Melders, you are right. This theatre property is like any other “surplus property” in the inventory of a municipality. There are several alternatives. One must show the Village a reasonable development plan where cash is paid for the property to remove it from the NO TAX pile. Then demonstrate a reasonable chance of success for theatre restoration and operation in phases. They will listen. Remember, the Village is NOT in the theatre business. Look at how much time they have spent on this property while other matters in the Village go unattended. To attack them is wrong. They have been more than patient. Now the time for action is here. This type of development deal has happened elsewhere all over the country. Tempers and emotions are hot right now. I know that calmer heads can prevail.
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.
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.
Dear HDTV: The “Hissing” that you refer to is what keeps the Cinema Treasure site alive! I love to read the comments written with such passion shared by all about theatre restoration! Some theatres need to go away…others need to stay…still others need to engage in “adaptive reuse.” You can tell that the DuPage is one theatre generates enough enthusiasm for the hundreds of other ones that still sit neglected. One thing is for sure: The DuPage will not be torn down anytime soon. I can guarantee it.
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?
Paul F., Deb & Challenger:
There are no right or wrong answers. Governments do not destroy theatres; People save or let them go. If the public bands together and stops staking out individual “turfs” then the DuPage could be saved. Whoever quoted the four IFs: They are not scientific. Smaller theatres in smaller towns have been saved: Look at the Princess Theatre in Rushville, IL. They used an old business model, sold stock and did not get emotionally attached to the building. Other structures have started in far worse condition: Look at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York. It had no roof, pigeons, vandals & rain. The DuPage can be saved if a few smart people get rid of old ideas and notions and use modern marketing and finance tools. Parking, small retail and a FEW residential units. Also a dose of common sense would help. My company offered to help create a viable business plan and a five year pro forma which included significant children’s programming. The Friends or Foundation never called us back. C'est la vie.
Our company, Grande Venues, Inc., has made inquiries to the city (and now looking to the community fvor assistance) about operating the Varsity Theatre. We are looking for concert promoters, children’s theatre advocates and presenters, as well as theatre companies and individual performers. First run movies will probably not work as the current owner has a “deal” for any potential buyer but we will consider an Arts House or Film Festival format. Anyone interested, please contact us at
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. Happy to reply to any and all comments. Thank you.
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.
Please read this article: View link 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.
Again, “Lifestooshort” get a grip. We have projects all over the country. Why don’t you call the people who we do the work for and see what we really do? Mike and I are happy to share our references. You clearly have some personal ax to grind but no one can figure it out. We have projects in Chicago and many other cities. How sad that you will not call our office to discuss this or are you too happy staying in the shadows and taking cheap misinformed potshots? Stay off these websites until you have something productive to say.
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.
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.
We completed our Arts Assessment project on time and on budget. Our final report was given to the City of Pittsfield last week. We are proud of it and after July 19 when the City Council meets, we will be happy to share it witrh the public. It shows that a small town can and will save an old theatre! Now the next phase and the real work begins.
Fiscal Insanity you are on to something. How about keeping the theatre AND add your library concept? On the lot to the south build a three level parking garage/library with retail on the first floor. Perhaps build a a few “market rate” townhomes on top of the parking garage. No tax dollars spent, city sells property to developer, “as is,” get library grants…more? Call (630) 480-3345.
How they loved opening them…but how they loved shutting them down without allowing the public to assist in their restoration or even stabilization. Any idea if “the parent” corporation still has any real estate? Worth pursuing?
Fantastic theatre in a neat town. I was in it a few years ago when there was talk to reopen it. Mr. Naify did a great job keeping it open and alive. Good luck and congrats! Have you thought about doing a real Murder Mystery in there? I would be happy to work on it! (630) 480-3345.
Have faith. Regardless of the obstacles, and the former manager who went to jail, we will endeavor to open soon. Thanks to all of you who have offered to help. Fresh popcorn is on the way…
Dear Life’s: How wonderful! Thanks for bringing the Wheaton Grand Theatre on this site. For the record: We are very proud of the six months of great programming we did at the Wheaton Grand from Nov. 14, 2004 to April 15, 2005. (Movies, plays, teen concerts, comedy clubs, children’s programming, Cub Scout dinners and presentations, Girl Scout Theatre camp, murder mysteries, fund raisers, magic shows, wrestling…) Some of our contracts are still presented at the theatre. Grande Venues looks forward to doing great restoration and renovation work with the people of Pittsfield. Why don’t you attend the public meeting when we present our Arts Assessment? Please call our President, Mike Novelli, and he will give you the schedule (630) 221-0667.
Mariea & Jeffrey: Multiple angles on programming means multiple revenue sources. Vandalia or nearly any other theatre can make it IF it is smart on programming and management. Mariea: Music and movies are a potent and profitable combination in St. Louis. We can help you.
