Quickshot: Tivoli Theatre

What’s up everyone?

This will be a quick look at one of our local attractions.  Today we will be checking out the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove, Illinois.

The Tivoli Theatre was designed by Van Gruten and his group of architects.  Its has built in 1928 and opened on Christmas Day of that year.  It was the second theater in the U.S. to have sound, only second to Brooklyn Paramount in New York.  It has a whopping 1012 seats.  Throughout the year the theater has gone through several remodels to give it a French Renaissance feel.  

The Tivoli is still alive and kicking today.  It is currently owned by Classic Cinemas.  Unlike many modernized theaters, the Tivoli has not been remodeled to contain more screens.  It still has it classic single giant screen.  You can see live performances as well.

Over the weekend, we decided to go see La La Land.  The Tivoli seemed to be the perfect fit to see this movie in.  From the first time that you walk in it feels like you have been transported back to days gone by.  As we sat there waiting for the doors to open we knew that we were in for a treat.  The usher opened the door to reveal rows upon rows of seats.  Unlike any modern theater that we are used to.  The auditorium felt more like a playhouse than a movie theater.

Like theater of old, we had to find some seats.  No assigned seats here.  We pick some seat around the middle of the theater.  The middle here would probably be equal to a back row in most modern theaters.  As we sat there watching the the movie pre-show, a trapdoor open up on the stage and a man playing an organ rosed up from it.  He continued to play up to the begin of the previews.  Then vanished back beneath the stage.

The Tivoli Theatre offer a interesting and unique experience.  I highly recommend at least going there once for the experience.  Whether in is a showing of a modern or a classic movie.  And hey, after the show you always head downstair for a few rounds of bowling.

Hope you enjoyed our quick look at the Tivoli Theatre.  Thanks for stooping by.  Until next time.

Josh