivolous. Mr. Tweitmeyer will not go away. Just remember the Titanic... only a small percentage of the iceberg was visible. Lots more is under the water. Keep deluding yourselves. Help will be on the way soon. Again I ask where are all the programs for kids?

Unless you have been at the WGT you have no idea what is going on or what has been done. I have been there and do know. The dark cloud of GVI has lifted and the Wheaton Grand is flourishing. It is very sad that you can not see how pathetic your attempts against the WGT are. It is time for you to realize that no matter how petty and vindictive you are the theatre will thrive now that you are no longer involved.

MOVE ON.

Not that I am accostomed to listening or believing liars like you Mr. Warshauer, but if someone was not allowed into the meeting, it was for good reason. You automatically think that the theater is so bad when all that has happened since you left is it has gotten better!!! Why do you, a fully grown man, (well at least physically, I wouldn't say you were mentally), insist on blowing things out of proportion similar to the behavior of, oh say, a 2-year-old? Does that sound familiar?

As far as Mr. Warshauer and Mr. Novelli are concerned, I would heartily suggest that we begin to talk around them. I have attempted to ask them direct questions to bring them into the conversation, but all I have received is ranting and accusations. There is no point on carrying out further discussions. I think everyone who was at the Board meeting knows how things stand. The Board shared with everyone who was there exactly what plans have been laid to raise the money, and exactly how much money is required for each step. All the plans as to what is needed to be done were at least shown; I beleive that if anyone wanted the particulars for any certain aspect it would be theirs for the asking.

Whether or not Mr. Warshauer and Mr. Novelli were allowed in is a direct result of their own behavior and legal stance. I would be hard pressed myself to allow someone onto my own property who was involved in a contentious lawsuit; particularly when they had been so vocally aggressive toward me.

As I result, I heartily suggest we get on with the business at hand, and let them speak their mind. If there are people here who wish to waste their time arguing with them, feel free. But I, myself see no point. They have their opinion. I have mine. They do not share with me the facts and figures necessary to change my mind to the point of view that they are promoting. Therefore further conversation would be futile. I do not enjoy the hostile overtones of Mr. Warshauer's posts. It is as though if I will not take his word for what he is telling us, then I must be a complete idiot, or he should be able to bully me into accepting his opinion as gospel fact.

Again, let us go forward. Many hurdles have been jumped to this point. The first lawsuit is gone and soon to be forgotten. The next nuisance is soon to be passed. Has anyone given any thought to other matters put before the board at the meeting?

The Neighbor

To The Neighbor, I agree. Hopefully Mr. W and Mr. N. will stop banging on their high chairs and take care of all those theaters they say they have.

Posted in today's Daily Herald:

Judge dismisses promoter’s lawsuit against Wheaton theater

By James Fuller

Daily Herald Staff Writer

Posted Friday, August 19, 2005
A DuPage County judge tossed out a concert promoter’s lawsuit against the Wheaton Grand Theater Thursday, setting the stage for the theater’s attorney to fire back.
Michael Twietmeyer of Elgin sought $5,000 from the Grand Theater Corp. He claimed the theater broke a contract he signed to put on five concerts at the downtown venue.
Theater officials believed the contract was never valid because it was made with a management company the theater board had already fired. That company, Grand Venues, Inc., has filed its own lawsuit against the theater.
Twietmeyer did not file a response to the theater’s motion for dismissal and didn’t show up for a hearing Thursday.
That shows the suit was just an attempt to give the theater a black eye in the public’s perception, said Tim Newitt, the theater’s attorney.
“There’s absolutely no question in my mind about that,” he said.
Newitt said he’ll petition the court to force Twietmeyer to pay Newitt’s attorney’s fees for the case. That’ll amount to $1,350.
Twietmeyer was unable to be reached for comment Thursday.
Just this week, theater operators learned it had been accepted onto the National Register of Historic Places. Efforts are under way to restore the theater, which opened in 1925.

Dear Neighbor and El Greco: We are not the bad guy in this scenario. No one is the bad guy. Stop calling us liars as we don't know you. I agree with other postings that we should keep this civil. Two parties disagree as to how the Wheaton Grand should look when finished. This is not new for the theatre world. Look at the DuPage site. Man now THEY are not civil! We say THREE theatres the current GTC board says ONE. OK with that said, your angry rhetoric does nothing to help the theatre move forward. We operated the programming for the theatre from November 2004 until April 2005. We were making significant money to pay a small staff, cover expenses and still help restore the theatre. GTC did not spend our money on repairs or restoration. Period. That is a fact! We sued because they shut us out and we were wronged. We sued because they owe us lots of money. We sued because we care about the theatre. We sued because we know that we will win. Neighbor has never agreed to meet with us although we are happy to do so in a public place any time within reason. Instead “Neighbor” and others hide in the shadows and takes cheap shots as us. Greco you refer to our "high chairs?" I think you better go and look at the GTCs board sandbox where the preschoolers won't let anyone else play. The board violated Illinois not for profit meeting rules and then you defend them? They should have let us sit in and we would have done so quietly. I wanted to hear Ben Garvey’s presentation. Stop painting us as the villain and look at THEIR record! We did many different kinds of shows made money and kept the building open. What have they done except get the building listed on the National Register? Big deal. Many theatres are now DEAD because of that listing. Get a grip and let's work together to help keep it open in a viable multi-venue, successful manner. Again we are happy to meet with anybody any time to review our plan and the pending litigation against the GTC.

Excuse me but I would love an answer to this question: How can one sue because they care? And for that matter who sues because they know they will win? And I agree with the Neighbor whole-heartedly, they are not taking cheap shots at you, they are being honest. And how dare someone who takes offense at name calling turn around and call the GTC preschoolers? And on a final note, I don't understand why you insist on keeping the Grand chopped into three when it could be a majestic single-venue theater. I also don't know why getting on the national register is no big deal? How many theaters have you helped get on the register, Paul?

Honesty is relative folks. How honest is John Loster? He appears to have lied to me, Ben Garvey and hundreds of others. No one calls him a liar. Without all of the pertinent information at your disposal how in perdition do you have the gaul to be judge, jury and executioner against us? The reason the Grand Theatre will never work as a single theatre is elementary economics. Perhaps you would like to discuss multiple season booking, marketing, promotions, school matinees, ticket prices, parking, audience movement, accountants, bathrooms, ADA requirements, concession stands, liquor licenses, profit and loss statements, booking data, construction costs, architectural fees, royalties, movie schedules, fundraising, the real cost of performing artists and their expenses...shall I go on or do you have any idea of what I am talking about? Are there no other professional theatre people on this site??? Why can't we debate these simple elements with the GTC guru, Ray Shepardson? Listing on a "Register" is NOT THE ISSUE: Get over it! Making the theatre viable IS the issue. Why must I discuss and debate real business elements with mundane minds? Someone else, please?

You can't hold a candle to John Loster! He's a decent honest man! And yes Paul, getting on the register may not be THE issue but is an issue and your mad because it didn't happen under your management! And for a grown man so opposed to name calling you sure do blow a lot of hot air!

First, WGTLuver:

You has a point; if the National Register entry had occurred during your watch, you would have done the utmost to see it promoted to the hilt and bragged about it to the four corners of the earth. Well called, WGTLuver!


Mr. Warshauer:

This is the LAST comment I will address to you because I have no interest in being dragged through this over and over again.

Insulting those of us on the board with "mundane minds" is not likely to garner any sympathy for your cause.

I have, to my knowledge, not called you a liar. You are verbally aggressive and an active finger pointer, always blaming someone or something. I believe that is what I have said, although I admit I did not just now page through every one of my (sometimes lengthy) posts to see for sure. I did say that you have not answered my questions.

I do not wish to meet in person with you. I want everything to be kept open on this board so that all answers given are from your own hand, not second hand accounts from me as to what you have said. I will admit to having a fair bit of distrust in the idea of meeting you; your extremely hostile and demanding remarks make me think that you are no doubt slandering people all over Wheaton. I have no desire to drag my name nor the name of my partners into the muck that follows in your wake simply because I disagree with you.

As far as I understand it, the National Register status allows the theater board to immediately be eligible for 1.7 million dollars toward restoration. I do not consider that a worthless gesture. Also, if spun correctly, it would garner an additional amount of news exposure, and possibly more corporate funding as a direct result. Both of these things are wonderful, and should not be so lightly dismissed.

I am not as stupid as you would like to believe. I am not myself involved in theater. I have been around people involved in theater all of my life. I have friends currently involved in theater, one who graduated with a bachelor's degree in stage productions. I have other friends involved in live theater in Evanston. I have worked in the entertainment industry, although not in theater. I was employed WRITING about theater as well as other entertainment pieces. So I do have some idea about what you are talking about. I also have several friends in the music industry, including a couple of people who have placed rather highly on the Christian charts. Not that I need to or want to submit my resume to you. It is in the interest of sharing this with other people on this board that I write these things, so that they will know what background I am coming from, and as a defense against your accusations.

As far as income, etc. for the theater, I understand the need to keep it viable. I am, however, interested in my first priority, which is keeping downtown Wheaton viable. The programs you have proposed over and over again are losing propositions as far as any helpful income for my business, so I would have to disagree with you as far as their usefulness to me. I am far more interested in the types of entertainment Mr. Loster has proposed.

Your discussion at this point is completely irrelevant. Your contract was terminated. You are no longer desired. Your services are not necessary. Whether you agree with the one venue plan or not does not matter in the least. Quite honestly, I doubt that you do know what you are talking about as you cannot answer simple questions. I have distrusted you since you proved your character to me very early on; you are not the type of man who can admit to a mistake, you are uncharitable, unkind and rude.

I have had occassion now to speak to Mr. Loster in person, and as I mentioned in a previous post he was far kinder to you than you have ever been to him. He is by far your apparent superior, being in all things a gentleman. Whether or not the information he received was accurate in the Garvey situation is difficult to ascertain, but I believe he honestly did believe it and that is enough for me.

You don't have to debate these real business elements with us. I, in fact, will not do so ever again. The answer is simple. Please, go and pay attention to the theaters that agree with you, with the ones who want your services. Why you feel it necessary to beat your head against this is beyond me. Whether or not I agree with you in any other fashion, I will say that either you so completely believe in this that you can't give up; or perhaps you are to egotistic to believe that your services are truly not wanted. I don't know how it could possibly be explained to you any other way. Which is why I will try very, very hard not to respond to any more of your rantings.

I can't promise, of course. I am only human after all.

The Neighbor

Repetitive comments don't help prove your point Paul.

Repetitive comments don't help prove your point Paul.

Sorry; in editing my previous comment, I apparently screwed up the grammatical text.

I had meant to compliment WGTLuver on catching Mr. Warshauer...

If the National Registry recognition had occurred during MR. WARSHAUER'S watch, HE would have been bragging about it to the four corners of the universe.

Those darn indefinite pronouns.

Sorry again,

The Neighbor

Then goodbye, "Indefinite Pronoun" Neighbor. You and WGTluver (both of you shills for the board and Loster) have proved your ignorance once again. $1.7 million? You are dreaming or are ill informed. That money is NOT available under any plan written by the GTC. Where is THIER plan? Ours is available. You meet with Loster but not with me? Who is ignorant? Who is the ostrich? Loster is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Ask why he has quit twice before? Ask about his habits in the theatre a few years ago. If the going gets tough, he will quit again. You will see other GTC board members quit soon as our lawsuit goes forward. The heat is on for honesty and they can't take it. Wait until the REAL public debates. I can't wait to take our great plan to the people, the banks and the preservationists!

Although I have said I will not comment, I must at this point at least point out that I am not now, nor have I in the past been a "shill" for Mr. Loster. Your insistence and ignorance on this point is exactly what lost my interest in you.

I have met with Mr. Loster because there was a point in time where he was no longer (and rightfully so) posting on this board. In order to find out the answers to the many questions I have posted, I sought him out. He was extremely informative. I gave you the same chance here on the board. You ignored all of my questions, and continue to do so. In addition, you seem to think that I am the figment of someone's imagination. I assure you that is not the case.

I have knowledge of his leave from the board, and although I do not know the exact circumstances, I do understand it completely. It is unfortunate that you are less forgiving. It is a black mark on your character.

I am not ignorant or ill informed. I have seen the plans and the proposals, and have spoken at length with other members of the board in regards to the current plan. I was at the meeting. You were not.

There will be no real public debates with you because you do not share facts and figures. If you would like to share some of these facts and figures with those of us who have "mundane minds", I would love to see them. But please keep it on the list. Again, I do not want to meet with you in person because of the before mentioned concerns as far as your behavior and your overall attitude towards people who do not immediately embrace your ideals. I am sorry, but I need concrete evidence and hardcore facts before I am going to jump on your bandwagon.

Why you insist on believing me to be a "shill" for the theater is beyond me. All I have asked from the beginning is for you to answer simple questions so that I can better understand your proposal. You have evaded my questions time and time again. How can I possibly see your side of things if you do not give me any reason to? How could I "side" with anyone other than the current theater board when it has become apparent that you are just slinging empty threats around needlessly? If that is not true, then back it up. Show us something of interest. Show us something positive. Then I might be willing to listen to you.

In the meantime, I will reiterate what has been said before. You are sadly mistaken if you think anyone wants you riding in on your white horse to save the day. You are not currently needed. I have no reason to believe otherwise as you won't supply me with any of the information that I would need to come to that conclusion. So I will have to assume that you simply like frustration and wasting taxpayers money and the time of our judicial system. Until I see some sort of basis for your rantings, I will have to maintain my point of view.

I do wish I was able to resist this temptation and that I were strong enough not to rise to your bait. Its obvious that you like a certain amount of argument in your life. I really don't care for it myself, but when you accuse me of things that simply are not true, I feel like I have to defend myself. There are people who might know who I am, and I would not have them believing the lies that you are tossing about in order to irritate me. I know there is no convincing you; you had made up your mind the moment I said that I was a woman.

The Neighbor

I'd be interested in hearing some details of each of the two competing plans here. What is the seat-count for the proposed single theatre? If instead three houses are to remain, how many seats does each one have? Is there any possibility of building additional venues in adjacent structures while restoring the original auditorium to a single venue, thus getting the best of both plans?

Mr. Newman - The one auditorium plan will have 800 to 900 seats. The plan does not currently include additional structures.

Finally! Thank you for asking. Our primary plan, brilliantly drawn by architect Douglas Clark, AIA, is to utilize the current three theatre spaces to provide multiple sources of revenue in multiple venues. This clearly works for Wheaton as we could show a movie in theatre one, have a girl scout program in theatre two and a rock concert in theatre three. Our plan features a 500 seat Vaudeville style theatre, with balcony, that REALLY highlights the proscenium and dome--the two most significant architectural elements in the building. The sides of the theatre were (forgive us) boring and repetitive but we repeat the big theatre motif in theatre one and two WITH a dome that replicates the great dome in the vaudeville theatre. Our concept highly encourages programs for kids, seniors, groups, camps as well as professional musicians, theatre productions and collaborative efforts to work with Wheaton Drama--our next door neighbor! Perhaps one large musical each year?? On the horizon the possibility of acquiring the Mason lodge provides additional theatre space, rehearsal space, green rooms, storage, set construction areas, costume and property shop, and meeting space. We will present our plan at a public forum in September. Stay tuned.

Paul,

Do you ever read what you have written? Obviouly not or you would recognize how small minded, petty and egotisitcal it sounds. No intelligent person can believe anything you have to say after all the lies and nastiness that spew forth from you on this board.

In regards to a three venue plan, that is one of the worst ideas I have ever heard. You will lose seating capacity & increase confusion with multiple programs running simultaneously to name only a couple of problems off the top of my head. Were you ever in the original theatre before it was trashed by splitting it up? I was and it was beautiful. Restoration means to "restore" to its original beauty/use. Why would you replicate a dome that already exists? What you are proposing is renovation into another "cookie cutter multiplex" type structure. That is totally unacceptable to those of us who have known the beauty of the original and want to RESTORE the Grand to that beauty.

I have lived in Wheaton my whole life and have been a patron of the theatre whenever possible. It makes me very sad that charlatains like you have been allowed to file frivolous lawsuits, and try to rehabilitate your reputation at the cost of hard working HONEST people whose only interest is to RESTORE the theatre ot its original beauty.

How many times do you have to hear that YOU ARE NO LONGER A PART OF THE WHEATON GRAND RESTORATION PROJECT? Your services have been terminated and you are not in any way associated with the theatre except to critisize and demean the current board. You have no right to present any kind of plan for the theatre, YOU ARE NO LONGER ASSOCIATED WITH THE GTC. Please stop wasting everyone's time and energy with your delusional ravings. The WGT is a not for profit corportation and you are not on the board and not likely to ever be, so just SHUT UP and take your delusions of granduer somewhere else.

The reason I asked my question is that I wanted to know if the Somerville Theatre could be used as a model of how to move forward.

Its original 900-seat auditorium has been restored, complete with balcony, and is frequently used for concerts and other live events. (Just a few weeks ago, it hosted a political debate.) Four new smaller cinemas were added to other parts of the building that formerly contained retail or other non-theatre uses. This was done without in any way cutting into the original auditorium. The multiple simultaneous events don't cause any "confusion", and in fact make the venue ideal for film festivals.

Could both sides possibly agree to a plan like this?

Please allow me to throw out some objective details regarding a one venue vs. multi-venue house;

It's a fact the Wheaton Grand will have stiff competition. Their competition is not just the Paramount Theatre or the Rialto, but right next door, Wheaton Drama. This is a well established group that has been performing for many decades. Over the years they have established a loyal membership of about 250. When I asked Mr. Shepardson about the competition next door, he shrugged it off and said, "they have a different audience." I don't understand this. These are exactly the people the Wheaton Grand needs. Loyal members who continually buy subscriptions for quality live entertainment.

First, if anyone knows sales, the most difficult type of sale is to win over a customer already using another service. In this case Mr. Shepardson is banking on winning over many of the Wheaton Drama Groups members. Additionally, he is forecasting he will sell an additional 500 subscriptions per year.

Please believe me, in the marketing world this is a pipe dream. If the Wheaton Drama Group, who by the way are very talented, can only get 250 subscribers per year, how is the Wheaton Grand going to immediately secure 750 subscriptions year after year.

Secondly, it's a fact (Rand Report) our youth participation in Performing Arts has been significantly declining over the last 20 years. Some may not think this important. But when you look down the road 20-25 years they will be the Wheaton Grands target audience. If the trend continues to exclude these youngsters, the Wheaton Grand will indeed become a mausoleum. The programming Mr. Shepardson is suggesting is solely targeted to adults.

We (GVI) want to see the Wheaton Grand prosper, contrary to what some believe. Since we live theatre every day we see what is working and what is not. That is why we are so passionate and opinionated about the GTC plan. It doesn't add up. It doesn't add up from a marketing perspective. It doesn't add up from a target audience (youth) perspective. It doesn't add up from a business standpoint...multiple revenue streams make more sense than one revenue stream.

One last bit of info. With the closing of the Rice movie theatres in Wheaton, a new opportunity presents itself. If the Wheaton Grand were divided into three venues, one or all could legitimately be used for movies. Our architect has created a design where each theatre is sound proof. A variety of shows could be held simultaneously without distraction. This is good business!!

Please understand, I am not interested in desparaging anyone or anything. I am only interested in the successful outcome of the Wheaton Grand.

Sincerely,

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

Wheaton Grand has 'been there, done that' with the three movie theater concept. That's why it is in the state it's in now. No owner could make a profit showing movies. And with the division beams and cables through the dome it now makes it much more expensive to restore thanks to that little plan. If that isn't enough then reconsider the closing of the Rice. If they couldn't make money with their modern new theater how is the Wheaton Grand going to do it?

My understanding of the Shepardson plan is that Wheaton Drama would get the plays and the theater would pretty much pick up everything else. If there is some crossover then all the better.

With all due respect kza347, there are many reasons the Wheaton Grand did not make it as a movie house. The main reason is that the theater has an old musty feel with no modern amenities such as, modern bathrooms, high-back or auditorium seating, digital surround sound, and premium concessions. Also, there was never any consistency of the type of movies being shown (i.e., first run or off the break, or classics). If you research why Rice Theatres closed you'll find that it was not due to the lack of moviegoers. It had more to do with business deals and management.

As far as the dome in the Wheaton Grand, in our enhanced 3 theatre plan the dome would be fully exposed in the main theatre with little to no re-design necessary. This would be accomplished by moving the back wall to accommodate a balcony and additional space for the dome. The total cost to preserve the dome in relation to our modest $4.1 million restoration plan is very minimal.

Your last point does not add up from a marketing perspective. When you think of a market in the form of a pie, there are only so many pieces to be distributed or sold. In this case where the Wheaton Drama Group owns 100% of the pie (250 subscribers) the Wheaton Grand would need to sell subscriptions to these 250 subscribers to gain customers. As I said in my last posting, it is most difficult to sell something to someone who is loyal to a competing service. Given the difficulty of winning these customers combined with the added difficulty of selling subscriptions to new customers is an almost impossible task. Where some get confused is when Shepardson says "they have a different kind of program." Well, I disagree. Both venues would be presenting live entertainment on the weekends. Unfortunately for the Wheaton Grand, the finite group of customers apt to buy subscriptions is now owned by the Wheaton Drama Group.

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

Mr. Novelli:

I believe we are going to have to agree to disagree on the subject of whether or not Wheaton Drama and Wheaton Grand would share subscribers. I believe that under the current proposal, the two would have completely different offerings. Many people are not enthusiastic about live theater, particularly when it is run-of-the-mill local theater with little or no creativity. I am not saying that the actors themselves are not talented; merely that the presentations are not what I would consider particularly inventive. Theater such as "Annie" and "You Can't Take it With You" (their last two productions) are limited in scope and audience. As much as I might enjoy them ("You Can't Take it With You" being one of my particular favorites), they are out of touch with modern audiences. I do believe that, based on what has been proposed so far by the current management, the entertainment being brought in to the Grand would be of a much different, and in my mind, wider and more profitable variety.

Also, I believe that if you look into current statistics both at-home DVD sales and away from home movie venues are on an extreme downslope. Hollywood is simply not generating much (if anything) of interest these days. Add that in to the expense of movies...with ticket cost and those very same "premium concessions", the average joe is finding it far too expensive to go out to the movies. I know I do! I can buy the DVD for under $10 most times, and sit in the comfort of my own home without children screaming, and eat whatever I please for far less than the cost at a concession stand.

As far as the other programming you are proposing, I really do not see that the types of people that would come into town for those shows would do my business any good at all. In addition, I see Kza's point as far as three auditoriums causing a great deal of confusion and difficulty.

