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.
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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).
