The Historic Arcada Theatre

The Three Stooges, The Little Rascals, George and Gracie, Duke Ellington, Lawrence Walk…what do these legends have in common with contemporaries including Martin Short, America, The Guess Who, Neil Sedaka and Rick Springfield? Answer: They have all shared the stage at the historic Arcade Theatre in St. Charles.

First opened September 6, 1926, this 900 seat grand palace was the talk of the western suburbs.  Patterned after the Chicago Theatre, The Arcada was the place where Vaudevillian superstars would perform on their way to the big city of Chicago. 

Ron Onesti began renovations on the property in May of 2005.  Since then, he has brought life back into the red velvet backdrop, the hardwood stage floor and the bright blue curtain.  The original 1927 Marr & Colton organ once again resonates by way of over one thousand pipes within the perimeter of walls surrounding the inside of the theatre.  Drama is added to the experience as the organ slowly rises from beneath the stage floor, “Phantom of the Opera” style. 

“Even though it has about 900 seats,” Ron said, “there are five hundred seats on the lower level and about 400 on the upper level, making the feel of the venue cozier and closer to the action.  Even the balcony seats are pretty forward which allows for an even more intimate experience.” 

The concession areas have full bars and the popcorn is really “old fashioned,” back to the days of its cinematic roots.  It is now a full-fledged live music venue.  From international rock stars to local talent shows, the Arcada has come back to being the gem of St. Charles downtown area.  Teen idols including Rick Springfield, Davy Jones, Frankie Avalon and David Cassidy have been seen perusing St. Charles antique shops on show days. 

National touring tribute acts have brought color and excitement to the venue.  Bands including Pink Floyd, Prince, The Beatles and Jimmy Buffet have all been re-created on stage with acts that are the best of the best.
Scheduled at press time for 2009 are some new shows as well as ones that were so wonderful, they just had to be asked back for an encore performance.  Legends like Connie Francis (March 20) and Jerry Lewis (May 9) will grace the Arcada stage for the first time.  New to the bill are The Village People, Little Anthony and the Imperials, David Clayton Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Kansas with a 42 piece Orchestra and “It’s A Wonderful Life” live radio broadcast. 

Returning are Rick Springfield, Richard Marx, The Guess Who, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and America.  Each of these shows were sold out and ended in at least two standing ovations.  

Of course, what must be experienced is one of the silent movie experiences.  Sitting in the classic theatre with a box of hot popcorn watching Charlie Chaplin on the big screen with the sounds of the original pipe organ in the background gives audiences an incredibly authentic glimpse into the past. 

Couple these shows with an amazing dinner before, and cocktails after at the New Onesti Dinner Club and an evening that won’t soon be forgotten ensues!  Show only tickets are currently available by calling call the Box Office at 630-584-6342.  Additional performance information may be obtained at www.the arcada.com.