My other question would be; in your plan, what do you expect to acquire/demolish in order to provide these things? You mentioned the Mason Lodge. Is it for sale? Would the current construction in the parking lot behind the building interfere with that plan? Isn't Egglectic in the way? How would they feel about being overshadowed by the increased size of your proposal? Would you extend along the other side, therefore putting all other businesses on Hale Street out? Or does your plan allow for growth purely within the confines of the building itself.

I would also like to know whether with all this planning on both sides of the fence, either side has taken their plans into to an architectural engineer to analyze the probability, stability and safety of any of these constructs? Often what architects think and engineers will approve are completely different subjects.

The Neighbor

I respect your position to disagree, however I wouldn't be so quick to disagree until you have all the facts. One major flaw with your argument (Shepardson's plan) is that by ignoring the Wheaton Drama subscribers the Wheaton Grand would then have to sell an even higher number of subscriptions to an even higher amount of people at an even higher cost. This is truly an unrealistic projection given the existing and potential market characteristics do not support these numbers.

Let me try to put this into perspective for you, if the Wheaton Grand financed 100% of Shepardson's estimated restoration cost of $8 million dollars over 15 years it would take approx. $533,000 per year or approx. 2,222 annual memberships costing $240 a piece, to pay back the loan. If he is lucky and is able to obtain donations for one-half ($4 million) the Grand Theater will need to sell 1,111 subscriptions consistently per year. Even if he were a magician and only financed one-third of the total restoration cost, the Wheaton Grand would still have to sell 694 subscriptions year after year to just honor the loan. At its best the Wheaton Drama, who has been around for years is only able to sell 250 subscriptions per year. Add the exorbitant cost of marquee name performances, operational expenses, advertising, etc., its fantasy financing. The Wheaton Grand will need multiple streams of revenue combined with a more economical plan to survive...period.

From a realistic marketing perspective, Shepardson’s plan is not attainable. I really urge you to speak with PJ at LHAT to get his perspective. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to what is really happening in the theater restoration world.

The Mason Lodge is purely an option if ever there was a need to expand the lobby. Even if the Mason Lodge were to become part of the Wheaton Grand, it would not interfere with other local businesses operations.

Our $4.1 million dollar plan involves 100% on-premise restoration. It also was co-created and approved by Mr. Clark's staff of Engineers.

Hope this helps neighbor!

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

Mr. Novelli:

I am afraid I am not able to debate you on the issue of what could/could not be sold insofar as subscriptions. I believe that what would be available at The Grand would be far more interesting than what is available at Wheaton Drama, and more valuable to a different and more diverse group of people. This is based upon what I, myself, and others that I know would be interested in. It is certainly an off-the-cuff type of assumption, but there it is.

It is, however, my understanding that the vast majority of financing that the Grand is planning is through Grants, not Loans. Considering that they are already eligible for 1.7 million in grants, this seems not so very far-fetched as it may have been before the building was recognized as a historical landmark. If that is the case, then the money would not have to be paid back and such a horrendous amount of money would not have to be raised to do so. That should greatly reduce the number of subscriptions that would need to be sold, wouldn't it?

As far as the "on-premise" restoration, I'm assuming that you are including the now existing store fronts that are part of that building? You would be, in essence, eliminating 4 separate businesses who would or would not be able to find comparable space elsewhere in downtown Wheaton.

If the Mason Lodge is an option, does that mean that you have spoken with someone as far as the purchase of that land?

In the meantime, I think I will let others more qualified debate other statistics.

I am still going to maintain my stance on this until all the information is collected. I'm afraid the character of your business partner has seriously injured my ability to join you. I've tried to remain objective, but truthfully, his reactions to me have tainted my opinion and its best that I admit that up front. I would very much like to give you the benefit of the doubt as you seem much more reasonable and level-headed. I hope that I am correct in that evaluation.

Thank you for responding calmly and intelligently to my questions.

The Neighbor

Dear Neighbor,

This is precisely the debate that needs to take place. Is Mr. Shepardson's plan realistic where enough subscriptions can be sold to afford top talent. In the town of Wheaton and surrounding towns, I should say not. I urge you not to give up now!!

You are correct that the more donations that are made the less number of subscriptions need to be sold. But again even if a grant of $1.75 million (this is not a given) is obtained a balance of $6.25 million over 15 years still remains. That equates to a whopping 1736 subscriptions needed to be sold per year. Totally unrealistic!!

I am not here to debate the quality of programming that the Wheaton Drama puts out. Nor am I of the belief that the Wheaton Grand cannot present a better variety of quality programming. It can. But to say that our relatively small town can draw crowds similar to the Chicago and Cadillac Theaters is a tremendous stretch.

Yes, some storefronts may need to be brought into the fold. But with any restoration plan, additional space will be needed for larger bathrooms, concession area etc. You may not agree with removing any storefronts (as you may occupy one now) but it is inevitable with any plan.

We heard several months ago that the Mason's may be interested in selling their building. We never spoke with the Mason's so I cannot go beyond what we heard. Again, the Mason building is not part of our primary plan.

I don't expect you to join us right away, but please take time to consider the facts I present. My interest in the theater is not just business. I live in Wheaton and want what's best for the city. What's best in my opinion is that a true Community Center of Arts be constructed where all types of entertainment are available for all ages. I'm sorry but I don't see this happening in Mr. Shepardson's plan.

Thanks for the discussion,

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

So let's say that GVI is chosen to restore and run the theater. And let's say that GVI was able to market the grants to get the 1.75 million dollars. How does GVI propose to pay off the the other 2.35 million dollars loan for restoration and how long would that take to happen? We're all pretty sure that GVI doesn't have 2 million dollars burning a hole in their pocket. It doesn't sound like GVI has plans to market subscriptions. And what guarantee does the community have that GVI's plan would be any more successful as Shepardson's? Thanks.

Interesting reading here:

http://centerstage.net/patronreviews/pr.cfm?ID=2638&which=whoswho

kza347,

Let me answer by saying what we would not do. This may put our strategy in perspective. 1) We won't limit our programming to one small demographic (100% adult focused programming). 2) We won't be content with one state or other grant. 3) We won't configure the theatre in a way that restricts program capabilities. 3) We won't primarily focus on presenting high cost performances. 4) We won't implement a restoration plan that does not preserve the historical elements (marquee, lobby ceiling, dome, proscenium arch, or the internal and external fascia). 5) We won't try to constantly compete with bigger more established theatres. 6) We won't begin a restoration without a well thought out plan that ensures for long term success. 7) We won’t make unrealistic promises to the community.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. I’d be happy to present our ideas/plan in greater detail. Perhaps we can arrange a meeting for those interested. Please let me know.

Thanks,

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

A homosexual affair with a minor?!? Paul, you have outdone yourself. Are these people liars as well?

http://centerstage.net/patronreviews/pr.cfm?ID=2638&which=whoswho

The pattern I thought I saw a few months ago only seems to be getting reinforced: you charm your way into a community which has emotions tied to a historical theatre, find a way to scam them out of some money through theft, deception and legal action, then disappear. Can't say for sure. But that's what it looks like.

And that's why I give you a hard time Paul. Finding new use for classic American theatres is difficult enough without having to contend with the issues that seem to follow you around (and this latest information seems to date them back to the 60's rather than the 70's!). I think that an enthusiastic group might lose heart for the cause after dealing with scandals of this nature. If you really do the things people say you have done in all these places where you have worked, you are perhaps the greatest enemy of theatre preservation in the United States. At least you can see a greedy developer for what he is.

Mr. Novelli:

In a roundabout way, I suppose this brings me to my point.

I find it interesting that your company has a plan for the Wheaton Grand Theater and keeps attempting to be involved in the daily operation. To the best of my knowledge, the current board has no interest at all in retaining your services, and even if the lawsuit were decided in your favor, you would still not be reinstated as management for the Wheaton Grand. So how do you expect to carry out these plans? I find the discussion of the one theater/three theater concept to be intellectually stimulating, but in essence pointless. After all, you have no control and I see little potential change in that direction. So in the long run, whatever the Board decides will be the direction that the Wheaton Grand is taken.

I also find it interesting that even though you heartily promote the diversity three stages will bring, you as heartily would agree to rip other businesses out in order to make room for it. Does not the same theory apply to the overall downtown area? This is where my main interest lies, in the variety of shops maintained in the downtown shopping district. To destroy several other shops as well as the Mason Lodge in order to create your dream is simply not worth the sacrifice to me. Shoppers need a reason to come downtown, and those spots are some of the best values in Wheaton. There are people unable to afford larger stores, people who do not need larger stores, people just beginning and people who have been in those stores for 18 years. The idea that you would ruthlessly yank them out to further your own cause and pocketbook is heartless, and would be a death blow to the shopping district on Hale Street.

And let me add at this point that regardless of Mr. Warshauer's past indiscretions or lack of them, whether he has stolen money or otherwise "ripped people off" is actually irrelevant to me. He has been nothing but rude to me since discovering that I am a woman. He has been consistently rude to other people on this board. He does not apologize for even those mistakes which all humans make, never admitting a single flaw in his own character, but greedily jumping on everyone else's. You seem to be the exception in Grande Venues, not the rule. You have, to this point, shown a very considerate, intelligent and polite face to the board. I do believe that you actually believe Mr. Warshauer to be an honest and capable businessman. However, I will not support Grande Venues as long as he is a party to it. I may or may not eventually come to accept a "one theater" concept, but I will never accept, promote or agree to there being a Grande Venues participation in the theater. It is true that my opinion may not count on that score. Maybe it does. I will also say that if it ever came to pass that Mr. Warshauer did some how become involved with the Wheaton Grand Theater ever again, I would seriously consider relocating my business to some other suburban town simply to get away from him. I do not deserve the treatment he has dealt me, and there are many others on this message board who did not deserve the treatment he doled out either. Never has there been any apology on his part towards those of us that he insulted, accused or otherwise disparaged.

If I were to see some sort of an apology, I might change my mind, but I seriously doubt it. His credibility has been severely damaged by his own behavior on this board, apart from any other accusations that may or may not have been made elsewhere. He really didn't need anyone to help him destroy his reputation. He's done it all himself.

The Neighbor

Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Hoppy and Gene...where are you when we need you?? It is apparent Mr. Warshauer is not old enough to remember what the movies were for...to provide wholesome entertainment!

Dear ElBrute: I remember great entertainment on the screen, but I think that this site (and others) provide plenty of "modern entertainment." I enjoy reading all the fiction, innuendo and outright lies. The internet, in some circles, might be better than a Raymond Chandler, Jimmy Stewart, or Gary Cooper movie! For the Neighbor: I have not been rude to you because you are a woman. I am direct and blunt with you because you lie, distort the truth and won;t check your facts. If this has offended you I am genuinely sorry. Please, accept my apology. Now back to business: Why doesn't anyone from Wheaton REALLY check out Ray Shepardson who has been on the run for years destroying theatres and leaving huge bills in his wake? Mike Novelli and I are happy to debate him any day, anywhere regarding our plan for the Wheaton Grand Theatre. Can we all focus on the plans for the building and not on the personalities so much, please?

OK Paul...thanks, but I am not a woman, I assume you might be referring to The Neighbor...Goodby, Good Luck, and may the Good Lord Take a Likin to You...
Doug

Oh my I am dizzy reading the posts to both the Wheaton and Du Page theatre posts. I have seen many theatre restorations around the world and the theatre that restores the origianl auditorium for me works best. I always suggest adding auditoriums rather than chopping the origianl theatre when possible. The more versatile the theatre is the better. I wish everyone well and remember everyone wants the Wheaton restored but people take different paths to achieve the same goals. What works in one town might work a little different in another town.brucec

Mr. Warshauer:

Thank you for your half-hearted, tongue-in-cheek, sarcastic apology. I will certainly take that into consideration when dealing with you in the future.

If you are going to accuse me of lying, I would certainly think you could at least tell me what I am lying about. As far as fact-checking goes, it is very difficult to check my facts when you consistenly ignore questions so that I could check the facts. Of course, when someone with an obviously male name asks the same questions I have repeatedly asked, they are answered immediately and thanked for asking. No, you're not a chauvinist, are you.

Also, as far as pitting Mr. Shepardson against you, I have to say that Mr. Shepardson is obviously more of a gentleman. He has yet to stoop to your level of name calling and finger pointing. He knows this website, and for all I know may read it religiously. He has yet to respond to your snide comments, and for that I give him credit.

I would suggest that you "google" or "yahoo" search to get the answers to your own question. When I "google" search on your name, I find nothing but web pages filled with anger at you, links to newspaper articles making accusations and other message boards where people from all over the country are filled with hostility toward you. When I did a similar search on Mr. Shepardson, I found one entry that indicated he was fired. One. There were no accusations of theft, no lawsuits, no animosity. I think that says something about his character. Its interesting that it is you who have been accused of those same things that you are accusing him; and yet no one else seems to be accusing Mr. Shepardson of anything.

We will happily be discussing plans for the future of the Wheaton Grand theater. We discuss them frequently. I discuss that very same subject with many people who walk in and out of my place of business. But there is no point in discussing it with you. You are not involved.


The Neighbor

Neighbor: You must have issues with men. Too bad. Get over it. To respond: We are very much involved at the Grand as we have a pending lawsuit against the theatre. If we win we might be your landlord. Do not expect any pleasant treatment from us with your attitude. The reason you find nothing on Ray is that he covers his tracks; the word "fired" should alert you. He is no gentleman. Why has he not made any comment here? He has been at this for many years EARLIER than the internet. You might actually have to do REAL research in libraries and look at real newspapers and magazines to find his transgressions and errors. By the way: Are you involved with the Wheaton Grand? In what capacity? This is a simple question that I have asked you several times but you give no answer. Odd.

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that you are correct about Shepardson having dubious events in his past. Everyone knows that Shepardson has been involved in high-profile successful restorations such as Playhouse Square in Cleveland (four aprox. 2,000 seat movie palaces), and the Sioux City Orpheum in Sioux City, Iowa. A quick look around the internet reveals this.

Everybody knows that you have been involved in controversy. Nobody seems to know what projects you have completed: there is nothing on the internet about you successes, and you refuse to reveal any references (as if it were some sort of sensitive information). Your own web site looks little better than an undergraduate HTML project, and you have pictures of theatres (like the New Regal in Chicago) that you have no connection to.

Let's put these two theoretical guys with dubious events in their past next to one another. The one on the left has a long list of successful projects going back to the 70's. No research is required, as his accomplishments are known to the public. The one on the right apparently has no successful projects, and won't talk about what he's done. It's not a tough choice...especially when you take into account that the the guy on the right seems to be offending the community in question at a rapid pace.

Mr. Warshauer:

I have never demonstrated on this list that I have any problems with men. I think I have been perfectly polite to all men on this list. I insinuated and stated that I believed you to have a problem with women simply because you were considerate to me until I posted that I was a woman. In reality, it would have been better if you were a chauvinist. There would have been a psychological reason for your rudeness that I could easily excuse in a man of your years. If this is not the case, I am indeed sorry for making that assumption. Truthfully, your posts since then should have demonstrated that you are equally rude to all persons regardless of gender, so I do apologize for that accusation.

I have not expected pleasant (let alone polite) treatment from you. In fact, I was pleasantly suprised that Mr. Novelli can respond with such dignified and intelligent responses.

No, I have no issues with men. If you knew me outside of this forum, you would know what a good joke that truly is.

Truthfully, if you knew me outside of this forum, you would also know how amusing it is that you think I am incapable of research. Proof again that my anonymity is secure.

There are many people who are "fired" from one job or another, for thousands of different reasons. The point is that the word "lawsuit" does not come up with his name, whereas with your name there are multiple examples in Cook County alone. And that there seems to be a crowd...an "anti-fan" club, if you will, following your progress across the country. I can only imagine what you have done to inflame the anger of these people to such an extent? I do not see anyone following Mr. Shepardson in the same fashion. They are vehemently set against you, Mr. Warshauer, and instead of facing that there might be something you have done wrong, you point your fingers and make accusations about some sort of plot. Do you not see how insane that sounds? There are people walking the streets of Chicago with tin foil hats who sound more sane.

There is no way that you could ever be my landlord. Sorry. That is just so impossible on so many levels. Even if the Red Sea parted, California fell off the map, and you became reinstated in any capacity at the Wheaton Grand, you would not be my landlord. Nope. Just plain impossible.

I have said over and over again, from the very beginning, that I am not involved with Wheaton Grand in any way. Do you simply not read my posts, or are you trying to say that you don't believe that very simple statement? I don't know how else to say it. I am not a volunteer, I am not on the Wheaton Grand Board. I know many of the volunteers now well enough to say "hi" if I pass them on the street, and a couple of their relatives. That's it. I attended the Board meeting as a matter of interest, and met many of the Board members. Many of the people in the bands that have played at the theater have come into my business, and I have spoken with many of the business owners on Hale Street as well as business people on Main Street and in other places downtown Whaton. We do all talk, you know. That is all. I am in no way affiliated with the Wheaton Grand theater. I think everyone else reading these posts knew that already.

How about all the simple questions that have been asked of you? Will you answer any of them?

You have a lawsuit pending with the Wheaton Grand. I'm not impressed. It means one of two things. Either you will make money immorally by winning, or you will rightfully loose and be forced, once and for all, to go away. I don't see either option with you coming in and taking over. How do you see that as possible? If you had quietly stayed in the shadows and not lashed out at everyone in vovled in the theater, I can see how there might have been a reconciliation. But given that everyone knows about this site and the other one as well now, I see no hope of that. Do you think you will force them to accept you back? If so, do you think you'll have control over anything more that the management of the talent? You behave as if you will come out of this owning the entire theater. Is this simple narcissism, or is there some sort of clause in your lawsuit demanding reinstatement and/or possession?

One more time: I have no involvement with the Wheaton Grand Theater. I am not an employee, a volunteer or a Board member. I do not write rent checks to any person involved with Wheaton Grand Theater or to any person on the Wheaton Grand Board, or even to the Wheaton Grand Theater non-profit organization itself. I have absolutely no affiliation in any way, shape or form with the Wheaton Grand except on a now friendly basis.

Sorry to disappoint your conspiracy theory.

The Neighbor

Mike Novelli has always been more polite. I am the blunt partner. Together, and with our employees and associates, we make up Grande Venues, Inc. Thank you for noticing. You folks are clearly blinded/deluded and will not look at the CURRENT state of the Wheaton Grand Theatre. Lawsuits are not immoral; they solve problems when people refuse to sit down to talk. For the record: For months we attempted to settle. GTC attornies Scott Pointner (on the board) and Tim Newitt, (husband of WGT board member Judy Newitt) attempted every legal tactic short of settling the real issues. Yes, it is sad. Also: I don't care if Shepardson's history goes back to the 1970s. Call the Mayors of various cities. Check the balance sheets of those theatres that curse his name after he runs up the bills. Yes the theatres got done but at what COST? He didn't have to pay the bills 10-15 years later! Call other architects and contractors he has worked with. His checkered past is more documented than anything I have done. I will not diminish the good work he has done either but none of us are saints! These are not the key issues. Theatre restoration brings out the worst and best in every community. Look at the emotions spent over the poor Dupage Theatre and they have been at it longer that we have in Wheaton! Do you want that legacy here in Wheaton? It can happen if we all keep fighting. We need the city to step in and demonstrate leadership. Although the theatre is in the hands of an inept board, the theatre belongs "to a not for profit corporation set up for the public good." A public entity should convene a public forum so all issues can be aired from the current status of the building to public safety (fire prevention and suppression)to parking (where to put 800 people?) to street scaping, to the state of the alley behind the theatre, to programming... (What really will go on in their single theatre compared to our three theatre venue). I care about today and the state of the crumbling Wheaton Grand now. Let's try and focus more on the building and its future and less on your derisive comments and cheap character assassinations. I am willing to move forward, are you?

Mr. Warshauer:

It is so very interesting that you use such provocative terms, "your derisive comments and cheap character assassinations" in order to "focus more on the building and its future". As I believe everyone can see for themselves, you have been equally or perhaps even more to blame on that score than anyone on this message board. Whenever anyone disagrees with your position, you attack first and ask questions later.

"Mike Novelli has always been more polite. I am the blunt partner." That is not the way I would describe you. You are the rude partner. I have stated in almost every post I have made that I am not judging you based on innuendos dropped by people who claim to have some sort of past experience with you. My judgment of your character has come strictly from your performance on this list. Yet you insist on calling me a "shill" and a "liar". And I am the one making "derisive comments and cheap character assassinations"? Really.

"I will not diminsh the good work he has done either but none of us are saints! These are not the key issues." Then why do you persistently bring up these allegations? And why do you do so without stating any facts...there are no dates, no quotes, no figures to back any of this up. I admit, other people here have done the same to you. I have not. I have said it before, and I will say it again that my judgment of you is strictly based upon your own behavior. Yes, I am taking the one theater plan at face value. They are in charge, and this is the way it will be, and you've not given me one logical reason why it should not be so except that you say so, and the architect you've hired says so. Oh, and the fellow from LHAT says so. Right. You know what they say about statistics, right? It all depends on whose hands they're in. Statistics can be twisted in a thousand different ways.

At the end of the day, the facts (and these are facts) remain the same. You have filed a lawsuit against the Wheaton Grand Board. They have restricted completely your access to their board meetings as well as possibly even access to the building as a whole. In the event that your lawsuit is found in your favor, is there any chance at all that your firm will be reinstated to manage the entertainment at the Wheaton Grand? I do not see it as even a remote possibility. If you do, please let us know how (and why) you see that happening. Otherwise, I do not understand what you hope to achieve. The Wheaton Grand Theater Board has made its decision to follow a one theater plan. The Wheaton Grand Board terminated its contract with your firm. Where do you see yourself in the future of the Wheaton Grand?

As far as the rest of this goes, I understand the plaster has been certified. There are no more issues (and may never have been any, I have yet to see any evidence that there were issues) regarding that. In regard to the rest of the public safety issues, I asked before if the Wheaton Grand had ever been fined in any way? Had they gone through the routine fire inspections? Did they pass?

Did you bother to answer me?

I have asked you before in regard to your complaints about the parking. The largest theater now has a fire regulation capacity of 722. That's for one theater. What is the difference as far as downtown parking between 722 and 800? And in your plan, there are three theater/stage areas, so potentially all of them could be running simultaneously. I would assume that would be the point to having three separate stage areas...that you could maximize the time by scheduling multiple events. If that were so, then wouldn't the three stages have the equivalent number of patrons minus whatever the wall space would take up? So isn't this just a matter of splitting hairs?

You are also aware, I assume, that the parking lot behind the theater goes under construction in November of this year?

