The Wilmette Theatre: A restoration brings film, live theater and music
Opened in 1913 as a 600-seat movie house, The Wilmette Theatre today is a vibrant live performing arts center that still shows films for $6.25.
Doomed to become a furniture store, the Wilmette was purchased by Carole Dibo, a Wilmette resident and professional actress, and talent agent Sam Samuelson, with the intent of creating a community stage performance space. Initially a two-screen house, Dibo and Peterson converted one of the spaces for live shows.
In four short years, The Wilmette Theatre, known also as "The Mette," has gained a strong local following and a national reputation. With an ever-expanding list of programs, the theatre is home to the Actors Training Center. Diverse in its programming, the Wilmette offers theatre for children, cabaret performances, live theatre, comedy, burlesque and music.
So diverse in its programming, the theatre has a popular "Ladies Night Out Series" with lip-synching performances by drag queens.
Founders Dibo and Samuelson's intent is to make the Wilmette a community attraction; however, its success has been achieved by bringing in patrons from throughout the Chicago region. "We are diversified," Dibo said. "We might show Cinderella at 10 a.m., Rocky Horror in the evening and then the next night feature a silent movie with live piano."
The Wilmette Theatre leads a national trend in which communities are once again providing sophisticated entertainment and investment in local venues. Filling a void long missing from the North Shore suburban region of Chicago, the "Mette" has top entertainment, whether it be for families or a night on the town.
Since it is located in downtown Wilmette, about 30 minutes from Chicago, there are several restaurants and coffee houses near the theatre, making it a an opportunity to spend an afternoon or evening exploring this lovely suburb.
Along with concessions, The Wilmette Theatre has a bar where friends gather at intermission or even after a performance. Dibo said a theatre expansion is planned allowing her to vastly expand the programming. Live performance tickets can range from $12 to $48, depending on the event, far less than a trip into the city. For a detailed schedule, click here or sign up for email information on the tab at the top of the site. Dibo also writes a detailed blog on behind-the-scenes developments at this innovative and rich cultural hub.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
