The Arcada Theatre was built in 1926 by local millionaire and Chicago Tribune cartoonist Lester J. Norris. The new theatre was a $500,000 example of the Norris family’s confidence in the future of St. Charles. With only 5,000 residents in the town, more than 1,009 seats were installed.
Upon the Arcada’s grand opening, the public came in such large numbers that hundreds were unable to gain entrance. Chicagoans arrived by a special railway car to see the featured film “The Last Frontier” and the Vaudeville acts of Fibber McGee and Molly. Patrons also heard a recital on the famous $25,000 Marr and Colton silver and red organ, which was adorned with carved flamingos.
The Arcada became known as one of the outstanding Vaudeville houses in the Fox River Valley. Many legendary stars have graced the stage, including George Burns and Gracie Allen, Judy Garland, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Olivia DeHavilland, the John Phillip Sousa Band, Liberace, Mitzi Gaynor, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Vincent Price, Carol Channing, Jeanette MacDonald, Walter Slezak and the Von Trapp Family Singers.
In May 2005, Ron Onesti, president of The Onesti Entertainment Corporation (OEC), assumed ownership of its operations only. He does not own the Arcada Theatre building. Making use of its standing as a producer of entertainment shows in the United States, the OEC brought marquee performances typical of major city downtowns to the far western suburbs of Chicago.
Today, the Arcada Theatre is an 897-seat venue featuring its original pipe organ that rises from within the stage floor. Among other notable performers, The B-52’s, 38 Special, Poi Dog Pondering, Mickey Rooney, Shirley MacLaine, Jerry Lewis, Dionne Warwick, Joan Rivers, Paul Anka, Kenny Rogers, Pat Benatar, Three Dog Night, Wayne Newton, Dana Carvey, Rich Little, Eric Burdon, Gladys Knight, Howie Mandel, and Martin Short have been recent headliners. The theatre also functions a resource for community groups and local performers when not occupied by mainliner events.
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