Arcada's curtains rise again

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By KELLEY CASINO

kcasino@kcchronicle.com

ST. CHARLES -- Ron Onesti wants to use the Arcada Theatre to bring a new level of excitement to the Fox Valley.

Now that he has taken control of the historic theater, he plans to give Fox Valley residents a theater experience typically associated with Broadway or downtown Chicago.

Onesti signed a lease with building owner Scott Price of Bellevue, Wash., on May 14. The long-term arrangement gives Onesti exclusive responsibility for the theater, including the production of entertainment.

"I want the theater to be thought of in the vein of live performances, bringing top musical acts and plays and special events," said Onesti, of Onesti Entertainment Corp. of Chicago. "We're going to be producing some quite wonderful special events and live music and live performances there."

Price said he has been in talks with Onesti and other parties for several months about taking control of the Arcada. Todd Smith managed the theater for three years before he was released from his lease in January.

The fate of the 80-year-old theater was questioned after Smith stepped down as manager, but Onesti said community support to maintain the downtown treasure as an entertainment venue sparked his interest in the theater.

"As more and more theaters are closing, I'm very much into trying to keep them alive," he said. "What's really exciting to me about (the Arcada) is there are many theaters that have splendor and grandeur about them, but I think the community support was what pushed me to get involved."

Community support was important before the signing of the lease, and Onesti said he would like to see the support and input continue.

With the community's help, he said he would like to use the Arcada to create a source of pride in St. Charles and the Fox Valley by restoring the theater and producing family-oriented entertainment.

"My intention is to restore the grandeur of the theater back to the 1920s and restore some of the decor to that look, as well," Onesti said. "I'm very big on the splendor of the eras and trying to maintain the feel."

Price said he is happy to have Onesti in charge of the theater.

"I'm relieved that we've got somebody in there that seems like they're going to be committed and put a lot of hard work and sweat into it," he said.

The shows, which will center around live performances, could begin as soon as mid-July, Onesti said, adding that he will try to incorporate any movie showings with live events. For example, a showing of the movie "Ray" could be followed by a live performance of Ray Charles' music.

Onesti Entertainment Corp. is a Chicago-based company that produces more than 1,000 corporate events, festivals, concerts and theatrical presentations nationwide each year. The corporation has also produced events at the Kane County Events Center in Geneva.

"We're excited, especially with someone of his background and contacts in the industry," said David Richards, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, Inc. "With a staff of 22, he certainly has the manpower to provide the day-to-day management the Arcada requires."

Contributing: Chronicle reporter Roald Haase