A theater in Skokie that has entertained people for more than a century now has new owners.
Chris Matsakis and his college friend had aspired for years to work in live theater.
Their dream took off when a brick two-story building that opened on Lincoln Avenue during World War One went up for sale.
Matsakis, of Glenview, and José Pablo Cantillo, an actor whose credits include the Walking Dead, bought the 150-seat theater in June along with their spouses.
They plan to refresh the lobby, resume using the ticket window and upgrade the sound and lighting for future productions.
Matsakis says they’re considering hosting musical performances, comedy shows and live podcasts - in addition to film and theater productions.
Thanks to an ongoing fundraiser on Indiegogo and a $50,000 grant from the village, they hope to open in late September.
