Photo credit: Claudio Rodriguez – Chief Photographer

By: Emeli Rangel – Staff Writer

This year marks 101 years since the opening of the La Grange Classic Cinemas. Since opening in 1925, this theater has been a place for people to grab some popcorn and watch the latest movie. 

At the theater patrons can enjoy one of the prized features, which is its 4K high-contrast screens. 

The building features a 1920s structure that was designed by architect Edward P. Rupert, then built and operated by Gregory-Bernasek. At that time, the building operated as a stage performance theater.

“They did live Vaudeville shows here in the 1920s,” said Bob Parella, general manager of La Grange Classic Cinemas. “Then it got ‘twined’ where it got split into two theaters, and then it was three theaters and then four.” 

When it was first converted into a movie theater, it was operated by the Chicago Balaban and Katz chain from the 1930s until the 1950s. Then, it was remodeled in 1949 by Architect Roy A. Blass. The La Grange Theatre was first divided into multiple screens in the 1980s and 1994, gaining more audience attention.

What makes this theater so unique? Not only are the screens 4K, but the movie theater serves as a common hangout spot for people in the community. The homey feeling promotes comfort in residents, attracting their attendance.

“Some of [the staff] remember the guest’s name,” Parella said. 

The staff’s commitment to remembering guests’ names adds to the overarching family people find in this theater. 

“It feels exciting to be a part of a theater that is so enthralled with the community,” Parella said.

This theater has a welcoming attitude toward guests, but it is also one of the more affordable movie theaters. The community-based theater should not be deceiving; it has many advantages compared to big box theaters.

 “There are people that come in on Tuesdays, known as our $6 Tuesdays,” said Rocko Perry, assistant manager of La Grange Classic Cinemas. “After a while, they learned our names, and we learned their names as well.”

On Tuesdays, movie-goers can save money because the cost of a ticket is only $6. This is beneficial for those who are budgeting but still want to catch a good movie.

This theater is a perfect fit for movie and snack lovers. Not only does La Grange Classic Cinemas have $6 Tuesdays, but it also has perks, such as a membership program. It is not a fee-based program, and you can sign up on their website.

“You build up points, and when you get [enough], you redeem the points for concessions or movie tickets,” Parella said.

To put the movie vs. book debate to an end, La Grange Classic Cinemas also works with the local libraries, allowing book lovers to also find a home at the theater.

“Sometimes, if a movie is based on a book, we try to incorporate the library,” Parella said. “[We ask,] ‘Are you guys reading this book? You should come see the movie.’” 

For those who are attracted to the feeling of retro, La Grange Classic Cinemas is certainly the place to go.  

The next time you think about heading to a big box theater, consider directing yourself to La Grange Classic Cinemas.