Saving the Skokie Theatre

Call it David vs. Goliath.

The title would only be fitting for Al Curtis' situation.

Curtis, who is operations manager for the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., is campaigning for donations to save the landmark building.

And as if it were one of the theater's onstage performances, Curtis seems to be playing the role of David, as he is trying to renegotiate the terms of the theater's debt with the banks.

Currently, the theater is in receivership, and that means the building could be foreclosed on in the near future.

"We'll figure it out," Curtis said. "We'll fight it one way or the other."

Curtis said he wants to get an offer together for the bank by mid-September. He has even reached out to some of his friends like Steve and Johnnie at WGN Radio and Rick Kogan to promote his cause.

And if he doesn't iron things out with the bank in September, Curtis sees the theater closing shop on Oct. 15, which happens to be a Friday night, he said.  

"If [Oct. 15] is our last show, then we're going out and still putting on a show," he said.

When asked what the theater's final show would be, Curtis didn't hesitate for one second.

"I'd have Doyle Dykes [perform] and Steve and Johnnie hosting it," he said.

Randy Miles, owner of Village Inn Pizza, 8050 Lincoln Ave., and president of the Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie, is planning a variety of fundraising events to help the theater.

Miles said he has already persuaded "Eddy the Chief Clearwater" – an internationally known blues artist from Chicago – to play at the Skokie Theatre. Tributosaurus is also booked to play The Beatles, and Miles hopes to have the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" play at the event.

While a date hasn't been set for the fundraising events, Miles said he hopes to have the artists perform in September or October. 

"The sound [at the Skokie Theatre] is unparallel," Miles said. "Some of the best music critiques say sound is second to none.

"The theater is one of the crown jewels in downtown Skokie. It helps bring people into downtown restaurants, and I think it will play a role in rejuvenating and redeveloping the downtown area."

To donate to the Skokie Theatre, send checks made out to N.S.E.D.F. of the S.C. of C. to Al Curtis, Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie 60077. More information on donations is also available at www.skokietheatre.com.