The Wheaton Grand Theater Board has regular public forums. I have attended one. You were apparently blocked from the open meeting due to your legal status with the theater. As far as that goes, I have said before that I don't blame them for that decision. You have, at the least, been contentious toward many of the volunteers and staff of the theater. I think I would have done the same thing had I been in their shoes.

No, lawsuits are not in general immoral. However, I personally see no reason for you filing this particular lawsuit. Its not the lawsuit itself that's immoral. Its you receiving $100,000 for no apparently good reason that is immoral. As far as I can tell, your contract was rightfully terminated, and they had every reason to do so within 14 days of notice with or without cause. So that would mean to me that even on the remotest whim they could have terminated the contract. Is that incorrect? Did you have a different perception? Is there a different phrase in the original contract? Please feel free to correct that particular "fact" if I am incorrect. I do not want to again be vaguely accused of spreading "lies".

I am not blinded nor deluded. I see the Wheaton Grand every day. I know what "shape" its in, and it is certainly not crumbling. It is not "sad" as you keep saying. Why do you keep saying that? How long has it been since you've seen it? You do seem to be out of touch with the happenings on Hale Street. You know they do have movies there on occasion? You know the volunteers are perfectly happy? You know that the jazz night gets more people every session? They are scheduling fundraiser after fundraiser, and have a complete committee set up just to pursue fundraising? How far out of the loop are you?

WE are not fighting, Mr. Warshauer, you are. If you will notice, I am not fighting with a single other person on this board, nor have they been fighting with me. WE are busy moving forward. I don't think anyone is even bothering with you anymore, which is the wise course, and what I had meant to do originally myself. But I keep trying. I think that someone as persistent as you must really beleive in what they are doing...or have some other hidden motive. So I keep trying to find out exactly what it is that makes you persist, and yet I just don't understand. You don't want to explain anything to any of us because you don't have to prove yourself, and we have menial minds, and yet we're just supposed to accept you as our savior with no information at all? Do you not see what I am saying? If you want me to understand you, you will have to explain your point of view to me. If you can not deign to explain, then there is nothing at all I can do, and no reason to entertain dialog with you any further. If you want to "discuss", then I suggest you start answering questions, not blustering about and hurling insults and insinuations.

The Neighbor

A good friend told me to stop "fanning the flames" on this silly wesbite so I am done for a while. Good riddance. It is fortunate that the general public doesn't listen to the ignorant harpies who post here. Now you won't have Warshauer to kick around so perhaps you will focus on how miserable your failures continue to be at the Wheaton Grand. Soon you too will be fighting to avoid demolition like the Dupage Theatre in Lombard. Sad. Where is the rest of the public regarding the Wheaton Grand Theatre? I KNOW they want children's programs and what GVI brought from November 2004 to April of 2005. They loved our magic shows, comedy nightclubs, classical concerts. recitals, graduation and birthday parties, Cub Scout meetings, old movies, murder mysteries, camps, plays business meetings, Chamber of Commerce functions. Have YOU done any of those since we left? We never had the police called in for a hip hop concert. YOU did recently. Sad. When, not if, we win the lawsuit, the Grand Theatre Corporation has two options: a. Pay us the large judgment in cash; b. Instead of cash, give GVI the theatre so we can restore and renovate it the right way for the community. Period. See you all in court...wait, some of you will be deposed first! See you in our lawyer's office. Bye Bye for now.

Finally.

Well, at least he answered one of my questions in parting. GVI seems to think that The Wheaton Grand Theater will simply be handed over to them instead of paying the "large judgment in cash".

This is interesting coming from a man who apparently can't pay a $4000 judgment "in cash". I'd have thought he'd want the money.

So now we can discuss what is in store for the future of the theater. Any ideas on fundraisers? I know there's a new committee in the works, but they do seem to be focused on the "large game", so to speak. As in the big-ticket corporations. I'm sure there's something the rest of us lowly business people can do in regards to small-ticket fundraisers and raising public support.

At the last board meeting, we were told that someone had begun an email friend list of some sort. Has anyone checked into Cafe Press? They're an online company that does print-as-they're-ordered t-shirts, bumper stickers, pins & the like. There's another non-profit organization that I'm involved with that uses them for their merchandise. Its just an idea. I was thinking that a contest for a logo would be cool; I know I'd be happy to accept entries, and I'm sure that a few other businesses would as well. And I'd be willing to contribute a "prize" for the winner; or the runner up, or whatever. An event like that would get the businesses involved, raise money and raise word-of-mouth, which is always a good thing. Any opinions? Ideas?

The Neighbor

A man who has been accused of indiscretions with children is talking about how great it is to program youth events.

I hope you really do intend to stay off this site. Everything I have seen points to the notion that you are a dangerous and foul force within American preservation.

The Neighbor has good ideas. Get the community involved with, and excited about the theatre. The future of a building like the Wheaton Grand depends on creating a new generation of positive memories.

On August 12, 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed the Wheaton Grand Theater on its National Register of Historic Places. This listing was the result of nearly two years of work from project volunteers, and is among the most venerated and important designations that an historic structure can obtain. Being placed on this list serves as a testament to the work of those who both had the vision to build the theater as well as those working to rehabilitate it.

To celebrate this listing, there will be a dedication ceremony held at the Wheaton Grand Theater, 123 N. Hale St., in downtown Wheaton, where the National Register plaque will be presented. Please join the Board and all the Volunteers of the Grand Theater Corporation on Saturday, September 17, 2005, from 3:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M., as we commemorate this momentous day in the history of our community.

Dear Life: Stop spreading lies. I agreed to stay off this site but you crossed the line. I had teaching licenses in three states and directed the 8th grade production of "Fiddler on the Roof" this spring at St. Michael School here in Wheaton. I was thoroughly checked out so do not imply anything else. My directing, theatre and teaching work with children is sacred to me and I have literally hundreds of parents and kids who loved my work and appreciated my talent. Freedom of sppech is one thing but defamation is quite another story. You are a nasty person and in my opinion YOU are dangerous one to cast such horrific allegations. Have you no shame?

I hate to borrow another person's phrases, but Life's Too Short nailed it with these about you, Warshauer:

"Everything I have seen points to the notion that you are a dangerous and foul force within American preservation."

and

"If you really do the things people say you have done in all these places where you have worked, you are perhaps the greatest enemy of theatre preservation in the United States."

Fine work!

Good lord Paul. I'm not sitting here dreaming this stuff up. Everything I have said is based on freely-available published materials. In order to be fair to you, I never state any of it as fact. I've given you multiple opportunities to defend yourself, but all you do is bluster.

More controversy for Warshauer and Novelli.

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/090705/REG_B7G7NS7V.033.shtml

More controversy for Warshauer and Novelli II

Here is one from Saturday, Sept 10.

http://pjstar.com/stories/091005/REG_B7H2S3CE.017.shtml

Oh come on, this is too good not to print out in full:


Havana theater in flux

Saturday, September 10, 2005
BY BRENDA BOWEN
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
HAVANA - Re-opening the closed Lawford Theater is in question, with the building's managers and former employees at odds over workers getting paid.
Mike Novelli and Paul Warshauer, co-owners of Wheaton-based Grande Venues Inc., leased the Havana theater in June and opened in late July, showing recently released movies.
Novelli and Warshauer hired local employees to sell tickets and concessions at the theater. The men closed a week ago when a projector bulb blew out during a show. Warshauer said the projector housing needed replaced, so the men decided to close for renovations and planned to re-open by Thanksgiving.
But theater employees say they have been released permanently from their jobs and still haven't received their last paychecks.
"They can't even pay their employees," said Mike Kolves, the Lawford's former assistant manager. "They were paying themselves, and they can't pay us?"
Another former employee, who asked not to be named, said she had to bring her own calculator and vacuum cleaner to the job to add ticket sales and clean up after shows.
"None of that was ever appreciated," she said. "There was nothing in there to work with ... I even took my own Scotch tape there."
The worker said she and another former co-worker are looking into ways to get the last paycheck owed to them.
"It's not much money, it's just the principle of the thing," said the other former employee, who also asked not to be named. "They more or less wanted us to donate our time."
Novelli said Friday he and Warshauer are investigating theft by employees at the Lawford.
"There is an investigation going on into some wrongdoing," he said. "We know one of them stole from us."
The investigation is "internal," not being handled by police, Novelli said.
Warshauer said he and Novelli have contacted police about their suspicions. "We've locked (the former employees) out, that should tell you something," he said.
In November 2003, he was at odds with Bartonville officials over his plans to rehab a Peoria State Hospital into a "boutique hotel." Warshauer asked the village to invest in a $190,000 feasibility study into the concept with no commitment on his end to move forward on the proposed $6 million project.
Village trustees said they were leery of using taxpayer funds for the project under the terms proposed.
That same month, the Chicago Revenue Department issued a cease and desist order on the Portage Park Theater, owned by Warshauer on the city's Northwest side.
When the men came to Havana, they asked city officials for a $15,000 loan to renovate the Lawford but were turned down because Mayor Dale Roberts said they didn't have collateral.
Roberts said Friday that Novelli and Warshauer owe the city money for the theater's water service but declined to say how much.
"They have a water bill that is unpaid," he said. "We shut the water off. We were going to shut it off anyway, but they called and asked us to before the cutoff date."
Novelli said re-opening the Lawford by Thanksgiving is still a goal for him, but it may not happen.
"We've got a lot of issues," he said. "It's not a solid thing."

This just keeps getting better and better. Man, controversy follows Warshauer around like a trail of toilet paper stuck on his foot.

You didn't pay your employees? THAT'S shameful.

What's the next theater you're going to pull this crap with Paul?

Too bad about Havana. I worked with Paul in Chicago--the exact same thing happened there. As an employee--you are only as useful until you shut your checkbook. Then you become a "volunteer". Let's see if I get the scenario right? A man (Paul) comes in and declares he spends his life restoring theatres. His dream is re-open "this" one.
He needs help (usually teenagers and unsuspecting employees)--when money gets tight he asks the local government for money. When denied he looks to book "investors"--people to help him follow his dream. He thinks how he can divide the theatre into 3. More deposits come in from those groups hoping to get a piece of the
action (sorry--no theatre gets divided-no deposits returned). He then books bands and accepts deposits (now you know Wheaton why he was upset about bands not being allowed to play. Then we blame the local governement about repairs (wasn't that the case in Chicago--2 venues-Wheaton now Havana--) Then nobody but Paul gets any money. The bills in Chicago; Havana; how are your bills Wheaton? go unpaid. Now let's get to the employees. All of sudden (after being told of the Grand Opening) there is no money to be paid to employees and now they are called thiefs and volunteers. Sorry Paul--used that excuse many times. Anybody who didn't "invest" is insulted and called liars. There are so many of us following your footsteps--maybe it is time to try your con in another state. Just remember, the internet is a wonderful tool. Let's all of us "volunteers" make it our mission to not let him continue. How do you sleep at night Paul? Are there any available lawyers out there to help us with the possibility of a class action lawsuit? Can all of us who were left out to dry possibly take Paul to court? Mr. Novelli--maybe you could help? Have you woke up yet to Paul or are you just slower than normal? How much money did Paul make on ticket sales in Havana? Where is all that money? Certainly not paying bills or employees. Just like in Chicago--go forth and sell calendars on street corners to generate money. Who got that money--Paul did and he was able to travel out of the country while leaving others to possibly get arrested by City officials after being told the theater was fine to open. He then blamed aldermen and the mayor for not turning their backs on an unsafe building and allow patrons in. Paul doesn't like rules and regulations. He also can't stand people just a little bit smarter than him--which is most. It just takes us a little longer because most of us have never met a con man before. Our human nature tends to lead us to trust everyone--which now I trust no one. Most of us start out trusting and liking Paul but quickly learn. Are there any out there who started working with Paul and still admire him? Mike where did you come from? You weren't with him in Chicago? Haven't you learned yet (others are slower than the rest of us) or are you a con man too? I certainly would break away from Paul as soon as possible. Is this the type of man to be friends with? How is he able to pay you and not mininum wage workers? Again sorry Havana--you were warned. Best of luck Wheaton--you may be the first and only theater to stay on your feet after Paul and go forth. There are many others behind you and cheering you on. As for all others--let's just watch the internet and watch where Paul goes next.

This is really astounding. Paul, did you accept any donations for the Wheaton Grand? Under what pretenses? Did you masquerade as a not-for-profit entity? Where is the money? The next time you think you hear opportunity knocking at the door, guess again. It's probably the IRS.

This is truly remarkable. So many "allegations and enemies." Perhaps my story should be made into a movie starring say, Richard Dreyfus or Danny DeVito. Why bring up all this stuff on this specific site? It has very little to do with this theatre's posting but what the heck. So much misinformation here. So many lies, but hey: this is America. Say what you like and don't check your facts! Assassinate someone's character while remaining anonymous but what the hell. It's America. OK. Here's a quick fact check for the people who really matter and proof you cannot always believe what you read in the newspapers or from what is written on these blogs. Mike Novelli is the President of GVI and had nothing to do with any of your allegations other than for the Wheaton, Zoe and Lawford Theatres. Leave him out of the rest or are you too ignorant to recognize that other corporations have come and gone without him. 1. GVI paid all workers at the Lawford Theatre in Havana except for two who are being investigated for theft. 2. We did NOT accept donation money at the Wheaton except for the outstanding fundraiser set up by Todd Plagman and many others for wounded veteran Sgt. Joel Gomez. This was a fundraiser that we all produced last January and audited then turned over ALL money to Community Bank. 3. I like smarter people than me because I learn from them. I don't see to many on this site however. 4. I am proud that we sold calendars from the lobby of the Portage Park Theatre. No one else was helping us. (See many other postings about the Portage Park Theatre.) We returned everyone's deposits, by the way, unlike the mess with the Annoyance Theatre company. I have accepted responsibility for the $4K debt personally as I have with the $5K debt for the Uptown Theatre, (Pales). 5. The Henslowe Group was not given the cease and desist order at the Portage. Our tenant, The Universal Church was issued the order for "building without a permit." I had three partners there. Why don't you hound them: Richard Pales, Kevin Miner and Jessica Deans. 6. I am a rather pleasant man who likes cigars, fun people, travel, the theatre and music, and lively discussions about politics and social issues with intelligent witty people.

No Paul, what you are is a con man plain and simple. Ther is no need to "hound" your other partners because they are not trying to take over the Wheaton Grand, you are.

The behavior I have read attributed to you in print,is nothing less than criminal. I was raised to believe that you should treat others as you would like to be treated. Following that rule you must not like to be treated fairly, with respect or even honestly. When someone has as many things against them as you do I find it hard to believe that everyone else is out to get you and that you are blameless.

Move on Paul, leave the Wheaton Grand to flourish and concentrate on the "misinformation" as you call it. Clearing all that up will surely keep you busy for quite a long time.

The church didn't come until you were ordered out and could not pay your bills--it was a last ditch effort to try and recoup some more money. As for your partners--you yourself called Ms. Deans a "bitch" after she walked away. Has Mr. Pales and his mother not sued you? Poor Mr. Miner couldn't sleep at night after you fell apart. Yes, maybe the name on the cease and desist order was the Portage Theatre and not the Henslowe group--remember you weren't even in the country when it actually happened--you were out of the country. Also you didn't assume financial responsibility--many of us went unpaid for our wages and any supplies bought for you and your venture--don't try and portray yourself as a good and respectful individual. You are a con! Nobody went after the other 3 partners because they were led astray like the rest of us. If not, where are they now? Please enough with trying to get the rest of us to feel sorry for you. Just move on--as far as I am concerned my purpose is to make sure you do not do to another community as you have done in the past. Try and get a legitimate job for once--not one that you are hoping to live off of others. When was the last time you earned a legitimate salary? That means not accepting money from business ventures and using that? Enough already.

Again why is this on the Wheaton site? You must be Beverly! Your really are truly disgruntled and disfunctional employee! I never called any partner the names you claim! How dare you! Call us and we can discuss your alleged complaint of not being paid or is it a lie, you greedy... Remember that what you say can and will be used in a court of law.

Again with the lawsuits Paul, that seems to be your answer to everything. Once again you prove the point that everyone on this site is trying to make. You simply will not take responsibilty for anything, it is always someone elses fault.

I am grateful to "disgruntled" for coming forward to give the Wheaton Grand community further insight into the kind of business person you have been.

ALL of the Gomez money went to Community Bank???? Who else did you solicit, Paul?

Mr. Warshauer:

Now I understand why all these lawsuits are aimed at you. Live by the sword, die by the sword. I hope you are now content at the arrangements you have made for yourself.

In the meantime, I would like the rest of us to focus on life after Mr. Warshauer. There seems to be quite a few people following his every footstep who will assure that he does not pillage another village. Let us those of us in Wheaton move forward out of the wreckage and make plans anew for the future of the Wheaton Grand.

Does anyone have any fundraising ideas? Ideas on use? I'm sure there must be someone other than rock bands we can have rent the theater for funds. There was a church group in there last week, there's a movie showing this week. Any ideas? Many of us are involved in non-profits outside of the theater without even thinking; both they and for-profit entities might be interested in renting the theater for various reasons. Like the church group from last week.

I think it would be a blast if there were some sort of film fest in there...something fun that might draw a large crowd for nostalgia's sake...or maybe even some sort of cult following, although probably not Rocky Horror! Just a couple ideas to get the discussion ball rolling.

The Neighbor

Hi Neighbor,

I think you'll be pleased with this week's events! We have an 18 piece big band jazz concert tonight at 7:30. On Friday night we have an "Unplugged" concert with some local rock bands playing all-acoustic. On Saturday, a big day. We're showing animated children's movies continuously from 9am to 3pm, including one that was made by a Wheaton Warrenville South alumnus and was nominated for an Academy Award! All the proceeds from the animated films will be going to A.D.O.P.T, a pet adoption agency out of Naperville. Then at 3:30, there's the historic register ceremony, and finally a rock concert Saturday evening. We'll be asking a lot of hours from our volunteers this week, but it'll be a lot of fun. We've been talking to a several people about both film festivals and theatrical productions. There's a lot in the pipeline. Please join us for the ceremony on Saturday!

One other thing Neighbor - We're planning a Hurricane benefit on September 25th, a Sunday. We'll be having a few jazz groups playing. If you can think of ways that you, or any of the other Wheaton business-people would like to contribute to the event, please stop by the theater and we can discuss it. Thanks.

Sounds like good work. I will offer it again: GTC, please sell our concessions and give proceeds to hurricane victims. Mr. Loster just send us a receipt after the event for our records. Sincerely, Mike and Paul.

Congratulations to the Wheaton Grand for its historic registry listing and for the lovely dedication held on Saturday, September 10th. I was able to stop by and listen to the statement from the mayor, and others, about the project. It is good to know that the city is behind the restoration being planned. The photo and artifact display inside was beautifully done and really helped me get a sense of what could be done.

WGT, I will be watching this forum (as well as the Wheaton Grand Website) to see upcoming events and find out what I can do to help with this very exciting project. Congratulations again and keep up the good work.

Theater gets official stamp for historic status
Wheaton Grand has served as entertainment forum for 80 years

By Hank Beckman

SUN CORRESPONDENT
It's official: the Wheaton Grand Theater is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The decision made in August by the Department of the Interior was formalized by a dedication ceremony Sept. 17 and the unveiling of a plaque on the front wall of the building at 123 N. Hale St. in downtown Wheaton.

The building is owned by the Grand Theater Corporation, a nonprofit group dedicated to restoring the building.

Ron Richardson, chairman of group, unveiled the plaque, and Wheaton Councilwoman Liz Corry read from a statement from Mayor C. James Carr, who was unable to attend the event.

"For 80 years, the Wheaton Grand has served Wheaton as a forum in which many types of quality entertainment have been offered," Corry said.

The statement went on to note the importance of the Wheaton Grand in revitalizing the Wheaton downtown business district.

Also present was Hema Pandya, the graduate student in historical preservation at the Art Institute of Chicago responsible for guiding the project through the process of being awarded national recognition.

"You have to fight for it and show why you think it deserves to be nominated," Pandya said.

"When I saw the plaque, I just ...," Pandya's voice trailed off, overcome by emotion.

Presiding over the unveiling was Charles Long, member of the Grand Theater Corporation Board of Directors.

"This is an important addition to the downtown fabric," Long said.

Long also noted the importance of the theater to the Wheaton community.

"This theater played a historically significant role in this community's cultural heritage — this is the fifth historic place in Wheaton."

The previous owners donated the building to the GTC under the conditions that it would remain a theater and ultimately be restored.

"We've been working to give this project the best possible opportunity to succeed," said Louis Margaglione, a board member of GTC. "This is a significant first step."

Margaglione also noted the financial significance of the distinction, saying that it would mean a $1.7 million tax write-off that GTC could sell to a corporate donor.

Overall costs of the project are estimated to be close to $8 million.

"This is just starting," Margaglione said. "We are closing one chapter while opening what may be the most exciting phase, the capital campaign and the rehab of this national treasure."

Also in the audience was former Illinois Supreme Court Justice S. Louis Rathje, whose family members were among the previous owners of the building.

"Charlie (Long) brought out good points about the heritage of the Wheaton Grand and how it was vital to the town," Rathje said. "It's a pleasure to be part of this, and I hope this organization can restore the building to its former glamour."

Alberta Adamson of the Center for History praised GTC.

"It's wonderful; it's magnificent; and this is well-deserved recognition for the group. It takes a lot of money and effort and it's important that people recognize the significance of this building."

Ray Shepardson is a nationally known expert in theater restoration who was hired by GTC to oversee the restoration of the Wheaton Grand.

"Unlike the Dupage Theater, we've got the ball rolling instead of swinging," Shepardson said, referring to Lombard's recent decision to approve the demolition of the historic theater.

Long pleaded with the community for patience.

"Stay with us on this and stay engaged — so much more work needs to be done."


9/23/05

A plaque? Very nice. There's one for the DuPage Theatre, too. There are dozens of plaques around the country for dead theatres. What a price tag! $8 million? You have got to be kidding?? Where are the good people of Wheaton? They will NOT pay for that, nor will the corporations Lou Margaglione envisions. He doesn't even understand that it is not a tax write off. They are called, "Historic Tax Credits," and they are sold NOT a tax write off. This is a worse con than anything I have ever been accused of! NOW after Waukegan, it is Wheaton that is being conned!!! Has anyone else asked for other bids or concepts? Call other architects who have worked with Ray Shepardson. Call other cities who have chased him out. Call the Mayor of Waukegan. Call other architects to get other bids...period! Who is really supervising these people running the Wheaton Grand? Charlie Long and a few other board memebrs are smart but even they should check out other concepts! Next play at the Wheaton Grand? That's easy: "The Emperor's New Clothes!"