Melders, you are right. This theatre property is like any other “surplus property” in the inventory of a municipality. There are several alternatives. One must show the Village a reasonable development plan where cash is paid for the property to remove it from the NO TAX pile. Then demonstrate a reasonable chance of success for theatre restoration and operation in phases. They will listen. Remember, the Village is NOT in the theatre business. Look at how much time they have spent on this property while other matters in the Village go unattended. To attack them is wrong. They have been more than patient. Now the time for action is here. This type of development deal has happened elsewhere all over the country. Tempers and emotions are hot right now. I know that calmer heads can prevail.
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.
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.
Dear HDTV: The “Hissing” that you refer to is what keeps the Cinema Treasure site alive! I love to read the comments written with such passion shared by all about theatre restoration! Some theatres need to go away…others need to stay…still others need to engage in “adaptive reuse.” You can tell that the DuPage is one theatre generates enough enthusiasm for the hundreds of other ones that still sit neglected. One thing is for sure: The DuPage will not be torn down anytime soon. I can guarantee it.
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?
Paul F., Deb & Challenger:
There are no right or wrong answers. Governments do not destroy theatres; People save or let them go. If the public bands together and stops staking out individual “turfs” then the DuPage could be saved. Whoever quoted the four IFs: They are not scientific. Smaller theatres in smaller towns have been saved: Look at the Princess Theatre in Rushville, IL. They used an old business model, sold stock and did not get emotionally attached to the building. Other structures have started in far worse condition: Look at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York. It had no roof, pigeons, vandals & rain. The DuPage can be saved if a few smart people get rid of old ideas and notions and use modern marketing and finance tools. Parking, small retail and a FEW residential units. Also a dose of common sense would help. My company offered to help create a viable business plan and a five year pro forma which included significant children’s programming. The Friends or Foundation never called us back. C'est la vie.
Our company, Grande Venues, Inc., has made inquiries to the city (and now looking to the community fvor assistance) about operating the Varsity Theatre. We are looking for concert promoters, children’s theatre advocates and presenters, as well as theatre companies and individual performers. First run movies will probably not work as the current owner has a “deal” for any potential buyer but we will consider an Arts House or Film Festival format. Anyone interested, please contact us at
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. Happy to reply to any and all comments. Thank you.
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.
Please read this article: View link 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.
Good news. The Lawford opens soon! View link
Again, “Lifestooshort” get a grip. We have projects all over the country. Why don’t you call the people who we do the work for and see what we really do? Mike and I are happy to share our references. You clearly have some personal ax to grind but no one can figure it out. We have projects in Chicago and many other cities. How sad that you will not call our office to discuss this or are you too happy staying in the shadows and taking cheap misinformed potshots? Stay off these websites until you have something productive to say.
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.
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.
We completed our Arts Assessment project on time and on budget. Our final report was given to the City of Pittsfield last week. We are proud of it and after July 19 when the City Council meets, we will be happy to share it witrh the public. It shows that a small town can and will save an old theatre! Now the next phase and the real work begins.
Fiscal Insanity you are on to something. How about keeping the theatre AND add your library concept? On the lot to the south build a three level parking garage/library with retail on the first floor. Perhaps build a a few “market rate” townhomes on top of the parking garage. No tax dollars spent, city sells property to developer, “as is,” get library grants…more? Call (630) 480-3345.
How they loved opening them…but how they loved shutting them down without allowing the public to assist in their restoration or even stabilization. Any idea if “the parent” corporation still has any real estate? Worth pursuing?
A small company in Wausau, Wisconsin might set you up with printers, tickets, software, etc. http://www.martechsys.com/about.shtml
Fantastic theatre in a neat town. I was in it a few years ago when there was talk to reopen it. Mr. Naify did a great job keeping it open and alive. Good luck and congrats! Have you thought about doing a real Murder Mystery in there? I would be happy to work on it! (630) 480-3345.
Have faith. Regardless of the obstacles, and the former manager who went to jail, we will endeavor to open soon. Thanks to all of you who have offered to help. Fresh popcorn is on the way…
sorry…last phone number should have been: (630) 480-3345. Thanks!
Dear Life’s: How wonderful! Thanks for bringing the Wheaton Grand Theatre on this site. For the record: We are very proud of the six months of great programming we did at the Wheaton Grand from Nov. 14, 2004 to April 15, 2005. (Movies, plays, teen concerts, comedy clubs, children’s programming, Cub Scout dinners and presentations, Girl Scout Theatre camp, murder mysteries, fund raisers, magic shows, wrestling…) Some of our contracts are still presented at the theatre. Grande Venues looks forward to doing great restoration and renovation work with the people of Pittsfield. Why don’t you attend the public meeting when we present our Arts Assessment? Please call our President, Mike Novelli, and he will give you the schedule (630) 221-0667.
Mariea: Call us (630) 480-3345 or e-mail
Mariea & Jeffrey: Multiple angles on programming means multiple revenue sources. Vandalia or nearly any other theatre can make it IF it is smart on programming and management. Mariea: Music and movies are a potent and profitable combination in St. Louis. We can help you.
What kind of theatre are you looking for? Size? Theme? Purpose?