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Friends of the Chicago Theatre Caucus

- News Clippings - Book Proposal (requires adobe acrobat reader)-

 

Purpose

The purpose of the Friends of the Chicago Theatre Caucus is to (1) stand against any efforts to demolition the structure or make alterations damaging to its historic look, (2) serve as an advocacy group in terms of government or legal issues that have a negative impact on the physical condition, financial viability, or historic value; (3) promote awareness of the Theatre, and its importance; and (4) occasionally host or sponsor events beneficial to the Theatre.  This caucus is the successor of the original Friends of the Chicago Theatre founded under the auspices of the City Club of Chicago.  It was originally headed by Chicago's great sportscaster, the late Jack Brickhouse.  The current Friends group is headed by Pat Brickhouse.

Background

The Chicago Theatre is among the premier landmarks of Chicago. Its glittering marquee is a Chicago icon recognized throughout the world. The old Chicago is also the most outstanding example of the palace theaters that characterized the gold age of movies – and has been the scene of many of the great moments in cinema history. In addition, it is the venue of Chicago history, tying together such unlikely names as Ronald Reagan and Al Capone.

The Chicago theatre was built in 1921 as the flagship of the opulent Balaban & Katz theaters. The most famous entertainers in the world graced its stage for live acts that were once associated with the opening of blockbuster movies.

The Theatre had its ups and downs as depressions, wars and cultural changes threatened its existence. The most serious threat came in the mid-1980s, when it appeared that the Chicago Theatre was doomed to demolition. As Executive Director of the City Club of Chicago, Larry P. Horist mounted a two-year civic effort that despite seemingly impossible odds rescued the Theatre from the wrecking ball (CLICK HERE TO SEE ARCHIVES OF CLIPPINGS). He formed the Friends of the Chicago Theatre as an independent advocacy group in order to protect and preserve this great movie palace for posterity.  PPC's Friends of the Chicago Theatre Caucus continues in he cause and memorialize the historic role and name of the original “Friends” civic committee.

Caucus Leader:

Pat Brickhouse
Contact with Mrs. Brickhouse may be made through PPC at:
(773) 596-5599
ppc (at) thomasandjoyce (dot) com

How you can help?!

note:  This is only an example.  The links and buttons on the from below does not work.

Please add my name to the Friends of the Chicago Theatre.

I wish to volunteer as an active member of the Friends of the Chicago Theatre

Please accept my contribution of $                       for the important work of the Friends of the Chicago Theatre.

Name
Address
Phone Number
Fax Number
Email address
Specific Projects

 

Chicago Theatre Book Proposal

Former Sun-Times reporter and author James Merriner and former City Club of Chicago Executive Director Larry Horist have advanced a proposal to write a comprehensive book on the history and architecture of the grand old Chicago Theatre. You are invited to support this project with your contributions to the PPC's Friends of the Chicago Theatre Caucus. (CLICK HERE TO READ COMPLETE BOOK PROPOSAL 1.8 MB pdf).

 

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