Chicago’s Patio Theatre. Paul Moore photo.
The semi-atmospheric Patio Theatre in the Portage Park neighborhood on the Northwest side of Chicago is facing the same dilemma as many other single screen venues: the cost of buying a digital projector. Here’s a link to their fundraising effort which includes some great photos of the building. Demitri Kouvalis and his sister did lots of decorating and other work to re-open. Their father, the long-time owner, recently passed away. The original installation 3/17 Barton theatre pipe organ remains but is currently unplayable.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1911305952/save-the-historic-patio-theater
Personal finances being what they are, my contribution is very small, but I am now a proud supporter of the Patio. I visited this theatre’s enchanting interior last January. As I live in an area where there are NO theatres of this quality operating as full-time movie venues, I clearly see how Chicago is so fortunate to have this jewel as a place to simply see a movie. If I lived in the neighborhood, I’d be there for shows as often as possible, and pitching in to help repair and paint the place. I hope someday I’ll get to visit again!