It seems ol' "Uncle Paul" has been accused of far worse than a con job, but hey, at least he loves restoring (destroying?) old theaters. Too bad he can't seem to name one that he's actually restored. Then again, it must be hard to concentrate with all those court dates on the agenda.

How about the indigence motion of 6/14/05? Surely an astute, erudite businessman "who likes cigars, fun people, travel, the theatre and music, and lively discussions about politics and social issues with intelligent witty people" has enough in the bank to pay for court costs (when he decides to show up.) Or is all that money tied up in a vast network of theaters?

Perhaps we should call the Mayor of Havana? Alderman Levar fom Portage Park?

Where's the donation money, Uncle Paul???

Here's that link again:

link

Paul-

With that kind of attitude I don't understand how you expect to stay in business. A classy professional would have congratulated the Wheaton Grand and moved on without condescending remarks. All of these comments are searchable on the Internet. When you make a business proposition and show them your resumé in the next town to run/restore a theater all of this information is available for the reading. Don't you think that the prospective client is going to do a search on the Internet? Don't you think that they will have second thoughts about hiring your company when they read the kind of statements you post here on this site? You can keep posting...it's a free country. But in the end you are only hurting yourself and your business.

Dear Prowler and KZA: Actions speak louder than words. Stop attacking me and look at the Wheaton Grand Theatre's record. I am the easy scapegoat but those who run the theatre for the past five years bear the prime responsibility for failing to deliver the goods. These blogs do not address many of my successes and I do not need to prove myself to anyone. Our company gets many calls and contracts for consultation. They look past this petty crap and look at the issues! For the record there are NO lawsuits against GVI. You are wasting your time attacking me. Use your energies to get the GTC board to move forward. That is why our company, GVI sued the useless GTC board. That is why we will prevail. We do not want to sell the theatre. We want to restore it and make it successful. Substantive issues should be explored here: One vs. three venues inside the Grand should be the discussion of the day NOT let's gang up on Warshauer. Let's get the issues on the table and stop wasting everyone's time here with petty lawsuits that do NOT involve the Wheaton Grand. You clearly fail to remember that we did programming in the theatre for SIX MONTHS. We know what we are talking about. Do you? Have YOU run programming in a theatre and made money? We did. THAT'S successful.

The only lawsuits are yours. It is quite interesting that YOU can attack but heaven help anyone who makes a comment back. I suppose that I will now be accused of attacking you.

Stifle, Paul. Stifle. Peace and goodbye.

No attacks just let us engage in productive dialogues about theatres. That is what this site is all about. Stifle and peace be with you, as well.

Paul-

No attacks? You first.

OK: Thank you. Let's talk about this theatre. What will make the Wheaton Grand successful when it opens? What programming will work in Wheaton? Let the disucssions begin!

An indigence motion...now THAT'S funny. Yes, where is Paul's capital? Tied up in a vast network of restored American theatres that nobody in the preservation community has heard of?

Paul stays in business because he has the nerve to keep going out there and finding new opportunities. It would be an admirable quality were he not an apparent sociopath. But know this is true: every bad business man I have ever met got his in the end. The math is simple: the more people you jerk around, the more people there are out there who want to get you. Eventually one of them has a chance and takes it. Fortunately, Paul has never done me harm. But it seems he has blazed a trail of hatred from coast to coast.

I'm guessing that the tax ID numbers for Paul's various enterprises lead to some interesting stories as well. The IRS is slow to figure these things out because of their vast case load. But once they do, they don't forget about you. It very well could be the government that destroys Paul.

Pose as a 501c-3 not-for-profit, collect donations, deposits, and gate receipts, ignore your bills, parse, bluster, threaten, and then disappear amid a cloud of lawsuits and finger-pointing. Sounds plausible, if a bit bush-league. After all, why get busted by the Feds for a few thousand dollars? Besides, it seems Uncle Paul's ego won't let him keep his mouth shut long enough to take the money and disappear. Unless, of course, he touches the proverbial third rail, as the earlier links about Klamath Falls would seem to indicate.

If Uncle Paul were as smart as he claims, he'd forget about this nickel and dime theater stuff for awhile and go for the REALLY BIG SCORE. Does he have the talent and skill to pull it off? I wonder. Decades of grifting, flying under the radar of the authorities, scamming just enough here and there for a room, a case of Bud, a pack of smokes, and a bag of Doritos. Life's indeed too short to live it as a troubador of smoke and mirrors, and have nothing to show for it but petty lawsuits and indigence motions. What kind of existence is that?

Uncle Paul could take his act on the road to Florida and scam all those seniors out of their retirement accounts. Now we're talking real money! Uncle Paul wouldn't need a partner anymore. He could pay his bills and outstanding judgements, and even have enough left over to buy his very own theater to run into the ground. That is, if he could stay out of jail.

Here's some help for those who don't know what indigent means.

in·di·gent
adj.
Experiencing want or need; impoverished. See Synonyms at poor.
Archaic. Lacking or deficient.

n.
A needy or destitute person.

If anyone on this site was lucky enough to go to the event at the Wheaton Theatre when they displayed their new historic marker, you would have got to see what I did. Mr. Shepardson had an entire lobby filled, as well as the area under the marquee with photos and pictures of his numerous successful projects. For someone with such a checkered past as Warshauer to have the nerve to insult a man like Shepardson is beyond ridiculous. Shepardson has a resume full of successful accomplishments, Warshauer has a track record of judgments won against him and failure. Kicked out of theatres, hounded by creditors, owing thousands of dollars in judgments, failure to pay employees, accusations of impropriety. Where does it end? Probably in prison one of these days. It couldn't come too soon. You're a horrible little man, Uncle Pauly.

Hey Uncle Paul! I'm curious. Did you charge those people who organized the Gomez fundraiser? You know, the one that was put on to help a local Wheaton man injured in Iraq? Or was your participation strictly free of charge?

Since you are questioning other people's credentials, why don't you take the opportunity to furnish yours? For the record, have you ever had an active part in a theatre restoration? Ever? Please tell us all where and when? Think carefully before answering, because some of us will definitely verify your statements. Please fill in the blanks with your successes. I think its important to know what a person who claims he can provide such a great service for the Wheaton theatre has done successfully in the past. I'll help you out by listing some of the projects of yours I've read about, and you can just fill in the rest. Ready?

Lawford Theatre in Havana - Closed after less than two months. Allegations of not paying employees.

Zoe Theatre in Pittsfield - Your company did an Arts Assessment which concluded that your company should become the theatre developer. It must have been hard for you to reach that conclusion!

Wheaton Theatre in Wheaton - Contract to program theatre terminated and theatre locks changed to keep you out.

Portage Theatre in Chicago - Evicted by the theatre owner.

Uptown Theatre in Chicago - Took a $4000 deposit from the Annoyance Theatre group for a building you did not own, wound up in court and lost a judgment in March 2004 - of which you've only paid $864 of $4000.

I forget, where did that other $5000 judgment against you stem from? I'm sorry, but its hard to keep track of all your "successes"

Ok, now its your turn. What theaters have you successfully restored (sorry, I couldn't find any), or have worked at and left on good terms?

Unless I read differently, all I see is a long string of failures.

Mr. Warshauer:

I will not entertain any discussions presented by you at any time. You only propose to "discuss" the one venue plan as an opportunity to again "bash" the board of the theater for their current plan.

You are no longer connected to the theater in any way, save for the currently pending lawsuit. As soon as that matter is over with, you will have no connection of any kind. You currently have no say in what direction the theater goes, and nor should you. Your contract has been terminated. All that remains is for the Board to tie up the legal loose ends that you have created, and you will be nothing but a paragraph in the history of the theater's remodeling.

I would also like to correct you on one term that you keep using. This web site is not a blog, it is a message board. It would be wise for you understand the difference between these terms before throwing them around. Just because "blog" is the hip new term doesn't mean that its the appropriate one.

Along those lines, I would also like to add that this is not a "We hate Paul Warshauer" site, although I would not be surprised to find one in cyberspace somewhere. I realize there are a couple of people who are coming through this website who have had interactions with Mr. Warshauer at some past place and time, and whose goal it seems is to expose him as the criminal and con man he appears to be. I would like to let you know that your work here is done. The people in Wheaton are well aware of the nature of Mr. Warshauer. But by posting on this board you invoke the beast. Much like a demon possession, Mr. Warshauer appears whenever we invoke his name. I'd like to see him fade away, and feel that he will do so if we ignore him. Coming in and expressing how horrible he is simply fans the flames of his self absorption. Only by not responding to him at all will we ever rid ourselves of him and be able to carry on a civil conversation. There are many potential victims out there who need your vigilance. I wish you well.

To the Wheaton Grand Theater Board:

I will add my congratulations! The party was wonderful, the photographs amazing and Mr. Shepardson is every bit the gentleman I thought he was. Quite the opposite of the blustery Mr. Warshauer in all ways. The cake was also quite yummy.

Also, I would like to add that several of my customers have inquired as to whether there will be any films playing there soon. There seems to be a profound interest in the older films. Of course, that might be a bias of the type of customer that I have enter my business, but I thought I'd pass it on.

The Neighbor

Wow. I see that I have quite a fan club but it always seems to come from the same three or four of you who continually churn up irrelevant material regarding THIS theatre. Your facts are wrong about the Portage, Uptown and Lawford theatres so it's pointless to try and answer all of your goofy charges. You also refuse to look behind the current "Wizard" at the Wheaton. I could also put up lots of blueprints and pictures of theatres that I was involved with, too! BUT... Please follow the TRAIL after Ray Shepardson leaves a project! Financial ruin, theatre companies insolvent, cities in trouble. You all sound so defensive. Do you have something to hide as well? Well.. I am so glad that we decided to talk about the programming and fundraising at the Wheaton Grand Theatre. It seems that you have more fun attacking me and not pointing the criticism at those who deserve it: The current board of the Grand Theatre Corporation. By the way, how much did they say it would cost to restore the theatre? Where did they say the money was coming from?? I look forward to THOSE questions being answered.

Paul,

Shut up. You provide no facts and figures to back up your "successes" only bluster that you indeed have them. Produce cold hard facts instead of impuning other peoples reputations.

Unless you want to get serious and answer the questions asked of you then stay off this message board. You are not now nor will you ever be involved with the theatre again, despite your delusional thinking that you will somehow be "given" the theatre as settlement of your frivolous lawsuit. So stop with your sour grapes and move on.

If anyone from Cinema Treasures is listening here,
can you do something about the very wide column of text?
It's impossible to read without horizontal scrolling.

I've been in at least 5 of the theatres Shepardson has been associated with. The Fox in St. Louis, The Chicago Theatre, The Fox in Detroit, The Gem in Detroit, and the Genesee in Waukegan. They are some of the most beautiful theaters I've had the pleasure to experience.

Let's see:
1985 Winner of a Special Citation for Distinguished Service to the Arts as a Cultural Catalyst from the Cleveland Arts Prize. Was that Paul Warshauer? Nope, it was Ray Shepardson.

The Detroit Fox (Shepardson oversaw the $12.5 million renovation in 1988) which was recently the "No. 1 theater in North America" according to Pollstar. You know who he brought in shortly after the Grand Reopening in 1988? Just Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Sammy Davis, Jr. that's all. The closest you could ever get to talent like that Uncle Paul is purchasing their cds.

The Detroit Free Press, calling Shepardson: "The dynamic and expert artisan who restored the Gem as well as the rococo Fox Theatre."

The Orpheum Theater in Sioux City which Shepardson renovated in collaboration with FEH Associates which won the 2001 Iowa Best Preservation Award for Public Use Facility

Anyone with a computer can look up Shepardson's impressive career. Warshauer's "accomplishments" can be summed up pretty succinctly as I've done in a previous post, but I'm sure there's some disasters that I've missed.

That's called the BIG-TIME, Uncle Paul. Is that jealously that makes you act like such an ass? Accept the fact that the Wheaton theatre has moved on to bigger and better, and continue to do your little murder mysteries. I loved one line from the review you got in Naperville, wasn't it something like: The play needs less Warshauer, more plot. That's an understatement.

When the Wheaton theatre is restored, it will most probably be a successful venue like the others Shepardson has worked on. There is no need to debate with you on anything, nor the need for you to add your useless opinions, since you have no proven track record of anything remotely approaching this man's work. Prove me wrong. You've been asked repeatedly for a list of your accomplishments, where are they?

What are YOUR qualifications for fundraising? How much money have you ever raised for a project? Let us all hear it. PLEASE give us an example!!! How does someone like you, who claims indigence in court in Chicago, and has a bankruptcy in Oregon have the cojones to question others on fundraising?

The only money you should be worried about raising is your own bail money.

In fairness, Shepardson does have a reputation for doing beautiful, fabulous work, but also for having inflated budgets that get broken.
Also, from what i've gathered, the Annoyance fiasco was related to the Uptown-Broadway Building, not the Uptown theatre, although Mr. Warshauer was removed from there as well.
In any event, i'm pretty sure Mr. Shepardson has a better reputation, especially since he is willing to discuss his past projects, successful or not.

Ron, are you using Firefox? I do and I frequently have this problem. I've mentioned it to Brian Krefft in the past but it's been doing this as long as i've used FF. I'm not sure exactly what causes it.

Renovating one of these old theaters must be like remodeling an old house, only at least 100 times worse. You often don't know how far gone a building is until you tear into it, and by then you have no choice but to keep writing checks or walk away. On top of that, if a local government and all its pals get involved, these projects must turn into a veritable feeding frenzy, especially in Illinois. I imagine something of that nature went on in Waukegan.

That's not to say Shepardson is entirely blameless for the cost overruns in Waukegan, but I think it's a stretch to place the responsibility for them entirely at Shepardson's door, as our friend Uncle Paul spews ad infinitum. Playing devil's advocate for Uncle Paul, albeit for a moment, if Shepardson blew the budget in Waukegan to hell all by himself, then where were the city officials or theater organization that ultimately had responsibility for the project? Shouldn't they have reined Shepardson in when the budget swelled to uncomfortable numbers, or were they too busy gorging at the trough themselves?

For all the frothing at the mouth Uncle Paul seems to do about Ray Shepardson, his criticisms of Shepardson are as vague as his very own credentials. Other than Waukegan, what are the cities and theaters that had problems with Ray Shepardson? Shepardson's not Santa Claus, coming down the chimney to restore a theater for free while everyone sleeps. Certainly he's ticked off a few people over the years, but where are these disaster projects with massive overruns? What are the details, and who are the contacts? How much are we talking about, 20%, 50%, 100% over budget? Was Waukegan an exception, or part of a trend? Just who and where are these people? How many of these theaters "ruined" by Shepardson did Indigent Uncle Paul subsequently rescue?

If nothing else, it seems that Ray Shepardson knows how to get the job done.

Since Uncle Paul seems incapable of providing any verifiable facts other than the fact of his own instability, I'd appreciate hearing any additional comments on Ray Shepardson, from anyone out there not named Warshauer.

The Prowler:

Since you've asked for information, I've managed to scrounge up some. I know that internet information can be easily discounted since anyone and everyone can post "facts" on the internet these days. So, here are some "hard copy" pieces of literature for any and all to investigate.

First, and most impressive piece of information on Mr. Shephardson would be the very nice book, "Cleveland Classics: Great Stories from the North Coast", ISBN number 0-9701305-3-8. Mr. Shepardson's bio appears on page 60. This book contains some incredible cultural icons and, judging solely by the company he has in this book, I would say that Mr. Shepardson ranks among the cultural icons of Cleveland if not the midwest. It is interesting to note that he spends most of the interview in a very humble manner, sharing much of the glory with the people who influenced him as well as the people who helped him. Its an incredible piece and I recommend it highly.

Next "Hard copy" for recommendation would be the magazine "Cleveland" in its collectibe 30th anniversary copy, "The 30 People Who Defined Cleveland". Again, Mr. Shepardson is among the elite of Cleveland. If you were to judge him solely on the company he is listed among, that would be amazing enough. But this particular magazine has the subtitle for his bio, "Savior of Playhouse Square, Theater Planner."

Yep, savior. For the record, Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts complex in the United States.

Detroit Magazine, in an article on Woordward Avenue entitled "Street of Dreams" refers to Mr. Shepardson as "the nation's leading expert on movie palace restoration, who was called in to work his magic on the Fox."

Leading expert, no less. 80% of the original materials, paints and finishes have been preserved (approximately) according to the article. Now, that's preservation!

And as far as cash flow goes, I'd like to note that according to Progressive Architecture Magazine in an article from June of 1990 on Preservation: Theaters writes, "The Fox has proven to be a successful location for concerts and touring theatrical productions: in 1989, it was the top-grossing theater in the country."

Commercial Interior Design and Architecture, March 1996 has an article about The Orpheum in Minneapolis, which Mr. Shepardson was also involved in. The Orpheum, by the way, is only one half block from the State theater, and therefore care was taken in focusing The Orpheum's entertainment schedule in a way which would not conflict with The State's. Sound familiar?

Anyway, to quote the author, "Making it pretty again was done on a tight budget, nonetheless. For example, the two most important decorative elements, paint and lighting, were cut by $300,000 and $100,000 respectively. 'We backed off on the finishes and downsized the lobby chandeliers to save money,' remarks Shepardson. The gilded central dome became the focal point--and a useful distraction from the low-budget walls."

The article goes on to explain how the budget was not cut as far as ADA compliance is concerned, and many of the original work which was discovered in the process of restoration.

Tired yet?

Corporate Detroit Magazine (just for something different) from August 1992 interviewed Mr. Shepardson for a piece on whether restoration of old theaters can revive a downtown area. In this article, it lists many of his triumphs; The Fox, The Gem, The State and The Grand Circus.

To quote the author, Lynn Waldsmith, "And just in case you're still laughing, consider C) It's already happening. The Fox, State and Gem, along with the Music Hall, are already packing them in. (At the Gem, some performances have been sold out.)"

This article mainly focuses on his work in the Detroit area.

Here's the part I like..."'You'll see people walking through this area like they walk through Greektown now,' predicts David DiChiera, founder and general director of the Michigan Opera Theater. 'These people will come. I've seen thousands of people come to the Fox--and not only for headliners--who otherwise never would have come downtown. They're coming down to see that single theater. So imagine the potential when a real (theater) environment is there.'"

Yep, thousands of people walking through downtown Wheaton? I'd settle for hundreds <grin>.

The article in Architectural Lighting Magazine is worth getting just for the pictures. In the March 1990 issue, they ran an article on the lighting design of the Fox theater...which Mr. Shepardson designed. Amazing...no words can describe these pictures. You simply have to get your hands on one of these. I'm not sure if the magazine is any longer available, but there should be copies of it on film or computer somewhere.

Well, that's a start. Between the hard information I have seen and the childish antics of Mr. Warshauer (including the very silly letter he wrote to the Sun newspaper), I have definitely made up my mind. Mr. Shepardson is on the right track, and Mr. Warshauer is nothing more than a spoiled child upset because he didn't win. Why attack Mr. Shepardson? Because if you can't win on your own merit, you have to viciously attack. Unfortunately for Mr. Warshauer, he's doing nothing but bringing more negative attention onto his own head.

Hope I've helped somewhat.

The Neighbor

Just for the record,

I went to the Cinema Treasures page for the Genessee, just to see what all the fuss is about. Someone had submitted an article that was in the Chicago Tribune, dated January 9, 2005.

I found this portion of the article very interesting.

"Conflicts of interest seen

Waiving its bidding procedures in November 2003, the City Council voted to enter into a contract of up to $13.2 million with Pickus Companies run by sons of Friends board secretary Allan Pickus, even though another company, St. Louis-based Clayco Construction, was preparing to submit a proposal for $570,000 less. Calls to Allan Pickus were not returned. Pickus companies officials would not comment."

Interesting, very interesting.

I tend to believe there is more on heaven and earth, etc., etc., etc. I'm sure Mr. Shepardson's side of the story is quite different. There's a good chance that he tried, unsuccessfully, to point the city into a different direction than the one they chose to take.

However, my favorite difference between Mr. Shepardson and Mr. Warshauer is the amount of class each of them is showing...or not. Mr. Shepardson DID NOT turn around and file a frivolous lawsuit against the Gennesee or the people of Waukegan. He is NOT on that cinema treasures page shaking his fist (figuratively speaking) and trying to provoke anger and bad feelings. He is NOT writing silly, pointless diatribes to the local papers. He simply, gracefully, and intelligently picked up, and left the Gennessee. Period. He has taken the higher ground.

Regardless of what Mr. Warshauer tries to say about Mr. Shepardson, the truth is evident in their behavior, and time will tell in the end.

The Neighbor

I think The Neighbor has hit the nail on the head. I have seen some of the articles that the Neighbor has posted that shows what Mr. Shepardson has done to many numerous theaters in the past and it is just breathtaking. I believe that the theater is lucky to have the talented Mr. Shepardson working with the theater and I am only too confident that he will produce another masterpiece

Uncle Paul says "Yawn." $8 million for the restoration "masterpiece?" I don't care what kind of resume he has or HAD. This is 2005. Money is tighter. Now what about the $8 million they want to spend on the Grand Theatre? It is nuts! A community could construct a brand new theatre for that amount! Talk about cost per square foot! No one doubts that Ray has a colorful resume and has done great work in the past. Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time. No one has discussed THREE theatres at all here. No one wanst to see the architects designs. Now if someone will focus on that suggestion, the theatre will not end up like the DuPage! By the way I have not heard anything about the fundraising efforts at the theatre...Anyone?

Well, at least you've warmed up to your new label Uncle Paul. I'll bet your partner is really happy that he told that cub scout story!

I know it tugged at my heart strings.

"Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time." Where are these other people who share your philosophy, and why haven't they posted any comments in support of your concepts?

Many of us = you and your partner.

Now you are saying Shepardson has done great work in the past? I thought you said that he was a complete fraud.

Why don't you put your ideas together in an Excel spreadsheet and post them on your web site where we can all see?

Thank you, Life's Too Short!

The contradictions are mind boggling. I don't really understand why anyone should listen to Mr. Warshauer's suggestions when he's done absolutely nothing to demonstrate that he might know what he's talking about. He has slung accusations, hurled insults, and let insinuations fly, but has done nothing at all positive.

I tried to discuss the three theaters. Way back in the beginning. Way back when I first started posting. Mr. Warshauer decided he didn't have to answer any of my questions. As a result, I've completely discounted any thing he might have to say on the subject.

I am not opposed to discussing three theaters. I am opposed to discussing Mr. Warshauer having any further involvement in the Wheaton Grand Theater with or without three theaters. Unfortunately, Mr. Warshauer has tied those two concepts permanently together. The board of the Wheaton Grand Theater has decided there will be one theater, and I support and trust the decisions made by that board and by Mr. Shepardson.

