Sponsored
Onesti Entertainment
105 East Main Street
St. Charles, Il 60174
630.962.7000
www.oshows.com
Arcada Theatre
It was on September 6, 1926 that the 900-seat Arcada Theatre first opened its doors to a Vaudeville audience and a short “Our Gang Comedy” film. Eighty years later, Ron Onesti, President & CEO of Onesti Entertainment, came to St. Charles to take over the reins of the theatre, which was days away from becoming an office complex, and turned it into one of the most popular live music venues in the country.
Now, in response to the theatre’s popularity coupled with Onesti’s desire to create a one-of-a-kind entertainment and dining experience for his guests, the ninety-four year-old gem is weeks away from completing a facelift like no other!
“For fifteen years we have been creating life-lasting memories for thousands of music lovers of all ages,” Onesti said. “But the building was tired – hot in the summer, cold in the winter. And definitely, restroom-challenged!”
Highlights of this monumental renovation include:
- New flooring throughout
- New HVAC – so it will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer…finally!!
- A Venetian-style outdoor patio space
- New and renovated bars
- Video gaming
- 26 new restrooms
- A luxurious VIP experience, in a country-club style atmosphere
- The Arcadian Suites – eleven musically themed hotel super-suites
- Rock ‘N Za, a wood fired, rock ‘n roll pizza experience with vintage rock pinball machines
- A newly renovated stage
- Upgraded sound and lighting systems
- Rock ‘N Ravioli, a classic style Italian Restaurant, featuring Ron’s favorite homemade recipes
- Renovated dressing rooms backstage for our entertainers
- PLUS so much more!!
Yes, ninety-four years later, The Arcada Theatre is enjoying a revitalization few venues get to boast. But as Onesti puts it, “I have been dreaming about these changes for a long time. Now, they are a reality. I am thrilled that we can show our loyal customers and our beloved bands just how much we appreciate them with better facilities and equipment to make their experience here even more memorable. And of course, I’ll still have my meatballs to give them. They are what REALLY keeps them coming back!”
The theatre renovations will wrap up this fall with the opening of the Arcadian Suites and Rock ‘N Ravioli. In the meantime, the Arcada Theatre is BACK and LIVE MUSIC IS BACK!!! Over 100 shows are now on sale at www.oshows.com. Like us on Facebook or visit us online at www.oshows.com for more information and special offers (HINT: Free Food and Free Tickets!!)
Club Arcada
DRINK, DINE, AND DANCE!
On the 3rd floor of the Arcada Theatre Complex sits the “icing on the cake”. The Club Arcada Speakeasy & Restaurant opened in 2017 amidst 400 antiques, a roaring 1920s vibe, and wonderful views of downtown St. Charles.
Originally opened in the “Repeal of Prohibition” era of the 1930s, CLUB ARCADA is back with all the glory and excitement of those flapper-girl, bathtub gin days of yesteryear.
Guests begin the evening by entering through a secret door located in the “Arcada Theatre Third Floor Library” next to a 1920s “Streets of Chicago Shoeshine Stand”. Just through the “secret doorway” is the “Prohibition Lounge”, a quiet and cozy “getaway” from the main live music room. Adjacent to the lounge is the “Louis Armstrong Speakeasy Bar”, a copper and bronze saloon flanked by a 48-star flag from the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, a 125 year-old cash register and 100 year old beer taps. Over fifty bourbons, bathtub gin, and deliciously creative concoctions are served up by era-expert mixologists.
Across the hall from Armstrong’s is “Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp Room”, where a five-foot, 1908 shutter camera and original spotlights and stage lights from 1926-era Arcada Theatre are on display. Adding to the experience in that room is classic Chaplin film posters and rare photos with the comedy legend’s historic black and white films projected directly onto the wall, and a discreetly placed Chaplin bowler hat for guests to try and locate. This is a perfect private experience for up to twenty guests.
At the end of the exquisite hall is the “Fred & Ginger Room”, the main showroom named for suave dance legends Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, breathtaking and intimate, with a professional dance floor, muraled walls, an exquisite thousand-crystal chandelier and priceless antiques. Within the room are two additional VIP seating options, the “Casablanca Corner” and the “Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland Booth”.
Annexed to the main ballroom is “Gatsby’s at Club Arcada”, a semi-private area for 20 guests with floating vintage musical instruments and comfy couches. Tucked in the corner is the exclusive “Jean Harlow Marquee Room”, another spectacular VIP experience for up to six guests with a ten-foot window overlooking the grand Arcada Theatre marquee.
In the showroom is the “Cab Calloway Mainstage” where some of the finest entertainers in the world perform for an intimate audience. Period Jazz, Blues, Comedy, Broadway, Rockabilly and other unique performances are featured on stage.
“This is a classy joint! Dress up and have fun!” Says Onesti. “Some presentations are ‘show’ based, some will have the dance floor open!”
CLUB ARCADA is open to the general public, offering sumptuous options for dinner, small plates, dessert-ing or late-nite snacking. Typically, the doors to CLUB ARCADA open at 5 pm for early dinner. The entertainment begins about 8:30 pm, but it is suggested to eat a bit earlier to truly enjoy the entertainment experience. But the full food and beverage menu is available throughout the show.
On Sundays, the day is spent paying homage to Frank Sinatra and the traditional Italian Feast. From 3PM to 8PM, guests are treated to a local musical artist singing the songs of Ole’ Blue Eyes, and other Rat Pack favorites. Ron’s Famous Italian Feast consists of an Italian Salad, homemade cheese ravioli or penne pasta with a Sunday sauce/gravy, Ron’s famous meatballs, Taylor Street sausage and peppers, garlic bread, and a cannoli to finish.
Please visit www.oshows.com for specific hours and events. RESERVATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED as SEATING IS LIMITED! Many shows will have separate tickets that can be purchased on www.clubarcada.com or by calling 630-962-7000.
