"I remember when a movie cost a quarter!" As a child, I heard my grandmother say this countless times. While I could not relate, I, too, longed for the simple time she recalled. But what's better than remembering? Reliving. Built in 1929, The Music Box Theater will take you back in time. You deserve a night out; why not spend it in the past?
The Music Box Theater, still located at 3733 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago, had its opening day on August 22, 1929. Seating 800 people, it was considered to be a small yet accommodating theater of its time. It was built by Louis A. Simon, a local architect best known for constructing homes during the Great Depression. The theater is made up of charming and elegant designs with rich colors coating the walls. It includes both an orchestra pit as well as an organ chamber, as it was built to accommodate silent films in its earlier years. When it opened, you could see a movie at The Music Box for just a nickel. Though it went through a number of changes throughout the years, it held on to its historical look.
The Music Box has its own ghost story, adding further charm to this old-fashioned theater. Whitey was the manager from 1929 to 1977. He lived a block away from the theater and devoted his life to keeping it a clean and operating business. He was best known for kicking out the little boys who failed to pay their way in. On the night before Thanksgiving in 1977, Whitey returned to the theater to close up. He fell asleep on the couch and never woke up. To this day, Whitey's ghost is said to haunt the halls of the old theater, solving problems and expressing his own opinions. If you visit the theater, make sure to look for him in aisle four, where he will be checking tickets!
The best part about The Music Box is that not much has changed. It remains an elegant and timeless establishment that will have you reliving your past the minute you walk through the door. Today, The Music Box features a number of independent, foreign, and classic films, as well as sing-a-longs and holiday events. Christmas is celebrated with Santa leading a sing-a-long on the organ followed by two celebrated films - White Christmas andIt's A Wonderful Life. The Music Box offers many discounts - I would recommend going on a Monday where you can get a ticket, popcorn, and a drink for only five dollars. Enjoy!
Upcoming Shows and Events
- Pandora's Box, A Silent Film - July 14th
- Mary Poppins Sing-a-long - July 21st
- Frankenstein - July 22nd
Visit www.musicboxtheater.com for more showtimes and events.
Melanie Marzillo
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior Living