As far as fundraising goes, again...Mr. Warshauer has nothing to do with it, and I don't know why he's even interested. There are plenty of irons in the fire for fundraising, and no one believes its going to happen overnight. As it is, the entertainment schedule is keeping the doors open while other fundraising techniques are being put into play. Why Mr. Warshauer had to make scathing accusations about out of state professional fundraisers to the Wheaton Sun, I'll never know. Well, maybe I do...but I'm trying to restrain myself.

It is not going to be easy. And I'm sure that a "A community could construct a brand new theatre for that amount!" However, that is not the point, and if Mr. Warshauer truly believes that, he's on the wrong web site. We are trying to save a piece of architectural and commuity history. That's the point. We do not want some boring square with black walls that will fall apart in 5-10 years to be torn down and another built in its place.

The DuPage would not have been saved by three theaters. The DuPage was in its death blows years and years ago. We are fortunate that the Grand is in a different town, that there is a different financial support system beneath it, and that it was in operation for a longer period of time. It is luck and fortune that divides us from the fate of the DuPage. Not a plaque (which I happen to like quite a bit). Not three theaters or one. Luck and fortune have also supplied the Grand with Mr. Shepardson, a theater board who makes sound decisions, and volunteers who will give and give and give. The Grand will succeed, and they will succeed without (and despite) Mr. Warshauer.

The Neighbor

I appreciate the above comments regarding Ray Shepardson. Very helpful & informative. Thanks for taking the time to post something so thorough. It is indeed refreshing to read something about Mr. Shepardson that isn't spun into a red-faced, hysterical rant.

I'm also delighted to see "Life's too Short" using the "Uncle Paul" moniker. "Life's," if I knew who you were, I'd buy you a drink. May you frequent this board with your astute observations and rapier wit for a long time to come.

Uncle Paul has emerged from hiding! Where could he have been? Saving theaters hither and yon? Anyway, I'd like to see what a brand-new, $8 million, 1000-seat theater would look like. I'm guessing it would resemble a crackerbox multiplex & have all the charm of a carwash. However, if Uncle Paul can prove otherwise, I'd enjoy viewing the link to the website of any comparible municipal auditorium built in the last 5 years for $8 million or less. That way we can all decide for ourselves whether Uncle Paul has a point.

Meanwhile, I'd sure like to know how Uncle Paul came up with the $4 million price tag for his three-theater boondoggle. Is that figure based on some reality, or was it concocted in the same secret & magical place where Uncle Paul's qualifications lurk?

Regarding Uncle Paul's comments about fundraising, the National Register listing should have opened doors to several fundraising avenues that were not previously accessible. I suspect it takes no small amount of time & energy to pursue grants and launch a full-blown capital campaign, and that's without the distraction of operating the theater and dealing with frivolous lawsuits from unscrupulous gadflies.

I ask again: Where is the 501c-3 donation money collected by Uncle Paul & his partner? It sure wasn't used to pay outstanding judgements:

http://www.annoyanceproductions.com/lawsuit.html

Was the money used to pay all those past-due legal bills???

I know there was/is a donation box in the lobby of the Wheaton theatre. I've put money in there myself. Did that money go to the 501c3 while GVI was there, or did Paul and his partner keep it? If they didn't turn that money over to the 501c3, isn't that fraud or something?

I met Paul because I was looking into the theatre lobby from Hale Street one day...wondering what was going on. He spotted me and opened the front door. I got a tour of the entire facility and an explanation of his three-theatre idea. Then he tried to convince me to put cash into that donation box in the lobby.

Here's an article from today's Daily Herald related to this theatre

http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=110195

Finally a well balanced newspaper story!

I am surprised you think so Paul. This article shows what a conniving, greedy, loser you are. You will never take over the Grand because good people (the current board) will triumph over the lowest of the low.

I agree with Steve Rathje, "boys just go away". You have showed no love for the Grand and certainly have not produced any credentials regarding any other theatre restorations that you have accomplished.

Don't you ever get tired of making a fool of yourself. You need to grow up and move on. The Grand is doing GREAT without you.

Sure...it was well balanced when you take the emotions out of it.

When you put the emotions back into it, Grand Venues looks evil with their digusting and vile Project Appendix and their planned coup. I know I'm disgusted.

The Jim Fuller article in today's Daily Herald newspaper is great! It shows GVIs dedication and passion, not greed! Didn't you read it? Didn't you see the lies? Steve Rathje is the liar! Over beer and many tears he tolds us to help him "take it back," like he had done once before when he fired an entire board of directors! I liked the surgical metaphors. It is a disgusting mess. We didn't create it. It happened over many years. We did programming that many people of all ages liked then asked that the buildin be made "safe." You are the fools! Look to the future; not single theatres but multiples. The $25K gain in a state grant can be repaid and a new plan put in place. Open you eyes! The Grand Theatre Corporation has done nothing since we left! Where is all the money they are trying to raise? Where are the public hearings? The annual meeting was attended by 15 people in a bunker like environment. They are paranoid as they can't produce! Didn't you read that even the board of the Grand Theatre doesn't know how they get elected? Can you say "Where are the bylaws?" Talk about dysfunctional! You,"Cosmogirl, KZA, Lifestooshort,and Neighbor" and many others should start asking the one tough question: are we on a losing team? If you answer yes, join us!

Once again, you are wrong.

1.) The annual meeting was not held in a "bunker like environment". It was held in a public place for anyone to attend. You were not there and if your "sources" gave you this information I would consider getting new ones.

2.) I attended some of the "programming"(if you want to call it that) that GVI did during its tenure. It was lackluster and boring at best.

3.) The building is safe, it has been certified more than once.

4.) I know Steve Rathje and if you expect me to believe he cried and asked you to help him "take back" the theatre, you are even more deluded than I thought.

5.) You can't even pay your legal judgements so how are you going to payback the $25K gain? Not with donations this time.

6.) Finally, I would NEVER join with GVI for any reason. You have been accused of lying, cheating, fraud other unsavory behaviors without providing any proof to the contrary.

You are the one who needs to open your eyes. You are not wanted at the Grand.

This is sad. You are blind, deluded or just plain malicious. No more to be said. You don't know me so do not make assumptions about my character and I won't attack you personally. This site is for theatre business and not for personal attacks.Of your six statements five are lies or contain falsehoods. Perhaps you just don't know.

I know enough, perhaps more than you can imagine.

I have met you on more than one occasion and have read a lot more information about you and your "work". You have provided no record of your completed projects so how can we judge?

I am not attacking you personally (like you did, calling me a liar) just providing facts. Unless you have been at the theatre and actively involved recently, you have no idea what you are talking about.

The Grand is moving forward why don't you.

Wow! That was a great article! It showed Uncle Paul for the maniuplative greedy man he is. And let's not forget his partner Mike Novelli. Paul gets all the headlines with his screwups, but Novelli has disgraced himself by joining forces with him. What a duo. You both should be ashamed of yourselves. Your string of failures is truly staggering. Let me ask some GVI some direct questions. And remember Paul, this can be used against you in a court of law.
1. When you claimed the building was unsafe, did you discontinue your programming events? Or did you let people in the theatre in what you called "unsafe" conditions? If you didn't cancel any shows, its one of two things. You put people in danger to make more money, or you lied about the unsafe conditions. Which is it?
2. What happened with any donation money that was given to you while you were at the theatre? Did you turn it over to the 501c3 or have you pocketed it? Where did the money that went into the donation box go to?
3. And of course, the burning question that remains unanswered, what theatres have you ever participated in the successful restoration of? We know the names of your failures (Lawford, Wheaton, Uptown, Portage, etc.) Where are the successes?

I also found this article to be very well written. Mr. Warshauer, I don't understand how you believe that it does nto paint you in a rather psychotic light, but if you want to hide your head in the sand, I suppose that's not my business.

"When a rumor spread last week that Wheaton Grand Theater Board President Ron Richardson had resigned, Paul Warshauer saw it as evidence his claims about poor leadership at the theater were true."

No, Mr. Richardson had not resigned, and a new Board President has been elected. I know who he is, do you, Mr. Warshauer? The reason for this particular man's election is that he is far more of a directionalist. With the current energy running through all the volunteers and the GTC Board, someone was needed to focus some of that energy. Enter the new Board President. Combined with Mr. Shepardson who has the ideas and background to make the theater into the glory it once was, I am sure there will be progress from here on.


"Board members believe a recently uncovered e-mail details exactly how Grand Venues planned to make Richardson and the rest of the board vanish."

Mr. Warshauer, you don't think this phrase makes you sound slightly psychotic? Its right out of a cheap comic book.

"Grand Venues officials say business is business, but the larger goal is to make the theater a success. So far, Grand Venues says, the theater board is obsessed with delusions of grandeur with little action to back it up."

If that really were true, Mr. Warshauer would have done the reasonable thing and left the theater to its own devices. He is no longer involved; the Board, the Volunteers and the community surrounding it have made that clear. This is no longer business. Mr. Warshauer is on a vendetta of some sort. The only delusions of grandeur are his, believing that no theater can function properly without his guidance. There are other people in this world who are more than adequately prepared to handle the challenges of restoring this theater (Mr. Shepardson, as I have already demonstrated). Regardless of whether or not he COULD have continued to produce "great programming" (according to Mr. Warshauer), is irrelevant.

"Titled “Confidential ‘Project Appendix,’æ” the e-mail describes the theater board as a “bad appendix” which, if left in, would cause “the patient (to) die and all surgeons (to) leave the operating room.”"

Yep, shades of X-files. Bizarre.

"In Warshauer’s vision, as laid out in the e-mail, once the board is gone, replacements would be seated that would include his partner, Novelli. Warshauer himself would be appointed full-time executive director. And Grand Venues would be awarded the theater development contract, which the current theater board believes would equal a big payday for Grand Venues."

As we have all figured out, the bottom line here is the "big payday for Grand Venues." There are no noble goals on Mr. Warshauer's behalf. He has no interest in restoring the theater, simply making it into another money-maker for GVI (himself). I'm sure he saw part of the possibility it holds. After all, GVI made enough money off of it (legitimately or not) while they did handle the programming.

"In a written statement, board members say shortly after the e-mail came out, Grand Venues began a smear campaign against specific board members to ruin their reputation in the community."

Again, Mr. Warshauer, do you really think this reflects well on you? That you INTENTIONALLY began a smear campaign?

"“We’ve challenged the board to produce a viable financial plan, as well as architectural drawings. To date, they have not done either.”

Theater board members are working on both those issues and have presented a financial plan in limited detail to the community."

Yep. I've seen the financial plan, and I happen to know the architectural design is in process. After all, there's a lot to be decided BESIDES taking down the extra walls. There's facilities to be added, green rooms and dressing rooms to be built. A lot of details to go over and to figure out exactly where they will add on the necessary requirements to bring this theater into the modern era as far as accomodations are concerned.

"As far as architectural work, the ultimate goal is to make the theater one auditorium, as it was originally built. To that end, the theater board is already working with city staff for a permit to knock down one of the walls that divides the theater into three parts."

I might be wrong, but I believe they already have that permit. There is some sort of building permit posted on the door of the theater at this time.

"The suit alleges unsafe work conditions in the theater, with falling plaster, squalid bathrooms and malfunctioning exit signs. Warshauer and Novelli claim the theater board refused to fix those issues, so they withheld their rent."

I have to agree with goaway on this point. Why did Mr. Warshauer continue to hold productions there if the building was unsafe? Witholding rent doesn't seem to be the logical way to handle this, unless the rent was withheld in order to pay for repairs, which was apparently NOT the case. Did they not call the GTC board to have it fixed immediately? Call it in to the City Inspectors to have the GTC Board fined? Something? Anything to prove their point? If I am involved in an auto accident, and its the other persons fault, I make sure the police officer gives them a ticket for their offence. Its simple logic to ensure my legal standing should a lawsuit develop. Yet nothing was ever filed against the GTC. No reports made, citations issued, etc.

"“When we came to inspect the emergency lights not working, we found that the circuit switch had been turned to the ‘off’ position. We then turned it back on, and they’ve been working great ever since,” reads the statement authored by theater board member Scott Pointner."

This looks particularly bad for Mr. Warshauer. Did he turn off the circuit simply to make a claim so he WOULDN'T have to pay?

"Board members said they never found evidence of falling plaster but said they had it inspected and certified as safe by architects and engineers."

Which is FINALLY the answer to the question I'd asked WAY BACK when I first started posting here. There has never been any legal liability found as far as the GTC board is concerned. No violations or citations against the Board has ever been filed as far as structural integrity is concerned. No evidence of falling plaster.

"The second obstacle is the viability of Grand Venues’ three-auditorium theater plan. Regardless of the research, or the number of walls in the theater, state law may block the plan.

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency awarded the Grand Theater Corp. a $25,000 grant in 2001 for roof and masonry repairs. To receive the grant, the theater agreed to have a 10-year covenant placed on the building that limits the scope of construction on the structure. All plans must be approved by the agency before proceeding."

Maybe, as Mr. Warshauer has said, the $25,000 can be repaid although there might be additional fines involved. But what would the point be? The goal of this message board and of the GTC board is to see to the RESTORATION of this theater. RESTORATION not EXPLOITATION. Almost everyone on this board (with the exception of Mr. Warshauer and his alleged staff) are involved because they want to see the Wheaton Grand restored to its former glory and beauty. Mr. Warshauer's plan would have it stay as it is. And let me just say, that having been inside of it now, I would not be impressed. Nor do I think that Mr. Warshauer's variety of programming would do any good to the community or maintain the structural integrity of that building.

"“Not one of them has any theater experience, and they refuse to learn,” Warshauer said. “There is a pattern and practice of apathy on the board. These guys just don’t do anything.”"

Excuse me, Mr. Warshauer, but Mr. Shepardson has an awful LOT of experience, and its his guidance that the GTC Board is relying upon at this point. There is no pattern and practice of apathy at this time. Mr. Warshauer has not been actively involved with the theater for some time, and in no way knows what the current activity level is like. Its obvious that his "mole" isn't very involved, either. Looks like he needs new help. The Board and Volunteers are doing plenty.

Mr. Warshauer has experience in theater; writing and producing, at any rate. I have found evidence of that myself. As far as mystery plays are concerned, I suppose he does know what he's doing. This doesn't impress me overly, but there it is. He has demonstrated NO expertise at restoration of theaters. As far as programming goes, I know many people who could have done as well or better. Its not difficult when these bands are constantly contacting the theater asking to play.

Mr. Shepardson has experience in theater; with programming BIG NAME events (not local bands and boy scout troops that Mr. Warshauer obviously had inside connections with) as well as with restoration. His resume is impressive, indeed. The GTC Board was lucky to have found him. I am eager to find out how this story ends.

I would also like to add as far as Mr. Warshauer understanding Wheaton, which was another point brought up in this article: I know of several businesses that are disgusted by him, and at least one that he was no longer welcome in. The downtown businesses are not impressed with him either. Personally, I hope never to have the displeasure of having him in my place of business.

The Neighbor

Uncle Paul has returned to Cinema Treasures in force. Apparently his utilities have been turned back on. Perhaps Uncle Paul has received payment for his feasibilty study on the fabuous Palace Theatre in Guam.

I can't wait to hear what the judge has to say about this law suit. My guess is that it will quickly be shot down in flames.

If that does end up being the case, I encourage theatre officials to make the same liberal use of the media that Uncle Paul enjoys.

Paul, I am in the mood to provide you with some education. I won't even charge you for it.

BUSINESS 101 - LTS ONLINE UNIVERSITY

This is a proposal:

http://www.dupagetheatre.net/TheatreProposal2.pdf

Proposals must be supported with logic.

People with theatre renovation ideas use such documents to communicate with the public and potential supporters.

Notice that the proposal contains verifiable references.

There will be a quiz. I know these are new and confusing concepts for you. So, I suggest you pay attention. Tutoring is available.

Here's an article from today's (11/1/05) Daily Herald related to this theatre

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=113248

Where is YOUR proposal? Where are YOUR architects and engineers? We have them and presented a plan to this board. It WAS supported with logic, plans and pro formas. YOU weren't there so keep quiet already. I get so tired of you, posting negative messages over this site in different areas trying to stir up trouble. On numerous occasions we have invited you and others to come to our office and review our projects and successes but you seem to be happy hollaring from the grandstands without getting on the field. Well, too bad. We move forward and you will lose your voice. The latest Grand Theatre news supports our theory that there is NO leadership! See? As usual the people at the top of the Wheaton Board do not care for contracts, laws or common decency. Sad that the two nice ladies who have been in the Travel Agency for many years have been "booted." See what happens when you argue, ask for repairs or don't agree with that board? At least they will fight like we are doing now. The Travel people have been thrre for years and had asked for a sink, wiring, separate meters, and some tenant attention...all of this for many YEARS, not months. Ron Richardson, Chuck Tuma and others routinely ignored them! Who is next to be booted? The barbers?? I guarantee they won't go without a BIG fight. How do these people intend on runnign a million dollar theatre if they can't manage three simple tenants without getting negative headlines? Enough already: It is time for a BIG change there, folks.

The property belongs to the theater. If the theater chose not to renew the lease then that is their right as a property owner. If the people at the travel agency were that unhappy then I think they would be glad to be out of the space and into a new space that has a sink, separate meters, etc. I'm not sure what the issue is other than some damaged equipment which they either should be compensated for or submitted to thier insurance company.

And what about your negative headlines, Paul? If I were you I think I would focus on my negative headlines before I started focusing on the headlines of others.

For a guy who claims to run a real estate empire that is a pretty weak response.

1) Landlords are not obligated to renew a lease. Businesses lose leases every day and have to move.
2) Tenants and landlords are always fighting. I have asked landlords for plenty of stuff that they felt they didn't have to deliver.
3) The theatre is not exactly rich...I'm guessing that putting in a sink and installing new gas meters would run into the thousands.
4) MOST IMPORTANTLY: would you have reached into your lobby donation jar and paid the bill yourself? The hell you would have. Don't portray yourself as the white knight of the travel agency.

As far as proposals go, let's see this marvel of yours. Post a link to it. Or, is there a mysterious policy against posting proposals online to go with your mysterious policy against posting references online?

As far as visiting your office (better known as McDonald's) goes, really Paul, what is the point? I've met you in the past: you make as much sense in person as you do on this web site. Is that worth my time? Let me think about that one...

...it is tempting. Meet Paul face-to-face, listen to nonsense, get served for attacking Paul's character, spend two afternoons in court getting the case thrown out...

Sounds like great fun to me.

I would like to add...

The Travel Agents were not "booted", the theater board chose not to renew their lease, and this was a separate issue from the other complaints that the tenants reported. From what I understand, they did voice constant complaints. Some of these were unfounded; others were the same complaints I have heard from other shop owners. Including problems with the crowds...crowds of teenagers who also attended the very same shows that Mr. Warshauer himself booked. Hmm. In fact, I think you would find that they were complaining about that WHILE Mr. Warshauer was working with the theater, and that they also filed complaints ABOUT Mr. Warshauer. He was, after all, their neighbor, and they weren't too pleased with him, if the word around the neighborhood is true.

There are few people (if any) reading this message board who know the truth of what happened. The travel agents know one version, and various board members know other bits and pieces. It is probably better by far to leave them to this issue as it doesn't really concern the rest of us.

As far as the threat that "the barbers could be next", yes, I suppose that could be true. Any one or all of those businesses could eventually be evicted or asked to leave or not have their contract renewed. Those things happen, and not just in non-profit situations such as this. There are no guarantees in life or in business. It is their property, and the businesses in those stores pay rent in order to be able to use the property. The do not own it.

Fortunately, there does seem to be some strong support within the Wheaton Grand Board who are trying to keep those businesses open. As I have said before, I believe those smaller storefronts to be an asset in the business environment on Hale, and I stand by that.

In fact, as I recall, Mr. Warshauer's design for the building includes demolition of all those businesses. Interesting how he's trying to instill fear of the Board in the people who operate those stores when HE HIMSELF would have them gone. I guess there's no running for protection into the safe arms of "Uncle Paul" for the barbers, now is there?

Life's Too Short...HA! Like that one...McDonald's. <snicker>. You're a braver person than I am. I don't think I could handle Mr. Warshauer for even a brief meeting. But then, I'm not sure. I've been fortunate to this point to avoid any involved contact with him. In fact, I don't think he's the type of person who would ever step foot in my business, so I don't think I have much to worry about.

Real estate empire? Nice use of sarcasm! Its one of my favorite tools, as well.

The Neighbor

Please allow me to make a couple of observations. The first is that I do not know any of you by your real names. It's possible we've met, but I have no way of knowing that for sure. The reason I don't know any of your names is because all of you cloak yourselves with fictitious names. I really don't have a problem with that except without a name it is very difficult for me to give credibility to what is being said. I would just like to know why all of you use fictitious names. The only reason I can think of is that you may be trying to protect yourselves from embarrassment or alienation from someone who might take a different stand on an issue.

The second observation is that when I come here I am always reminded of the Biblical story of the prostitute who is being stoned by villagers and Jesus comes along and simply says something like, "He who has not sinned, throw the first stone." I may be mistaken, but I don't believe anyone on this site, except my partner, Paul Warshauer, has contributed their time, money, or sweat in bringing the Wheaton Grand back to life. But yet you can sit in front of your computers and criticize those of us who have tried and who are willing to keep trying. Maybe I'm being too dramatic, but there are some definite similarities to the Biblical story.

The last observation or clarification I'd like to make is about our (GVI) lawsuit against GTC. The hard facts of the case are as follows:
1. GTC did not fulfill their obligation to provide a safe environment for us to conduct business. We have plenty of evidence to prove this.
2. GTC has not paid us our due commissions for the backlog of shows we booked months in advance.
3. GTC has not paid us for our candy concessions which they agreed to purchase from us. GTC literally stole approx. one thousand dollars worth of our concessions.
4. GTC Board members committed "Tortuous Interference" by contacting our clients and disparaging our company and us personally. I urge all of you to look up the serious nature of their actions. In fact, as a public entity individual Board members can be held liable.
These are the facts, make no mistake. It does not surprise me that the GTC evicted the travel agency owner. Yes, it's true a landlord can rent to whom they want. The sad part about this eviction is that this tenant paid on time for 16 some odd years and the GTC couldn't even provide them with a working sink. To top it off, GTC charged the travel agency for two years of electric. On the surface this doesn't sound out of line. The truth is that the travel agency was not only paying their portion of the electric bill, but all of the other tenants electric bills as well. Yes, the landlord has the right to rent from whom they want, but who in their right mind would rent from this landlord?

