After a seven-year closure, the historic Des Plaines Theatre re-opened October 31 in grand splendor. Approximately 1,000 persons walked the red carpet into the beautifull-restored theatre. An opening ceremony was held, and the lights came back on!
A Charlie Chaplin impersonator fired up the old camera, Simon Kyung Lee shared his beautiful tenor voice, veterans and Girl Scouts proudly marched across the stage, a Louie Armstrong impersonator received a standing ovation during his rendition of “America the Beautiful”, Wayne Messmer sang the “National Anthem”, and Ron Onesti, president & CEO of the Des Plaines Theatre, welcomed guests with a champagne toast. Kevin Costner & his Modern West band played for nearly two hours.
Onesti stated “Tonight has been magical! It felt wonderful to see the community revel in this moment. I look forward to bringing top-notch entertainment to Des Plaines for many years to come.”
— Onesti Entertainment Corporation