Woodstock Theatre
209 Main Street,
Woodstock,
IL
60098
209 Main Street,
Woodstock,
IL
60098
5 people
favorited this theater
The Miller Theatre was built in 1927 on the site of the Princess Theatre and had a seating capacity of 1,000. It opened with a mixed movies/vaudeville policy and was equipped with a Barton style-23 theatre organ which had 6Ranks.
It was re-named Woodstock Theatre in 1976 and was twinned in 1979. Classic Cinemas then acquired the Woodstock Theatre in 1988. In late-1991 a new marquee was created to resemble a historic marquee.
The theater has undergone various renovations which have returned it to much of its original charm. In May 2002, two additional screens were added in the building next door, which had previously been the long closed, 1912 built, Beverley Theatre. In August 2012 three buildings on Main Street were demolished, and the following month work began so that in 2013 the Woodstock Theatre will have eight auditoriums including restoration of the historic auditorium complete with its domed ceiling.
One of the highlights of the theatre’s history was the filming of “Groundhog Day”. Each year the theatre helps the City of Woodstock celebrate ‘Groundhog Day’ with free screenings of the movie.
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
Here’s the link to their website:
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The Woodstock Theatre currently operates 4 screens with 595 seats.
Update from the Classic Cinemas website at www.classiccinemas.com:
Classic Cinemas acquired the Woodstock Theatre in 1988. Immediate renovations included installing larger screens, Dolby surround stereo sound and decorative aisle lights. In late 1991 a new marquee was created to resemble an historic marquee. It now casts a golden glow over the street at night, contributing to the ambiance of Woodstock’s historic downtown.
More improvements were made by Classic Cinemas in late 1998. Wider and more comfortable seats were added to both auditoriums, reducing the total number of seats to 462. Other improvements included new carpeting, floor tile and wall decor in auditoriums as well as lobby décor.
One of the highlights of the theatre’s history was the filming of Groundhog Day, a romantic comedy starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. The theatre was used as a film location — the Alpine at which the character played by Murray attended a movie. Each year the theatre helps the City of Woodstock celebrate Groundhog Day with free screenings of the film. The theatre also is featured on tours of the film’s locations. On Sunday, February 4, 2001, a plaque was dedicated to the theatre, honoring it as one of the sites used in the movie.
On May 23, 2002, the Woodstock Theatre opened two additional screens by expanding into the building next door which turned out to be the Beverly Theatre from 1912. At the same time, the restrooms were completely redone and enlarged. The box office now has two ticketing stations. All auditoriums have been equipped with digital sound and HPS-4000® sound systems.
The Classic Cinemas Woodstock theatre history page has been moved to
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The Woodstock Theatre can be seen in the 1993 film “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray. The theatre name was changed to The Alpine for the film.
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Nice shot jwballer.
Pictured in this two-page 1929 trade article: archive
The original domed ceiling of the auditorium was quite extraordinary. I wonder if it has survived?
Here’s an update on rejuvenation plans: Chicagotribune
The dome has survived and the theater is being restored. http://www.thewoodstockindependent.com/August-2013/Cinema-restores-original-Woodstock-theater/