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

Mr. Novelli:

Yes, we all use fictitious names. No, this is not to save us from "embarrassment or alienation from someone who might take a different stand on an issue". I believe most of us have discovered that we are not taking different stands on this issue, and I am not at all embarrassed to say that I differ in opinion with either you or Mr. Warshauer. I keep myself "cloaked" with a fictitious name because Mr. Warshauer has the appearance of a vindictive, litigious person. This may be true or false; but that is how his messages are perceived by myself on this board. I also know for a fact that he has a tendency to rile up anger and fear by making appearances in businesses and calling business owners, making his usual raving accusations. I do not need that aggravation in my daily life. I get that when I want it and log in on to this website.

Interesting how you quote Biblical scripture. I've always found that the more hypocritical the person, the more often they quote the Scriptures. I'm not sure if you've affirmed that observation or not, but there it is. I don't believe that I am "throwing the first stone". No, I was not involved in the theater restoration. No, I've not thrown any money into it (as of yet). I am interested and willing and may do so at any point in time, but not under Mr. Warshauer's (and therefore your) guidance.

As far as the Travel Agents go, they were in that location for 18 years, not 16. They had not been paying for the additional expense of the utilities after the new leasees moved in. They did, however, pay for GVI's. Did you ever offer to make restitution? You are as guilty as the Theater Board as far as that is concerned, so I suggest you keep those stones to yourself.

Again, they were NOT evicted, their lease was not renewed. This may not seem to be an important detail to you, but I believe it to be extremely important. And for a company that gets so heated up about the difference between being contracted and hired, I think you should be more careful about these details. Of course, evicted is a more emotional word, and that is what your firm loves to use as a weapon, so I suppose I should not be so shocked that evicted is the word you choose to use in this circumstance.

And as far as your other allegations go:

1. You've never proven this. If you have any evidence, it was never verified by City or Health regulatory bodies. In fact, the Theater has proof to the contrary. You never demonstrate otherwise except by offering to share these facts with us if we visit in person. No one here is interested in that offer due to the insane rantings of your Mr. Warshauer.

2. Shows you booked months in advance? In other words, shows that should have been performed after your contract was terminated? I suppose you mean the contracts were never correctly signed or submitted to the Theater Board. If that's the case, good luck with this one.

3. They actually offered several times (on this website as well) for you to take your concessions back. Also, if you will note, Mr. Warshauer instructed the Board to take those very same concessions and sell them, donating the profits to Katrina disaster relief. If those concessions have not sold, I don't believe there's any liability on this issue.

4. I believe they had to contact some of those clients, as they were contracted to perform at the theater after your contract was terminated. I don't believe personally that this could be considered "tortuous interference". It would have been simpler if your agency had given them the information as they were required to, so that many of those same clients didn't show up at the door with no contract, and were turned away since the Board didn't know about the agreement. I think any "torturous interference" has been done by Mr. Warshauer himself, who seems to have the uncanny ability to shoot himself in the foot without any help at all.

Just for the record, Mr. Novelli, you and I have never met. I have seen your picture online at your website, but I have yet to have the pleasure/displeasure of meeting you in person. I have met Mr. Warshauer in person only in a couple of very brief encounters, neither of which I expect him to remember. I hope to keep it that way.

The Neighbor

Mr. Neighbor,

I understand now why you are cloaked. But I still cannot give credibility to what you are saying. For all I know you are a teenager trying to fuel a debate.

Again, I must say you have a great deal of p&v which could be useful for this project. But it is now evidenced by your last posting of your denial and hypocritical nature, that you could not be useful in this theater project. It is quite clear you are completely oblivious to your actions. To say you have not criticized those of us who have labored on this project is well, way beyond belief.

I just hope that other site members recognize this. Please understand, I strongly believe everyone has a right to comment on this project. Comments are good in generating ideas and ways to succeed. But to constantly criticize and not be aware of ones criticism is incomprehensible.

As to your latest comments, I don't see how anyone can give credence to what you have said. Many...many...inconsistencies. I hope, Mr. Neighbor you can channel some of your energy in performing some good for this fine theater.

I urge all of you to consider what I've said and walk the talk!

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

I...don't...believe...you just brought the Lord into this.

Didn't you learn your lesson with the Uncle Paul Cub Scout story?

When I am done laughing, preacher man, I will have some things to share. In the meantime I suggest you and Paul visit this web site:

http://www.amway.com/en/default.aspx

I think it fits you better than theatre restoration.

With all due respect to those of you that have good intentions for this theater, I cannot and will not engage in discussions with non-credited, fictitious people. If you can bring value, credibility, identity, and most important constructive comments to this cause, then and only then will I participate in this forum.

The bantering I see on this site may be fun for some, but I see it as a big waste of time. I again urge those of you that really want this theater to succeed to show yourselves and get physically involved. We (GVI) have a very good plan that costs at least one half of the current plan of $8 mil. It is a community driven plan...not a selfish preservation plan.

Signing out for now. I await the brave to step forward and reveal themselves.

Mike Novelli
President, Grande Venues, Inc.

Mr. Novelli, you talk about items that the theater has of yours. Do you, in return, have any items that belong to the theater?

Sounds like a plan to me, Mr Novelli. Do you think you could get Paul to sign on to your plan as well? This used to be such a nice, quiet board.

Mr. Novelli:

I highly recommend that you review previous posts before jumping in. I am NOT Mr. Neighbor, I am Ms Neighbor. I am a business owner. Yes, I have criticized. I was under the impression that this was an open forum. I have NEVER said that GVI didn't have ambition or make efforts. I am not one of the ones accusing you of incompetance. I have actually said on occasion that I believe Mr. Warshauer has his strengths; he has apparently been successful at Mystery Theater productions. This does not impress me much, I do not consider it to be one of the more interesting or difficult arts in the world, but it does have its place.

There is no denial or hypocrisy intended on my part. If you are going to hurl these accusations, I would appreciate examples. I do try not to engage in such behavior, and certainly would appreciate the opportunity for self-improvement if it would happen to be true.

Exactly what in my last comment was inconsistent? Do you believe you know me? I assure you, you do not. And what I said about Mr. Warshauer is true, as well. Perhaps you mean the comment before that? Again, please quote these "inconsistencies". If I am wrong, I will face it. I find that the mark of an educated and intelligent person. This is one of the main reasons I do NOT take either you nor Mr. Warshauer seriously. When I have pointed out errors in your logic, reasoning or facts, there has never been an apology but more ranting and raging on the part of Mr. Warshauer. Please, in the future, give me concrete examples of what you are accusing me of. I do the same for you as often as I am able.

If you truly believe the bantering on this site to be a waste of time, then move on. We won't miss you or Mr. Warshauer. You're a distraction who's plans are irrelevant as you are no longer involved with the daily running or future of the Wheaton Grand Theater.

The Neighbor

We'd like to remind everyone to keep the conversation here productive.

When posting a comment, please make sure your comment is informative, friendly, and free of personal attacks. If you fail to follow these guidelines (and our terms of use), your comment will be removed.

Due to recent activity, we're also considering not allowing new comments on this theater. It would be a shame to take this step, but if people are unable to respect the rules of this open forum, we may be forced to take action.

Remember... we can only save theaters if we work together. ;)

Best,
Patrick Crowley
Co-founder, Cinema Treasures

Congratulations to the Wheaton Grand for an outstanding run of exciting music shows. From "The Addicts" all the way thru to the hugely successful Spitalfield show and thru last weekend's unplugged and Rock Shows. It has been really great to see so many people come to support the Theatre.

The new configuration has really opened up the venue and made it more comfortable. Thanks for all the hard work and keep doing what you're doing, it is great.

What exactly is the new configuration?

The volunteers recently knocked down the wall separating one of the existing smaller rooms with the larger room. There are now just two theaters (on the way to one)instead of three.

Why did they leave one of the smaller rooms intact?

Several reasons.

First of all, just to emphasize this, the theater will eventually be one room when the restoration takes place. This is kind of a prior-to-restoration step that was done to create a bigger room for our musical performances and for the volunteers (and the public) to see a glimpse at the future (and the past!). It is now possible to open a door in the lobby, and see someone standing on the 1925-era stage. That's something that hasn't been possible in decades.

The work that was done, all contributed by volunteers, was to remove a wall that went from (side to side) one side wall (house left) to the middle of the auditorium, as well as a hallway. The remaining work that would need to be accomplished would be to do a similar effort for the other wall (house right) to the middle. That would be the same effort as what we did, PLUS then we would have to remove a far larger wall that went down the middle of the auditorium. Its kind of hard to describe in words, so I hope you're getting this. By doing what we've done so far, we created a much bigger space with relative ease. To go any further would require a great deal more work (and cost) than we can probably put the volunteers through at the moment.
A smaller concern was that prior to restoration, there is a minimum of storage and prepping areas, so the smaller room is used a lot for that. Bands use it for a "green room", supplies are kept in there, the volunteers use it for an staff area, etc.

It wouldn't surprise me if we sat down and decided to take a crack at it in 2006 though!

That article is from January 17th, 2005; something is just wrong with Crain's code. I don't really see anything in that article that goes against what anyone's said. That article really is a piece of crap, it has no substance and doesn't even try to prove its thesis that theaters don't help downtowns. If anything it contradicts it with its hinsdale example. Like I said, it's only good for the pictures.

To all -- we have removed all recent comments relating to Paul Warshauer so that we can avoid the flaming and personal attacks that have appeared on other theater pages with similar postings.

Please remember to keep your comments on-topic, informative, friendly, and -- most importantly -- free of personal attacks. If you're unable to do this, your comments will be deleted, and we may consider banning you from this website.

Thanks!

Thanks.. now can you do something about the column width for this page in Firefox?

Fixed!

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to get some booking or renting information about The Wheaton Grand, but I've been having a terrble time getting ahold of a real person at the theatre. Any ideas? I've tried calling and I've tried stopping by, but no luck.

Try the contact page at www.wheatongrand.net The message will get to John Loster, who handles all bookings and rentals.

I've tried that a couple of times as well, and have gotten no response? Any ideas? John Loster, you out there?

I'm here! Please feel free to send me an email here: John_M_Loster@rush.edu

http://www.libertysuburban.com/story.php?pub=1&sid=33924

From the Daily Herald:

Ex-Grand Theater manager criticizes plan

Council member upset with man’s attempt to get on Wheaton’s Fine Arts Commission

By James Fuller
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Wednesday, January 04, 2006

A staged attempt to put a spotlight back on the future of the Wheaton Grand Theater and win a place on a city commission got the hook Tuesday night.

Former Wheaton Grand Theater Manager Paul Warshauer took shots at the theater’s plan to restore the venue to a single 800-seat auditorium during the public comments portion of the Wheaton City Council meeting.

Warshauer said the theater was destined to become an 800-seat “mausoleum” that will incur more debt than public interest. He encouraged the city council to push the current theater board for proof of how their plan will work.

Warshauer then offered to serve on the recently created Fine Arts Commission. Current Wheaton Grand Theater board member Charles Long currently sits on the commission. Warshauer and his partner Mike Novelli have a pending $300,000 lawsuit against the theater. The lawsuit alleges unsafe working conditions and unpaid commissions.

Councilwoman Liz Corry helped create the Fine Arts Commission and chastised Warshauer for attempting to spread misinformation and innuendo about the theater.

“To insert the city into a legal dispute that you have with the Grand Theater Corporation is really unfair,” Corry said. “I would hope you keep your comments to your court case.”

After the meeting, Warshauer denied that any of his comments contained misinformation about the theater.

From the Wheaton Leader:

Former theater chief
questions renovations

By Courtney Cavanaugh

Staff writer

Paul Warshauer is worried about the renovation of the Wheaton Grand Theater.

The venue's former manager said his plan to divide the space into two or three venues was dismissed by the Theater Board along with a plea to fix what he called dangerous conditions in the 80-year-old building on Hale Street.

For their part, Theater Board members said the theater is safe and are confident their plans will lead to a rebirth for the venue.

Warshauer, co-owner of Grande Venues Inc., aired his complaints at the Jan. 3 City Council meeting, saying he and his business partner, Mike Novelli, both live and work in Wheaton and have experience in the field. Further, he said he doesn't understand why the Theater Board won't take his suggestions seriously.

"We remain passionate and eager to implement a practical and functional theater restoration of the Wheaton Grand," he said. "A plan that is in line with what we see as the norm in today's restoration models."

Warshauer said Grande Venues was hired in November 2004 by the Theater Board to perform programming services. He said his company provided those services, producing and presenting numerous programs at the theater.

According to Warshauer, the contract was terminated in April after he and Novelli repeatedly asked the Grand Theater Corp. to repair what Warshauer called "obvious dangerous public conditions in the building." Warshauer said he made several attempts at suggestions of how to fix the problems, but he was ignored.

He and Novelli then filed a lawsuit seeking $300,000 in damages from the Theater Corp.

Theater board member Lou Margaglione said the board repeatedly asked Warshauer to see a piece of plaster that Warshauer said fell from the theater ceiling, but he never produced it.

Even so, Margaglione said the board took the time to have the theater recertified for safety, hiring Waukegan-based architect Steven Kolber to inspect the building in May.

"From below, other than areas deteriorated from water damage that has since been remedied, I saw no area that warranted any specific concerns for regular use of the theater for performance and tours," Kolber wrote in a letter.

Ray Shepardson with Market Value Productions of Wheaton has been hired by the Grand Theater Corp. to restore the theater, develop an operating concept and start up theater operations. He plans to restore the building so it houses one large theater with about 800 seats.

Warshauer said he doesn't think the plan will work because of the size of the community.

Shepardson said 800 seats is a good amount to be able to offer quality attractions, and if there were fewer seats, admission would be more expensive.

"I'm really confident and extremely comfortable with (the plan)," he said. "It's probably the best market I've ever been in for world-class attractions and entertainment programming."

Here is an update on the lawsuit:

http://www.dailyherald.com/community/zonestory.asp?id=152431&zone=wht

How some reporters can get it wrong! Read the real court docs to see that GVI will prove its case at trial and win a significant judgement it is owed. Herald reporter James Fuller needs to review his legal procedures and editors at the paper need to place more emphasis on accurate titles. More appropriate title to the article might be, "GVI Lawsuit Continues...GTC Scrambles to find attorney good enough to represent them." This case should have been settled months ago. We are willing, why aren't they?

I thought we had heard the end of GVI's (Mr. Warshauer)ravings but it appears that they can't leave well enough alone. Two of the three counts in his lawsuit were found to not have enough evidence to go to trial. That says a lot.

For their part the GTC has not commented on this website. They are taking the high road. As all people with the truth on their side usually do. They don't need to try and put out propaganda as it seems GVI does.

My mother always said "the truth will out" and I am glad to see that so far that has been true. She also said, "what goes around comes around". I can only hope that will turn out to be true for GVI as well and that they will have to pay the consequences for their actions.

Your facts are wrong. Period. The truth will out. You will see. End of message.

This is very interesting. I understood that two of the three counts had, indeed, been dismissed by the court. I also understood that Mr. Warshauer did not attend.

I also understood that the counts could be reinstated if actual evidence could be presented to support them. Of course, I got that from the same article that Mr. Warshauer is claiming to be incorrect.

I've never heard that the GTC board was having problems with their own legal representation. After all, if two of the three counts were dismissed, they do seem to be doing something right.

As far as the last sentences of Mr. Warshauer's rebuttle of the article goes--"This case should have been settled months ago. We are willing, why aren't they?" I would assume, Mr. Warshauer that there are two problems to your request for settlement. The first assumption is that your request for settlement is far above what the GTC board would consider fair. The second would be that you've filed against a non-profit agency, who has little (or no) access to the amount of money you're seeking. Therefore, I can only assume that this case will have to be decided on by the judicial system. That is, generally, what happens when each party involved cannot find an acceptable middle ground.

I will be very interested to see what the ruling is on the final count in April.

In the meantime, what are the plans for the future of the theater? I've heard all sorts of rumors that big things are soon to be happening. I can't wait!

Neigh-bore: Are you on the GTC board? No. Your assumptions are faulty. Stop speculating. Let's wait for court. You claim exciting news? I hear the theatre is closing! Care to comment?

Mr Warshauer: Why is it that you resort to name calling when someone disagrees with your point of view? If you "love" old theatres so much why are you trying everything in your power to make sure that the Grand will never become the showplace it deserves to be?

I feel sorry for you. It must be hard to see that someone else is now succeeding in moving forward for restoration of the Grand. You are not a part of it and that is what really makes you the way you are. You are like a child who decides that if they can't have something then no one can. Please do us all a favor and stay off this site and keep your petty grievences for "court" We on this page are excited about the resotration plans and will do everything we can to HELP not hinder these efforts.

Actually, the fact that the Theater is rumored to be closing is exactly the exciting news that I had heard. I had heard that the closure was due to the beginning of the restoration. As I am sure most reasonable people can comprehend, the renovation and restoration cannot begin in earnest if the theater is still hosting performances. Closure is mandatory while the construction begins. So "closure" in this case is actually the best of all news possible.

I am hoping that someone "closer to the action" than I am would be able to clarify what is going on and let us all know if that rumor is true or not...and if we really are just that close to the beginning of this marvelous project.

The Neighbor

Again, everyone... let's keep things civil here. These sorts of discussions really distract from the mission of this website and all of the work that we do here.

Thanks!
Patrick

Patrick:

I take issue with your actions on two counts.

The first is this policy of shutting down discussions when they get a little heated. I can understand completely why you needed to shut down the Dupage Theatre board. Those people posted five to twenty times a day and diverted significant technical resources from other members because they were constantly online. The Lawford Theatre board, on the other hand, did not rise to that level. In fact, what discussion there was looked to me to winding down when you shut it off. This notion that every comment must be pretty does not reflect the reality of a task as complex as theatre renovation. Business is often rife with conflict and creating a public forum where such conflict can be discussed is, I think, valuable in many respects. Have people sometimes made statements that got a little emotional (myself included)? Yes. But debating the year that the Grateful Dead played the Uptown Theatre or whether the achitect of the State-Lake was was Mason or C.W. is not going to get America's remaining great movie palaces on solid footing. That sort of discussion has a place. But people involved in renovation efforts who are chiefly focused on that sort of talk are likely fail. As I type I can read the diclaimer about inaccuracies at bottom. You have taken the legal precautions necessary to buffer yourself from such discussions. So I don't understand what the problem is.

Furthermore, I don't understand why you allow someone (who shall remain nameless) with a list of people (all over the country) hundreds long who say they have been burned use your site for purposes of business networking and publicity. I hardly think that supports you stated purpose of: "Discover, preserve, protect." If every restoration firm had a similar rash of hateful postings and news articles, or if it were one party making all the accusations there would be room for discussion. But neither is the case.

I sent you a private email discussing my concerns. But you did not see fit to respond, even after many days had passed. So here it is in public.

Thanks for sharing your concerns, Life.

In fact, we encourage free expression on Cinema Treasures as much as possible. Comments don't need to be "pretty" -- if someone has something critical to say about a theater or this website, go for it.

But we have had to close discussions in a couple of cases because disagreements have degenerated into personal attacks and other petty behavior. But we're only talking about something like half a dozen theaters out of 13,000!

Also... I've reopened discussion on the Lawford Theatre for now. Hopefully, things will stay civil!

Thank you Patrick. I promise to be nice and only discuss the facts.

For those of you who are jazz fans, as well as theater buffs - we'll be having our first Jazz Festival at the Wheaton Grand on Sunday March 12th from 2pm until 9pm. Featured artists include Reginald Robinson, Dave Specter, Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls, The Dave Miller Trio, The Nils Higdon Ensemble, Marmaduke and the Black Bear Combo.
Tickets are only $6 for the whole day. If you need additional info, contact us at info@wheatongrand.net

The times and lineup for Sunday's Jazz Festival:

2pm - Black Bear Combo
3pm - Marmaduke
4pm - The Dave Miller Trio
5pm - Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls
6pm - Dave Specter
7pm - Reginald Robinson
8pm - The Nils Higdon Ensemble

All-ages, $6 admission

Some interesting links about a similar community-based theatre renovation. Perhaps there are some ideas or contacts here that you could use, Mr. Loster.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/local/states/california/14055331.htm

http://www.cinematreasures.com/theater/2598/

http://cerritotheater.org/history/index.html

http://cerritotheater.org/about/index.html

http://cerritotheater.org/photos/construction.html

Thank you LTS, I'll take a look thru them. I appreciate it.

John

Hey everybody

I am a Michael LeVan. I have lived in the city of Chicago my entire life. I am a filmmaker and a attendee of Columbia College, heading into my final year. I love all the old movie palaces of Chicago. It has been my intent for sometime to Make a documentary on the history, and the ongoings of these historic theaters in the present. The means to make this documentary are finally in my grasp. I planned on featuring 3 theaters, the Copernicus Center(formally The Gateway), The Patio(Formally The Avalon), and The Uptown. While the Documentary will focus on the entire history, These are the three that will be visual examples, and the ones i would like to film in. I have spoken with the People at The Gateway Theater, and they are estatic that i am doing this. The only problem now is The Uptown and the The Patio. These two theaters seem to have ghosts of owners , or even managers. If somebody could help me in finding someone to talk too, i would be very appriciative. Also, this documentary will require interviews, and finding old information as well. If anybody would be kind enough to do either that would be fantastic. My somewhat set date to start filming is June 10 ,2006. My goal with the entire project is to help and benifit these theaters. Help alot more people to gain interest, and all the profit that i attain, if any, will be donated to help with these theaters. I am going to submit it to Wttw(Pbs Chicago) , and also the History Channel. So if anyone would like to help in anyway, they can contact me at my email.

Bleedingchicagoproductions@gmail.com

or by phone (773)-656-5821

Well i appriciate if you read that entire thing, and hopefully i will be hearing from you

Michael Levan of Bleeding Chicago Productions

From the March 18th Daily Herald's Editorial page:

Pivotal juncture for Wheaton Grand:

Come April, the Wheaton Grand Theater will shut down for the sake of reopening. That may sound paradoxical, but it’s actually a bold plan to start in earnest a major renovation of the long-languishing, 80-year-old venue. It’s also a risk. The Grand, set back by lawsuits and stumbles, has finally started generating some buzz — and money — through rock concerts and other shows. It’s tempting to keep that going while the going’s good. But that’s always been a step toward the larger goal of renovating the theater to its former glory, restoring a central part of Wheaton’s history and giving the city the high-class performing arts venue it deserves. It might not work, but, having come this far, it’s time to try.

Good news! Wheaton Grand Theater won two awards last night at Suburban Nitelife's Best of the Burbs 2005 awards ceremony. We were the proud winners of Best All-Ages Music Venue and Best Original Music Venue. A nice way to finish our 2006 programming season (although we have 4 more shows left!) Looking forward to a great future!

