Skokie Theater Getting Major Upgrades Under New Ownership

SKOKIE, IL — The Skokie Theater is set to get some major upgrades as new ownership takes the reins.

The new owners Chris and Monica Matsakis and Jose Pablo and Kristi Cantillo, two locally based families with deep ties to the performing arts, announced they took over on July 7.

"We're honored to take the baton from Wendy [Kaplan], whose decades of dedication kept The Skokie Theatre alive in this community's heart," the owners said in an Instagram post. "Our vision is to reimagine it as The Skokie, a 150-seat venue and a home for comedy, storytelling, live music, improv, and classes. The kinds of nights you talk about for years. A place where this community gathers, laughs, creates, and connects."

The new ownership group plans to offer stage plays, comedy showcases, storytelling nights, live music, improv, film and educational classes.

At Monday night's Village Board meeting, trustees approved a Storefront Enhancement Program of $50,000 to help fund some major upgrades to the building.

Planned exterior work includes masonry repair, tuckpointing, stone restoration and roof repairs, according to the village document. The owners also plan to restore the ticket window and improve the marquee while maintaining its historic character.

Inside, the proposal includes remodeling and refreshing the lobby, improving seating and circulation, and adding a bar and concession area.

"Thank you for your investment in our community," Mayor Ann Tennes said to the new owners. "We've appreciated the good foundation that Wendy Kaplan and Wayne Mell with Madcap Productions laid at the Skokie Theater, but your new vision and dedication are so exciting."

The Skokie Theater first opened in 1912 as a movie theater before it was shut down in 2004 for lack of business. It quickly opened back up in 2006 after a $1.5 million makeover with better seating and better acoustics for live performances.

Former owner Wendy Kaplan bought the theater in 2014 after years of dreaming to have one of her own, she told Patch.

Related: 'Live And Wonderful': Local Theater Brings Passion Alive In Skokie

The new owners purchased the Skokie Theater this year for $875,000 and that the estimated cost of the first phase of improvements is approaching $300,000, for a total investment of $1.2 million, according to the city.

For now, the theater is closed while major renovations are done, according to Chris Matsakis. The theater is expected to reopen in September, with additional construction and improvements continuing into early 2027.

"We have been blown away by the support of the community so far, and we're so excited and thrilled to be working with you all. We just cannot wait," Monica Matsakis said.