Arcada manager to solicit public input

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By TOM SCHLUETER

tschlueter@kcchronicle.com

ST. CHARLES -- Now that the Arcada Theatre has a new management firm, the company wants to hear from the community.

Onesti Entertainment Corp., which took over the management of the theater last month, is inviting the public to the theater at 7 p.m. Friday to listen to what residents would like to see and hear.

"I'm interested in what the community wants to see," manager Ron Onesti said.

Although the theater has not technically been closed, it has been without a manager since former manager Todd Smith opted out of his contract with the building's owner Jan. 31.

"One of the things that interested me the most was the community interest (in the theater)," Onesti said.

Onesti's Chicago-based production company puts on 400 shows a year and has worked with the Kane County Forest Preserve District on shows at the Events and Cultural Center.

With his background and connections in the entertainment industry, Onesti said he has been looking for a venue to manage.

He said he wanted an historic theater that did not require a huge initial investment.

"I've been searching for about five years for a place like this," he said. "It has all the elements. My intention is to turn it into a performing arts center."

He expects to get ideas from residents at Friday's open house. In the meantime, he hopes to produce a wide variety of shows in jazz, classical music and rock, as well as full production numbers like "The Nutcracker."

He said a full calendar is expected for August. However, he tentatively has scheduled a concert with the original members of Wings, Paul McCartney's former back-up band, and American English, a well-known Beatles tribute band, for July 20.

"I have to earn the community's support, and I'm going to work for it," he said.