John
WGT

Congratulations WGT. Those of us familiar with the venue know it is the best but it is gratifying to have everyone else recognize the fact. The Wheaton Grand is an awesome place and deserves to get the recognition. I have been there many times throught the years and am really excited that the restoration is beginning.

Will there be any chances for the public to get involved with the resotration process? I would love to be a part of the process. I don't have large sums of money to donate but am willing to invest as much time and energy as I can.

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS WGT--You're the best!

Cosmogirl, thanks for the kind words. Yes, we'll keep the public involved, definitely. With the venue being closed while we begin the work, it will become essential to keep the public informed on what's happening so no-one forgets about us! Keep an eye on this site, or on our website www.wheatongrand.net and we'll try to keep it infused with as much info as possible. Thanks for your support!

John
WGT

Here is a vintage postcard view of Hale Street (looking very different than today's Hale Street) showing the Paramount Theatre.

Go get 'em Mr. Loster.

Bryan-

Thanks much for the image! We'll add it to our collection. Is there any information on the back of the postcard such as the date and caption?

We welcome anyone else who has access to old photos, news clippings, information, stories, postcards, etc.

Thanks.

Jerry Smith
Wheaton Grand Theater
http://www.wheatongrand.net

Cosmogirl-

Please watch the Wheaton Grand Website. We'll be looking for more volunteers soon to help with various tasks related to the restoration.

Thanks.

Jerry Smith
Wheaton Grand Theater
http://www.wheatongrand.net

Jerry,
You're welcome. Actually I happened across that postcard image on Ebay, so that link might not be available to view it very long here.

Bryan

Here is an article from the Daily Herald about the Wheaton:

http://beep.dailyherald.com/story.aspx?story=1786

Yeah, that's a pretty nice article. We're going to have a great time on April 1st for our last 2006 show, ending this phase on a high note, then start getting busy with the next phase. This place is going to be something special when it reopens.
Thanks to everyone who came out to a show the last few years - we hope to see you all back when we're reopened.

Good luck with the next "phase." Hopefully those with property inside will be able to get it out before too long.

You suck Paul. Only a complete *&*$&* would get into the middle of a nice conversation like this and bring it down.

Come to think of it, only a complete &*($^*(# would sue a non-profit theatre restoration group with limited funds in an effort to seize control of the property after jerking them around to begin with.

Oops! Did I say that?!?

I can hear the Cinema Treasures storm troopers coming for me now...

Lifes2short: Your frustration is clear for all to see. You have now sunk to new lows... high school name calling. Sad. No one is trying to bring this discussion down, only to reality. GVI sued in a court of law because even a not for profit is capable of breaking the law and failure to pay commissions. We all love old theatres. That is why we post here. You take everything personally then throw back vitriol. Are you on the board? Are you a volunteer? What is your connection with the theatre? Why don't you come out of the shadows? Your attacks on me personally aren't necessary. Just stick to the facts.

The fact is that you suck. So I don't see what the problem is.

The real tragedy of your existence, Paul, is that I think you are extraordinarily creative and persuasive. If you used your talents for legitimate enterprise I think you would contribute greatly to the world.

Here's an honest comment (it really is): I would be happy to give you the name of a good counselor. It is never too late to turn your life around.

You think I am messing with you. But I am not.

Life-

Please don't mess up the board by getting into a flame war with Paul. If you really want to do that call him up or flame away at info@grandevenues.com Or go to grandevenues.com, find out where he works and tell him in person.

Thank you, KZA347. Words to live by.

hahahahahahahahaha

It's not flaming. I am trying to help Paul. I really think that if Paul ever decides to stop acting like a door-to-door kitchen knife salesman that he will do great things. He is intelligent, persuasive, creative and (obviously) never quits. That's what you need to be successful.

Unfortunately it doesn't appear that Paul has any intention of working on his life issues.

By the way, again, good luck to the Grand.

I believe that old theatres can rise again as centers of the surrounding community. You just have to make people realize how cool it is that so many generations of people have created memories in the building: first dates, first movies, graduations, whatever.

Go to Europe, you know? How cool is it to be in some of those structures that have been standing for so many hundreds of years. We aren't ever going to get there if we turn all of our buildings into condos.

Life's: Did you get a degree in psychology? You appear to have such empathy and passion to help people and save theatres like I do. You say I am "acting like a door to door knife salesman?" Yikes. Perhaps you need help. Someday I truly believe that we could meet and work on a project together. Naturally you would want to meet in a public place as you appear to be so afraid of me. Bring a friend or two and let's work on another theatre together. I am sure there are a few left for us. So we can get back to business...What is happening a the Wheaton Grand now? Are there fundraisers planned? Will there be an architects plan presented to the public?

Speaking of fundraisers Paul - did you ever give the donations you collected from that birthday party last year to the theater board, or at least back to the donors? Funny how news about you is travelling through all kinds of circles in the Chicago area. Sounds kinda fraud-y to me. Maybe an investigation is in order.

Here's how I think things are going to end up:

One day somebody is going to get angry enough with Paul to organize all the people out there who have reported being taken for 3 or 4 thousand dollars. If you aggregate tons of 3 or 4 thousand dollar claims it adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is a claim big enough to interest an attorney, as well as the Treasury Department (because I would venture to guess that Paul has not been filing proper tax returns). Paul will be served. This time he better show up: unlike the little court cases he has been involved in before, he will end up in jail for blowing off these court orders. Once the trial starts Paul will destroy himself rather quickly. Think about it: can you imagine Paul on the witness stand? My God! He contradicts himself constantly. He always has to have the last word and comes off like a jerk. That may be fine and good when he is dealing with a small town community-based theatre organization. But it's not going to work in a legal trial in Downtown Chicago. Paul will be found guilty, and then it will most likely be a matter of a couple years in jail. Of course, he will be a model prisoner and get released after a year or so. But he will spend years paying off the judgment (starting with the wages he earns while working in prison), and walk the Earth as a convicted felon. It is also worthy of note that his time in prison will be most uncomfortable if the accusations of child indiscretions are discovered by his fellow inmates. It doesn't matter whether or not they are true. All it would take would be somebody inside the prison recognizing Paul (which seems like a good probability) and mentioning it to another inmate.

Stop wasting your life, Paul, and use your skills to do something with it.

Life: You and I have been warned about posting lies and to stick to the facts. GVI has filed a lawsuit against Grand Theatre Corporation. We are suing them. Period. All the issues regarding money owed to us, money we have collected on behalf of them, concessions, commissions, tortious interference, etc., will be settled in court. Let it stay there not on this site. There are no other lawsuits or claims aginst GVI or me personally. All judgements against me have been paid. Thank you.

Paul, you conveniently skipped over my question. Did you give those donations to anyone or did you keep them?

This guy seems to get a lot of email:

http://www.crackd.net/

send PAUL WARSHAUER email! but if you're looking for info about lawsuits Leave me alone. And stop msg'g me.

I'm NOT that Paul Warshauer! If you want that dude, Try this.

or this, or this, or use f***ing google like I did.

Goaway: Again this is website for cinema treasures not for the legal aspects of this case. E-mail me privately and I am happy to respond. For the record one last time: Grande Venues, Inc. claims that the Wheaton Grand Theatre has done three primary things to destroy our company. They cancelled our lawful contract, they spread lies about us to business people and have retained money for concerts we wrote contracts for. They also cost us upwards of $90,000 of commissions. Balance the small amount we collected from activities that WE created against the money they owe us. Again we are willing to let the courts decide. The lawsuit is public. We filed it last summer. Read it! I am happy to meet you and others at the DuPage County Courthouse one day to go over all these matters. How is that? Now can you let this go and allow theatre restoration business to resume here?

And yet, talking out of both sides of your mouth, you CONTINUE to mention your legal case in each one of your posts. No one is asking about your misguided lawsuit. I want to know, did you keep money that was given to you as a donation meant for a not-for-profit organization? Yes or no? Obviously the answer is yes or you would have stated otherwise. I believe you've committed fraud, my friend. And no, I don't want to give you my email address, or meet you in person, I'm not that crazy.

And you're the ass who started this latest non-restoration talk with this remark:

"Good luck with the next "phase." Hopefully those with property inside will be able to get it out before too long.
posted by Paul Warshauer on Mar 30, 2006 at 4:05pm"

If you notice, when YOU don't post here, then theater restoration talk resumes. Mind your own business and concentrate on staying out of jail.

Nice article on the Wheaton Sun News Website.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/sunpub/wheaton/top/6_1_NA21_WSTHEATER_S10721.htm

Highlights where they are, where they have been and where they are going.

So what's the latest for the Wheaton Grand Theater, etc?

Here is an update from The Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=238001&cc=d&tc=&t=

Here is an update from The Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=238001&cc=d&tc=&t=

Paul is on the move again .
Log on the link .

Youngstown Ohio .

http://www.wkbn.com/news/local/4422531.html

It is hard to say anything for certain. But it seems the situation in Youngstown may be decaying:

http://www.wkbn.com/news/local/4606141.html

I don't know, that story doesn't look like there's actually any NEWS reported. It sounds more like someone in the newsroom used Google.

My goodness. It took me almost all afternoon, but I read this entire board. All I can say is, thank you all for the entertainment. If I could ever write a theatrical mystery novel, Mr. W. certainly serves as the model for a great character --- and yes, I'm aware he produces murder theatre pieces.

As someone with a background in venue management, I can say that a venue with fewer than 800 seats would be very difficult economically to program with quality name acts, even in a small town. An 800 seat venue is also a desirable size for rentals, where cutting it up smaller would very much limit rental opportunities. Also, it is nice to think of having 3 simultaneously programmed venues, but it often doesn't work well in actual practice. There is noise conflict; it is difficult to accommodate 3 separate crowds in the entry; it is difficult to provide adequate restrooms and support areas for each venue without conflicting with the others.

The discussion that the drama group and the programming proposed in the 1-theatre proposal will split the same market is not consistent with my experience, either. Amateur drama, even of high quality, is not the same as professional music, dance, and touring theatre. Production values, format, and - yes - price are as different as apples from oranges.

I don't see from Mr. W's information on line that he's ever actually run and programmed a building for a prolonged period of time. Nor do I see any discussion of technical issues, common practices of venue management, contracting, and development. Maybe the name-calling pre-empted that, but these issues don't seem to be very important to Mr. W.

I do find it odd that someone whose contract was terminated nevertheless, a full year later, still aspires to "run" the theatre. Sir, your business is supposedly theatre restoration. Move on, and find another theatre that will hire your firm.

I was acquainted with Ray Shepardson during the mid 80's and was quite impressed with his work, so I hope that he is serving the folks at the Grand well.

Ah, well. Maybe I'll write that novel.

The Daily Herald and the Wheaton Sun are reporting today that DuPage Circuit Judge Hollis Webster has dismissed a final count in a lawsuit against the Wheaton Grand Theater. Grande Venues filed a suit for $100,000 against the Wheaton Grand Theater for breach of contract and non-payment for work after their contract was terminated in early 2005. Grande Venues has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Here is the article on the Wheaton Grand kza347 mentioned above from today's Daily Herald.

Lawsuit against Wheaton Grand Theater gets thrown out
By James Fuller
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Friday, December 22, 2006

Now playing at the Wheaton Grand Theater: “Death of a Lawsuit.”

DuPage Circuit Judge Hollis Webster this week dismissed the remaining parts of a lawsuit against the theater. The ruling potentially ends more than a year of legal battles and innuendo surrounding the theater’s renovation.

Grand Venues Inc., once managed and booked acts for the theater, but was fired. Grand Venues then sought at least $100,000 in damages for breach of contract and work the company claimed it was never compensated for.

Tim Newitt, the theater board’s attorney, said Grand Venues lost its case because there wasn’t enough proof it had a good reason for withholding contractual payments to the theater.

Grand Venues claimed it didn’t make the payments because it was forced to work in an unsafe environment.

“Their claims had no merit,” Newitt said. “Now the suit is gone, gone, gone. We have won.”

Grand Venues attorney Christopher Haas said he’ll consult with his clients about their desire to file an appeal. They have 30 days to do so. Grand Venues partner Paul Warshauer was on vacation in Oregon and said he was unaware of Webster’s decision.

The theater board has a counterclaim pending for the $11,000 of withheld payments. Newitt expects that claim will die because he said he believes Grand Venues may not be able to pay it.

“My impression is nothing more is going to happen,” Newitt said. “This was sapping a lot of time away from what the theater board ought to be doing. Now their way is clear. They don’t have to worry about it.”

Ray Shepardson, who is in charge of the theater’s ongoing restoration, called the lawsuit’s dismissal the correction of a mistake. His work continues on the renovation project.

Shepardson said his latest “heartburn” is the excavation of the basement for more dressing room space.

“It’s getting very expensive to get just a little space, which I absolutely have to have,” Shepardson said.

He expects to have updated project costs shortly after the first of the year.

What an unbelievable waste of time, money and energy.

Not that it's possible...and I'm only musing on this because I'm a writer and this is the way my mind works...

I would love to see a 'He Said, She Said' film version of a scenario like this. Because man; this has all manner of human existence in it, from the ridiculous to the astonishing, from the morally-questionable to the honourable. And only after seeing *all* sides of it would you ever really gain an understanding not just of the facts, but more importantly, the motivations.

Of course, I'm also reminded of that old saw 'There's three sides to every story: yours, mine...and The Truth.'

It's always smething around here.

Remember, kids. It ain't over till the fat lady sings. Our lawyer Mr. Chris Hass, will appeal...naturally. I could not agree more: What a waste of time and money. We are not in this for the money. Believe it or not I have a passion for saving old theatres. Why doesn't the public focus on opening the Wheaton Grand Theatre and not on attacks of me or others who think ONE big theatre is a disaster waiting to happen in downtown Wheaton? Study other theatres. Study the theatre consultants. Study the City of Wheaton's Walker Parking study. One question to the public: Why isn't the theatre open yet? It appears that nothing has been done on the Wheaton in over a year! You are right: There are always more than two sides to every story. Dig in, folks. I will check in with you next year when the theatre isn't open...again.

God, are you an idiot. The theatre closed in April of 2006 to begin working on getting the restoration under way. It's been NINE MONTHS! How many theatres have you seen get restored and reopened in that time? They have a highly credible theater consultant working on the project. And they are being questioned by YOU? Someone who has "a passion for saving old theatres" Which theatre have you saved, you con man? Name it! Zoe, Lawford, etc, etc - a trail of failures. And unfortunately for the people of Youngstown, their Paramount will be added to that list before too long. Maybe if the folks at the Grand didn't have your pathetic excuse of a lawsuit to deal with they could do even more than what's been done so far, which from the gracious view of "behind the scenes" I was given, is a LOT. You have once again violated your stated intention to stick to posting positive comments and have again dragged this fine site down with your drivel. Oh yeah, you also spelled your attorney's name incorrectly, you idiot! It's HAAS.

Well, as far as I'm concerned it is over. Mr. Warshauer is nothing more than an annoyance, a distraction from the work at hand. He's completely irrelevant to any discussions here, or really anywhere but perhaps on a board discussing mystery theater. He'll never be involved with any decisions regarding the theater or the use of it. And as far as theater restoration goes, I hope he someday does succeed and prove us all wrong. It simply won't happen in Wheaton. So, Mr. Warshauer...not that you're even vaguely interested in any advice I'd have to offer you, but I'll pen it anyway. Look to your own interests; pay attention to Youngstown. Move on. Grow up. Let it go. You're really not doing yourself any favors. You've become more of a joke in downtown Wheaton than a person of import. No one is taking you seriously any more. You're nothing more than an inconvenient pest. Go somewhere where they might appreciate you, where you can start fresh. Where they don't know what everyone on this board knows.

It takes a person of maturity to realize when its time to go. Whether or not you think Wheaton "needs" you, it takes wisdom to know when that's simply not going to happen. If you know you're so wonderful, then simply share it with someone else. Make Wheaton "rue the day" they turned you away. But do it somewhere else.

The theater is being restored by Ray Shepardson. There's all kinds of things being worked on right now; beleive me. I've seen it. Plans being made, meetings attended, contractors hired. It is moving. But as someone said above...its only been 9 months. The fundraising alone was supposed to take a year. The actual physical labor will probably take another year after that. There's engineers and architects to consult with, all sorts of building specialists who have to evaluate what's there before anything else can be done. So the initial work will NOT be seen by most of us. But it is being done.

I'm looking forward to seeing the day that it all starts coming together!

The Neighbor

How can someone criticize the Wheaton Grand Board for not having the doors open in nine months while he talks about how it will take many, many years to reopen the Youngstown Paramount over on the string for that theatre (while fishing for donation money). I also hope Paul succeeds in Youngstown. But it looks like the same old story to me:

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/2558/

Trish & Ballerina & Others: We own the theatre and appreciate the public's input however there is a great deal of misinformation. That will change this year as we assist some folks in the creation of a not-for-profit group and improve the website: www.lptheatre.com I am not sure why the owners of Cinema Treasures refuse to list our website as we are the legal owners of the property and have every intention of rehabilitating and operating the theatre. It will take years! Perhaps you can ask Cinema treasures why they refuse to list our site, as well. We have gone into the building with architects, (Ron Faniro of Youngstown & Gary Martinez from Washington DC) engineers, roofing specialists, city officials, historians and some volunteers. IT IS DANGEROUS AND NO ONE SHOULD ENTER; IT IS TRESPASSING AND COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY! I hope that Trish was authorized by someone to go in; (maybe the YSU class?) We have invested a great deal of time creating the business plan and model for operation. We have the complete support of city officials, historians, bankers and the folks at Youngstown State University. We had two press conferences and a BIG public forum coming in the next month or two for the public to ask questions and to finally get involved. The major issue is how to get a roof on the building to stop the damage and some electric to proviode lighting. A temporary roof will cost $40-50K and temporary electric service will cost $5K. Ideas?
posted by Paul Warshauer on Jan 1, 2007 at 5:11pm

I see that Paul Warshauer just couldn't resist going back to the city council to cry about what he believes is a lack of progress in the restoration. Of course, he's been out of the loop for over 9 months and has no clue what progress is happening or has happened. He's just itching to get onto the Fine Arts commission. To bad Liz Corey wasn't there to give him another smack down like she did last year.

I see Grand Venues moved again. It appears it's being run out of an apartment now.

The "Mouth That Roared" is back again and now is criticizing the city council as well. How does he know what is going on in the Wheaton Theatre? He's not allowed in it.

Mr. W, please go do your thing in Ohio and leave Wheaton alone.

Besides, a bunch of fat ladies are warming up their voices in the wings.

Jeez, remind me never to come to Wheaton, Illinois. This thread is a load of crap.

saps,

Wheaton is a great town and with the restoration of the theater, will be even greater. Don't let the fact that the flim-flam man is residing there and trying to hold a sideshow every 15 minutes influence your decision. Stop by the theater and speak to Ray Shepardson, and have a bite to eat in one of the fine restaurants, and then make your conclusion.

I've been reading the thread on this theatre (and the Portage--I'm originally from Portage Park) and I find the adventures of Mr. Waurshauer very amusing (because I've never had to deal with him). Now, I don't know the man personally, so I'll not pass judgement. However, judging from the many things I've read about him, he is definitely "persona non grata" among cinema fans.

The ironic thing is, from what I've read on this guy (from a Google search I did out of curiosity and from other sources), he HAS had a lot of live theatre experience and has managed to get his plays produced (I.e. "Murder at Meigs Field"). So with this vast experience he's had, imagine what Mr. Warshauer could do if he used his talents for good and actually completed a project!

See my post on the New Regal because an investor was actually considering using Mr. Warshauer's GVI to manage the project.

Saps: Wheaton is a first-rate community filled with first-rate people. A nice-looking vintage downtown with many successful businesses, a respectable college, and many fine residential neighborhoods. That is only a partial list. It is unfortunate that such a fine community has been cursed with a presence more suited for a trailer park in Dumpwater, Florida. But nothing is perfect. Be sure to visit if you ever get the chance.

I agree with LTS. Although I don't live in Wheaton and I've never been to the Wheaton Grand, I've been thru it many times as I love bike riding. Wheaton is the center point of the two branches and main stem of the Illinois Prairie Path. There are a lot of forest preserves nearby in which to hike, bike ride, and participate in other outdoor activities too. Wheaton's downtown seems fairly active too if one wants shopping and restaurants while avoiding the malls, strip malls, and Walmarts.

Incidentally, LTS, is your term "Dumpwater, FL" a reference to a certain MARRIED WITH CHILDREN episode?

Yeah, it sure is. I happened to see that episode in 1987 and I nearly died laughing. In all these years I have not forgotten Dumpwater, Florida.

Old-timers on CT from this area may well remember Sam Insull's interurbans that ran from the wishbone of Aurora and Elgin, meeting at Wheaton before proceeding into Chicago. The CA&E ended its run sometime around '57. Check this out:

http://www.shore-line.org/FirstAndFastest/index.html

Illinois movie theater pics occasionally appear in these wonderful transit magazines. (When I eventually get the capability, I hope to post a few, so stay tuned...)

BJ,
Yes.I remember CA&E.I road it many times as a youngster from Lombard in route to Chicago.The CA&E ended in Forest Park.The tracks are now the Illinois Prairie Path.
We have cycled the path many times from Wheaton to Aurora and Elgin.
I remember the magazine also.
Thanks for the link.

Brooklyn Jim and Ray Mazzolini,

A little off-topic here, but the CA&E actually ended at Laramie Avenue and Congress Street. East of Laramie, it had operating rights over the Chicago L so that it could operate into Downtown. Conversely, the Chicago L had operating rights over the CA&E west of Laramie into Forest Park (and before 1951, Westchester).

The CA&E was cut back to Forest Park in 1953 to allow for construction of the Congress Street (now Eisenhower) Expressway. The L had to be torn down to allow for this construction. During this construction, the CTA L used a temporary right-of-way, which the CA&E refused to do, thus forcing passengers to transfer to the L at Forest Park. This cost an immediate loss of ridership to the CA&E, which abruptly shut down at noon on July 3, 1957 and stranding many people.

I love reading about people who have never met me or know of my work. Why not ask me directly instead of spreading malicious and useless gossip?

Paul -- we've been over this a bunch of times. This isn't the place for you, or others, to be discussing your reputation. Please take this discussion offline.

So do I ever have a right to defend myself or my record anywhere or must I continually read the distortions and untruths here? I try to discuss the THEATRES and what plans they have. I will abide...

