Will Rogers Theatre

4 x 6 Will Rogers Theatre "Bold Letters"  Watercolor Post Card pack of 10 cards 
Will Rogers Bold Letters watercolor created by local Ottawa Artist Carol Halm 
Proceeds go to the restoration of the Will Rogers Theatre. 

Proceeds of the sale of these products go to support the restoration of the Will Rogers Theatre

https://willrogerscharleston.com/product/732488

Ron Onesti speaks to the gathered dignitaries Thursday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Des Plaines Theatre. 

John Starks | Staff Photographer 

More photos 

Closed to the public for more than seven years, the historic Des Plaines Theatre will be hopping with live music Sunday. 

Actor Kevin Costner and his Modern West band are set to perform, marking the return of entertainment to the newly renovated, art deco theater at 1476 Miner St. 

"Guests will be treated to an evening of Hollywood grandeur," said Ron Onesti, president & CEO of Onesti Entertainment, the company running the city-owned theater. "The theater has been restored to its 1925 splendor, with perfect acoustics and a stunning interior." 

Mayor Andrew Goczkowski is similarly excited about the reopening. 

"I'm extremely proud of this theater's rebirth," he said. "This is an exciting day for Des Plaines." 

With the curtain ready to rise, here's a look at the theater and the renovation -- by the numbers. 

• 2018: The year Des Plaines bought the theater for about $1.3 million from a private owner. It had been closed for four years because of building code violations. 

• 6.7 million: The city's estimated share of the renovation cost, in dollars. 

• 2.2 million: The amount Rivers Casino donated to help with the purchase and renovation, in dollars. Rivers doesn't have an ownership or management stake in the theater. 

• 3: The number of years the renovation project took. 

• 998: Seating capacity. 

• 13,668: The building's size, in square feet. 

• 2: Restaurants planned for the theater. They'll be called Bourbon 'N Brass and Des Pizza and should open in November. 

• 99: In dollars, the lowest base cost of tickets still available for Sunday's show. Tickets can be purchased at desplainestheatre.com. 

• 5 p.m.: The scheduled starting time for Sunday's show. 

Sources: Des Plaines, desplainestheatre.com, the Onesti Entertainment Corp., Daily Herald interviews 

This article filed under:Life & EntertainmentNewsSmall BusinessCommunity TheaterProfessional TheaterDes PlainesEntertainmentTheaterDes Plaines NewsletterGood News Sunday Newsletter 

As the renovated Des Plaines Theatre reopens, take a fresh look at it ... by the numbers.

Visited the Will Rogers Theatre on 10 15 2021 to do some security work at the property. 

Nick Leet, Andrew Hyra, Christina Eltrevoog

While it may look like nothing is happening to move the Will Rogers Theatre project forward, what you need to understand is that the project is very expensive and it can't get done without help. 

We are constantly looking for opportunities to move the project forward.

Summer House Entertainment Inc. 

Katie Troccoli, President 

1911 Champlain St 

Ottawa, IL 61350 

815-228-2058 Cell 

I own two historic theater, (Long Story how I got here) The Majestic Theater in Streator IL, and the Will Rogers Theater in Charleston IL.  Both are in dire need of restoration.   

The Majestic hosted performances by several well-known stars, such as Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, Ed Wynn, Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker and Eva Tanguay.  The Will Rogers is on the National Historic Register. 

My business plan calls for working with the non-profit organization Here and Again Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting the arts and entertainment industry to educate and create employment in the entertainment field.  

My Corporation, Summer House Entertainment Inc will operate the theater as a for profit.  We will attract clients from a 50+ mile radius of each venue hosting live National Acts opened by local artists who perform in a Here and Again Inc program called Song + Story.   We will also be able to host film festivals and local events as well as first run movies. 

The National acts  and events that play the theaters are an economic boom to the communities.  Patrons who attend events will often spend the night (or two) at local hotels, buy gas, and eat in restaurants.   

Raising the quality of life with a vibrant theater attracts employers who want their employees to be happy in the communities in which they live.  This is classic economic development.  A theatre is an anchor for downtown development. 

Mixing Song + Story participants with National Entertainers gives local up and coming talent the opportunity to network with entertainers who have been successful, giving them more opportunity for success in the entertainment industry. 

I am currently developing a product line related to the theatres. Proceeds from the sale of our art product line go to support historic restoration efforts. 

Please visit www.MajesticShows.com or www.WillRogersCharleston.com 

The Majestic is in an Opportunity Zone 17099964300, TIF and Enterprise Zone (the City of Streator has no TIF funds available for the Majestic) and the Will Rogers is also in an Opportunity zone track 17029000500, TIF and Enterprise Zone. 

Please reach out to me if you would like to support my endeavor to restore these historic venues. 

Warm Wishes, 

Katie Troccoli 

815-228-2058 

katiet1@sbcglobal.net 

P.S. The local Small Business Development Center Executive has suggested that I solicit letters of support from talent who would perform on the Majestic / Will Rogers Stage or Host Digital Media / Film events to support my business plan.   

I am asking if you would write a letter of support for the restoration of the Majestic and Will Rogers Theatre - venue.  If you would pledge to a paid performance on our stage or in our venue at a mutually agreed upon date in the future. 

Both of these projects are very important to the communities and extremely expensive. If you can do more to help it would be greatly appreciated.

I can't do this project alone. 

I ask the Universe for help and good will. 

I am on a mission to restore the Majestic in Streator IL & Will Rogers Theatre in Charleston IL to live entertainment stages and digital projection theatre palaces. 

Thank you Jay for your support! 

Katie Troccoli

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