There’s a new entertainment venue near me. If opening week is any indication, Des Plaines Theatre is going to be an area hot spot.
Built in 1925, Des Plaines Theatre was originally a vaudeville and movie venue. In 1982 a fire ravaged the theater, but it reopened two years later. It was open on and off through 2014. Three years of renovations were completed last month, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday to signify the official reopening.
Part of the project included the opening of Bourbon ‘N Brass, a 1920s-style speakeasy and showroom. It features craft cocktails, a rare whiskey collection and a cabaret stage. The result is a classy, relaxed throwback to old-time saloons.
There is also Des Pizza, billed as “a rock ‘n roll pizza experience,” serving wood-fired pizza. I am always excited about new pizza places.
Sunday’s opening night packed the theater, which seats 998. There were a few opening acts, including a Charlie Chaplin character sweeping the stage. The headliner was actor Kevin Costner and his band Modern West.
The Orchestra photo courtesy of John Dean.
The Orchestra photo courtesy of John Dean.
The Des Plaines Theatre opened to much fanfare, and the excitement has not slowed. Since then, other performances included The Orchestra, featuring former members of Electric Light Orchestra, and Amy Grant. John Waite, Blue Oyster Cult, Tusk (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band) and A Night of ABBA with ABBA Mania are a few of the other performers scheduled for November.
It’s an easy, 15-minute drive from my place; I will be a frequent visitor. I look forward to seeing the lineup next year.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
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