I had not realized that the theatre's attorney was working pro-bono, nor had I realized that the tried and true defamation card had been thrown down:

http://www.libertysuburban.com/story.php?pub=2&sid=76856

Paul to quote yourself it seems you are indeed a sad little man. I know you and I can honestly say that you are not as honest as claim to be. I laughed when Liz Coray put you down. My friends live in Dupage County. You are originally from Chicago. The theatre is being restored. I noticed that when I was there last. I remember seeing your boys that worked for you with their long hair and torn pants. And all those cigarettes!!!

hey guys,

I am new to the area. I have friends that are well known in Wheaton. Also being a direct descendant of E.H. Gary the man who built the courthouse. I think this forum should be a positive group. And not one influenced by Paul Warshauer. Agree??

I stumbled on this thread and thought it would be interesting to read about a grand old theater in Illinois, one of my favorite states. However, I am now removing myself from this listing because it is nothing but endless tedium. Good luck, children. Try to play nice.

Can't you all move on? I have...

why don't you move on Paul? And stay away. We prefer talking about the theatre.As we look to the future of this fine theatre. Paul why don't you leave us alone? The more involvment of you on this site will only trigger more hurt feelings? I think everyone here would agree with me. And that is for your involvment with this site and the theatre to be history. I do have additional information that I could share on you with everyone. It's your call Paul? Apologize and move on.

Ok this is it then I hope that my name will not appear on this site again. You ask ME to apologize? For what? Who are you? I try to stay away but still nameless people hide in the bushes and slam my work and me personally. Have you worked on theatre restoraton? Name your projects, successess and failures. I try at least and I win some and lose some but I try. I don't bitch from the sidelines. I am in the game. If you don't play the game, don't try and make the rules. This is supposed to be a site that discusses the THEATRE and restoration. Stick to helping them and stop scapegoating me. Have you even read the court papers to find out what this misguided board did to Mike Novelli and to me? If not, shut up and go away. Has anyone seen forward movement to open the Wheaton Grand Theatre since we left almost two years ago? NO. I try to stay away but YOU and others clearly have nothing positive to say so you keep bringing my name up and dragging it again and again through the mud. Let it go and I won't visit this site again. I promise. Months go by then something triggers some new person to begin the slams again. We are all tired of it. TALK ABOUT THE THEATRE NOT THE PERSONALITIES.

It's true Paul we should talk about theatre, In the past all you did was talk about the personalities. Everyone with this theatre you had a gripe. Including village officials!! Don't deny it! I have stood behind you watching thinking are you for real? The more you surface in the press I know about it. Since I read and like the press. You are a carny man! Whatever happened with St. Michael's church play?Fiddler on the Roof. After you left the theatre you left it too.I would have stuck with it.What work have you followed through with? You say you have but name them! Who knows I maybe one of the persons you took advantage of? You have many failures 6 I can name. This is reality not some game.I know Mike why are you not with him now?

So this is it. His name will never appear on this site again, at least not typed by my hands! He is forevermore "He who shall not be named"...let's let him go. Maybe something will work out for him and he'll be able to say "I told you so" or some such. In the mean time, let's all move on with talking about something else...anything else. The good ol' days? Restoration efforts? Plans for the future? Come on, surely we can think of something more interesting to talk about...

The Neighbor

I second it. His name will no longer be typed by me too.

I recently found out that the architect of the Wheaton Grand was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Perhaps some information may be available of him in either Oak Park, Spring Green,Wisconsin, or Arizona? These are locations well known by Frank Lloyd Wright followers. I feel something like this may be helpful for Ray Shepardson.


Also did any of you know that the architect E. Norman Brydges was from Elmhurst? I shared this with Ray Shepardson already. If anyone might have anything to add PLEASE do so.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metropolis leader exits stage right
After 5 years on the job, theater director resigns to take Wheaton post

By Ames Boykin
rboykin@dailyherald.com
Posted Saturday, July 21, 2007

The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights on Friday said goodbye to its executive director, who will take on the challenging project to restore the Wheaton Grand Theater.

Tim Rater, 32, told the theater’s board on Thursday of his resignation from the post he has held since 2002. He told staff members Friday of his decision to lead the renovation and restoration team looking to bring the 1920s Grand Theater back to life. The resignation, announced late Friday, was effective immediately.

Rater, who couldn’t be reached for comment, started working at the Arlington Heights theater as its general manager when it opened in 2000. Two years later, he replaced the theater’s first director, Alan Salzenstein.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that’s restoring a magnificent theater and an opportunity to build another great performing arts center,” Rater said in a statement. “I’ll miss Metropolis, but I know I’m leaving it in a good place.”

Monica McCarthy, Metropolis board president, said she was surprised by the move.

“We’re very proud of Tim’s opportunity. We will miss him. (But) One of the beautiful things is Tim has assembled a top-notch staff,” McCarthy said. “We feel very confident that until we find a replacement things will run business-as-usual.”

The theater will immediately begin a search for a new director, she said.

Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder said she received a call from Rater on Friday. Arlington Heights serves as the landlord for the downtown theater.

“It’s one of those things: change is inevitable. I know that Tim’s done a wonderful job. He along with his staff have put together the program for this year,” Mulder said. “When you think about it, it’s not like he’s leaving at a critical point.”

Rater will work for a firm owned by Ray Shepardson, manager of the Grand Theater project.

Shepardson said he wants Rater to duplicate the Metropolis’ success. He is preparing a presentation for Wheaton officials. While he would like some government help, Shepardson has no plans to pitch a public-private partnership like the deal Metropolis has with Arlington Heights.

“We’re looking to get the city involved but not as an owner or risk taker. Our project doesn’t need a subsidy,” he said.

He hopes to begin the restoration project next year, and open the 1,100-seat theater in 2009.

From today's Daily Herald:
http://www.dailyherald.com/search/searchstory.asp?id=334096

Here's the Daily Herald article Bryan refers to (in case the link goes down):

Duo has grand vision for Wheaton theater
By James Fuller
jfuller@dailyherald.com
Posted Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Ray Shepardson and Tim Rater first crossed paths in the budding days of the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.

Shepardson was a theater consultant on a plan to create a public partnership between the village and the theater. Rater already was on the path to becoming the Metropolis’ executive director.

So it made sense that Shepardson would call Rater to see how the Metropolis was holding up as the Wheaton Grand Theater began renovations and Shepardson found himself at the helm.

Shepardson learned Rater was booking more than 400 performances a year at the Metropolis. Shepardson has the same vision for the Wheaton Grand.

Rater also was drawing more than 75,000 people a year to the 309-seat theater with acts brought in on a $15,000-a-week talent budget. Imagine what Rater could do at an 1,100-seat theater with a talent budget averaging $100,000 per week, Shepardson thought.

“I wanted to see what he thought of my approach, and he was so enthusiastic,” Shepardson said. “I wanted someone who has experience being a ferocious user of the building. I don’t like to raid staff, but the opportunity just presented itself.”

Rater has accepted a job with Market Value Productions, a company run by Shepardson’s wife. He’ll help oversee all aspects of the re-opening of the Wheaton Grand Theater from now on.

On Monday, Rater said he considered Shepardson’s plan for the Wheaton Grand as a chance to live out a personal dream.

“Ray’s plans for how to actually operate and program the space are pretty smart,” Rater said. “And knowing what sort of talent you can bring in with that kind of operating budget is exciting for me.”

Rater said of the 1,100 seats and a talent budget averaging $100,000, “There’s not going to be a lot of artists that wouldn’t want to play at the Wheaton Grand.”

That’s good news for business in downtown Wheaton.

Rater said that for every dollar spent on a theater ticket, patrons tend to spend $7 on supplemental purchases, such as clothing and food.

According to Rater, his experience also showed that two-thirds of the audience at Metropolis’ shows came from communities outside of Arlington Heights — more good news for Wheaton in terms of deflecting the local tax burden outside the community.

But as excited as Rater is about the Wheaton Grand, he said leaving the Metropolis wasn’t an easy decision.

All the 2007 performances at the Metropolis are booked through the end of the year. There are several months before booking next season’s shows begins. That creates an ideal time to search for and find Rater’s replacement.

“I love Metropolis,” Rater said. “I love everything about it. We have a wonderful facility, but what is going to be created in Wheaton is going to be even more spectacular.”

Rater and Shepardson will meet with Wheaton elected officials next month to get the ball rolling. They hope to lock up financing for renovating the theater by the end of the year, and open the doors in 2009.

I think that they will do it. And suceed!

From 8/15/07 Daily Herald:

A ticket tax to help Grand Theater?
Per ticket charge may fund part of Wheaton Grand Theater renovation

By James Fuller
jfuller@dailyherald.com
Posted Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The renovation of the Wheaton Grand Theater has been taxing work for all involved, and may prove to be taxing on entertainment in the city in general.

Theater officials asked the city council this week to formally support the renovation by passing a resolution stating the importance of the venue to the city.

The council expressed its willingness to pass such a resolution and investigate at least two ways it can help the theater financially.

One method may have an impact on entertainment throughout the city.

It would involve the creation of a theater or entertainment tax. The tax would manifest in a $5 fee on ticket sales at the Wheaton Grand.

If the idea is approved, the city would collect the tax to raise money to help pay for a planned renovation of the 82-year-old theater in downtown Wheaton.

The city would collect the tax instead of the theater to create a middleman that would appease investors in the theater looking for a layer of security.

City lawyers are investigating if it’s possible to create a tax that would apply only to the Wheaton Grand, and if not, what other venues such a tax could affect.

Councilman John Prendiville already suggested maintaining the entertainment tax even after the Wheaton Grand retires its debt for the city to use as a revenue stream.

Theater officials also want to use the city’s bonding authority to borrow about $16.8 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for the renovation. The deal would leave the city with zero financial obligations to pay the debt back if the theater faltered, Prendiville said.

The city council indicated a willingness to investigate all the requests with the view of the theater potentially becoming the downtown’s anchor attraction.

A feasibility study for the theater estimates the 1,150-seat venue would bring at least 235,000 people to the downtown over the course of 394 performances each year. Those numbers reflect seats only 70 percent full.

Ray Shepardson, who’s handling the renovation, said he expects audiences regularly at 85 percent capacity. He plans to meet that by giving regular subscribers what amounts to a 50 percent discount on tickets in a “buy three, get three free” program.

With a newly guaranteed $13 million price tag to renovate the theater, the project would begin construction next spring and open doors in early 2009.

The Wheaton Grand. I wonder, at this point, why I even bother weighing in on this debate. I love the theatre. I think the programing that first Loster, then GVI, Warshauer and Novelli brought into the community was excellent. May I refresh your memory?

Plain White T's (now a multi-platinum Mega Rock band)
Mae (On one of the hottest rock tours of the summer)
The Cub Scouts from Longfellow Elementary School
Countless teenagers to rock and hang out at a historic venue

It seems to me that the theatre was a safe place to spend time for kids and other locals who wanted to spend some time working on things. I wish people would do what the theatre is meant to do: entertain an audience with cinema and live performances. What does all this nonsense about tax and restoration do?

There is still NO MONEY FOR THE THEATRE!!!! There is still no CREDIT HISTORY FOR THE NON-FOR-PROFIT GRAND THEATRE CORPORATION TO LEND AGAINST!!!!! There is still NO PROGRAMING TO SUPPORT A TAX ON TICKET SALES!!!! Wake up and smell the Folgers, Wheaton.

Until there is all three of these essential things firing on all cylinders, there is no Wheaton Grand. And until at least one of these starts, then there will be no entertainment and movies for the community of Wheaton.

Stop talking about price tags, petitioning the council and DO SOMETHING!! Book a show! License a movie and sell tickets to the public! Board members, if you believe in it put your money and credit ratings on the line and fix the theatre.

Rock-n-Roll will never die. Hip-Hop will live forever. Peace, Love and Art.

From 8/21/07 Daily Herald:

Wheaton officials praise Grand Theater’s renovation plans
By James Fuller
jfuller@dailyherald.com
Posted Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Wheaton city officials fulfilled a promise to openly support the renovation of the Wheaton Grand Theater Monday night.

As expected, the city council unanimously passed a resolution praising the private financing of the restoration and potential economic benefits to Wheaton’s downtown.

Business projections estimate a remodeled Wheaton Grand could bring at least 235,000 people to the downtown over the course of nearly 400 shows a year.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing for the downtown, the city,” said Councilman John Prendiville. “I hope we can iron out the last few details and move ahead very quickly.”

The last few details involve the city letting the theater use its bonding authority to borrow $16.8 million to finance the remodeling. The city would have no financial repayment obligations under the proposed deal.

The other final detail would be the creation of a theater or entertainment tax. The tax would add $5 to the cost of a theater ticket to help pay back the theater’s debt. However, the tax may apply to other entertainment venues in the city as well. City Manager Don Rose said Monday that the city’s attorneys are working on the language, but have not made any significant progress yet.

Stop by the Wheaton Grand Website at http://www.wheatongrand.net and check out the Wheaton Grand in the News section. Here you can click the link to view the minutes of the presentation to the Wheaton City Council on August 13th.

Here's an article from today's Chicago Tribune about the Wheaton Grand. The headline reads,
"Face-lift Studied for old theater; Wheaton pledges support, but not financial guarantee".

Face-lift studied for old theater
Wheaton pledges support, but not financial guarantee
By Clifford Ward
Special to the Tribune
August 22, 2007

Michael Gresk remembers seeing movies under the twinkling stars set against the blue dome inside the Wheaton Grand Theatre in the 1960s.

"It was quite a showpiece," he said Tuesday.

Gresk, now Wheaton's mayor, and the city are studying ways to help -- short of taking an active financial role -- with the renovation of Wheaton's 80-year-old downtown theater.

The City Council Monday approved a resolution supporting the Wheaton Grand Theatre Corp., which is working to arrange financing to overhaul the 1,150-seat venue on Hale Street.

That ceremonial step could be the prelude to Wheaton agreeing to lend its name, though not a financial guarantee, that would allow the corporation to issue bonds to finance $13 million in renovations.

"We would issue them, but we don't guarantee them," Gresk said. "City taxpayers are not on the hook for this.

"If we can lend our name to the project, then we are happy to do it," he said.

Project manager Ray Shepardson said work could begin next spring with hopes of a grand opening in spring 2009. Although the theater, which opened in 1925, would have its terra-cotta exterior spruced up, the major work will happen inside, he said.

Wheaton and the theater are also negotiating for eight parking spaces north of the stage side, which Shepardson said would be used for expanded dressing rooms and backstage area.

The corporation has also asked Wheaton to study ways it could impose and collect a $5-per-ticket fee, which would be used to help pay off the renovation loan.

Gresk said the city is looking at whether such a fee would affect other local venues.

The theater itself should generate most of the money for the renovation, said Shepardson, who has overseen 30 to 40 such projects across the country.

"This is one of the lowest-risk theater ventures I've seen," he said. "You've got 2 million people living within 15 miles who have an $80,000 median family income."

Plans call for 350 performances a year. Backers said the theater would draw 300,000 people yearly to downtown Wheaton.

"That can only bode well for downtown retailers and restaurants," the mayor said.
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

Here is a photo of the Wheaton Theater.

Another thing to think about is that when the Courthouse Place Condo's are finished and occupied.What a better place to go to for entertainment than The Wheaton Grand Theater? New residents move into a new town. And nearby the perfect place to see quality entertainment.

Am I the only person out there who's wondering just when the theater is going to START the restoration? There's been all this talk, plenty of hype, plenty of articles, and so far still nothing. So far it doesn't even appear that a significant amount of that 8 million has even been raised. According to the blurb at the top, the theater closed April 1st, 2006. That means in a couple weeks, it will have been officially 2 years since the theater closed. And what exactly has been achieved since then?

According to the newsletter on the website, all that's been going on is the occasional fundraiser for other groups. Maybe this seems like a benchmark for some, but to only accomplish a handfull of fundraisers and come up with a small fraction of what is needed, in 2 years, seems pretty minor to me.

Standing outside the theater it's not even evident that anything is going on. A church has been occupying the theater for the past year or so. They've put more money into remodeling the theater than the Grand Theater Corp has for the past 2 years. Of course a minor facelift doesn't change the fact that the church is running the place into the ground. Some would say it looks better than ever. I'm not sure what theater they're looking at. I've been inside, and the place is a dump. Is the executive board of the GTC even aware of what's going on inside? Last I was there, the floors were sticky, the garbage was smelling up the entire building, and the roaches scatter when you turn on the light. It sure doesn't seem like there's much upkeep going into the place.

When are the residents of Wheaton going to stop ignoring what's going on, and start asking questions? I for one would like to know what's going on. The website hasn't been updated in months. The last post here in Cinema Treasures was in December, but the last actual news was back in August. Is the board even holding monthly meetings anymore? These used to be open to the public, so the residents could know what was going on. Since the theater closed, I haven't seen a single notice on the website or at the theater itself about any meetings. Are these meetings being held and just not told to anyone? Seems the board is conducting business in a rather secretive manner. Perhaps they won't want anyone asking questions. But I'm sure this is something that some board member will come on here and dismiss as paranoid garbage.

With the Paul Warshauer disaster, people on here that don't have wonderful things to say about the theater are generally regarded as lunatics who are against the theater. Don't get me wrong here, I support the theater. I'm one of the many who would love to see the theater restored. But barring that, I'd rather see it be used for some public use, instead of sitting dormant waiting for the funds to come in (if they ever come in). I don't consider a church to be public use, but I'm sure many will. Wheaton has more churchs per capita than any other city in the country. Do we really need more?

When are the residents of Wheaton going to start asking, what qualifies this executive board to run a theater? Do any of them have any experience running a theater or any performance arts venue? Granted Ray Shepardson has a lot of experience, but he's not on the executive board. In the past the board has demonstrated an inability to run this theater. This board is the one that hired Paul Warshauer and GVI to run the theater. This worked great, for Paul. He sure made plenty of money. Of course, it would have been even more ideal if he had paid his rental on the theater. The board made the mistake of hiring this guy in the first place. Did they even check his references? Obviously he has a trail of mistakes from past venues, something that became abundantly clear as they tried to get rid of him. But he was hired regardless of this. This board has even failed in firing him. It took months to finally get him out of the place. In the end it had to come down to changing the locks in the middle of the night. Some may claim that this was simply because he refused to leave, which indeed was true. But why did they wait so long? He paid only partial rent for 2 months, and then no rent for another 2 months. And then even after his departure, the board continued to keep some of his scheduled shows on the books, and even pay him a partial commission for some.

And why exactly did this board stop the rock concerts? The posts on here claim it was to start the fundraising campaign. This makes no sense to me. The way to raise $8 million is to stop the sole source of income the theater has? I've seen it been claimed that ALL events in the theater needed to be stopped to accomodate this fundraising process, not just the concerts. And that perfectly explains why the theater was rented out for several private functions, and eventually to the Antioch Community Church, who still occupy it. Why was it just concerts that were cancelled? In my opinion they were doing good for the community. It gave the kids something to do and kept them off the streets. Granted the streets of Wheaton aren't exactly riddled with crime, but I've never seen so many teenagers downtown as I have when the concerts were going on there. So what exactly is the harm in that?

It seems that the lack of any real progress at the theater is directly due to mis-management. The theater board lacks any real expertise in the operation or restoration of a theater. Now I'm not saying this board should be replaced. I'm not saying the concerts need to be reinstated. I'm not saying the building should be a parking lot. What I am saying is that it's time for the residents of Wheaton and the friends of the theater to start asking, what's going on? I'd like to see this theater restored, but after 2 years of little progress, I'm doubtful that they're going to come up with that $8 million, and after that falls though I have no confidence that this board can come up with a plan B.

Even though I'm sure someone from the theater will come and delete this immediately, I hope enough have read this to at least get the questions started. And I encourage anyone from the executive board to come and answer the questions I've mentioned.

Here is a photo of the Wheaton.

This last weekend, the gentleman who is spearheading the Wheaton Grand Theater's restoration, Mr. Ray Shepardson, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree by Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio. Mr. Shepardson led the efforts to preserve the Playhouse Square theater complex in Cleveland. From a grassroots campaign, Mr. Shepardson staged 200-300 productions per year and saved the theaters from demolition. Between public and private efforts, the project raised $40 million to preserve and reopen the theaters. Civic leaders have hailed Mr. Shepardson's work in saving the theaters as one of the top ten successes in Cleveland history. We on the Wheaton Grand Theater Executive Board, along with the many volunteers could not be happier to have Mr. Shepardson leading our project. Congratulations Ray!

This is another photo of the Wheaton.

Here is some recent renovation news:
http://tinyurl.com/dmxhwg

Here is some recent renovation news:
http://tinyurl.com/dmxhwg

Here is some recent renovation news:
http://tinyurl.com/dmxhwg

At some point the marquee was drastically altered, removing many exciting (and probably expensive) design features. See this 1965 photo for the original look:

http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=wheaton&ProductID=26835

when is the renovation going to be over?

Here are some 1982 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

Photo4

Jwballer, the renovation hasn't even started yet. Right now they're projecting for this thing to be done by 2011. At this rate, who knows when it will ever open. But it's practically open right now. A church currently rents out the theater, because as we all know Wheaton needs more churches. Of course this place is perfect for rock concerts. I don't know why the powers that be have decided that rock concerts are not ok. Apparently actually making money is not high on the list of things to do at the theater.

Perhaps someone can tell me if rock concerts will ever be welcome in the newly restored wheaton grand, if that ever happens. Because rock and roll has been banned from there for the past 3 years. Is this a scene from footloose? Are they taking a page from wheaton college and rather than banning dancing they ban rock music? I'm glad Mr Shepardson and the board have taken something that was great for the community and especially great for the teens in wheaton and surrounding areas, and replaced it with yet another church. Sure a church will serve some people, but I think wheaton has every possible denomination covered.

Stan, I think I can answer your question. I was the Programming Director of the theater when we did concerts. While we tremendously enjoyed the hundreds and hundreds of concerts we did (rock, jazz, blues, etc.) and were able to provide a fun, safe, environment for all ages to see mostly local music, that programming was not the eventual goal of our group. Our goal is to restore the theater to a performing arts venue. The thousands of hours of volunteer labor to produce and run the venue was better served focusing on achieving what we originally set out to do, and what the donors of the building envisioned us accomplishing when they graciously donated the venue.

Our updated website is at www.wheatongrand.net

In reference to Life's too short posting on 4/15. In the early 80's the marquee was covered over because it was in terrible shape. I spoke with the man that did the work and he said the inside of the marquee was a mess back then (supports rusting away, exposed wires, not well supported) and can't imagine what's holding the sign on the building. I know when I worked there anytime the snow melted it all leaked though the underside of the sign. It was recovered every spring when I was there. If you have any other question I'd be glad to help.