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Article updated: 9/17/2012 11:23 AM

Nostalgic drive-ins must go digital, too

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Rush Luangsuwan and his wife, Jennifer Mawdsley, both of Woodridge, get ready for a double-feature at the Cascade Drive-In Theater in West Chicago.

Paul Michna | Staff Photographer

Families prepare for show time at the Cascade Drive-In Theater in West Chicago.

Paul Michna | Staff Photographer

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A double-feature begins at the Cascade Drive-In Theater in West Chicago.

Paul Michna | Staff Photographer

Justin Lawrence of Chicago perches on the family van as he gets ready to watch a movie at the Cascade Drive-In Theater in West Chicago.

Paul Michna | Staff Photographer

Greg and Lisa Schwartz of Carol Stream and their dog, Molly, prepare to enjoy the drive-in show with a pizza and a bottle of wine.

Paul Michna | Staff Photographer

Cascade Drive-In Theater projectionist Walter Becker sets up a "platter" of film in advance of the theater's nightly double feature.

Paul Michna | Staff Photographer

Rush Luangsuwan of Woodridge frequents the Cascade Drive-In Theater in West Chicago weekly, often in his 1957 Chevy. "I encourage my friends to come here as much as possible because you don't know when it might close," he said.

Paul Michna | Staff Photographer

About this Article

At the Cascade Drive-In movie theater in West Chicago, nostalgia abounds. But as one of the few remaining drive-ins, it's also finding new ways to adapt. And it likely has to, if it wants to survive. Cascade owner Jeff Kohlberg recently decided the 51-year-old theater will convert this fall from showing movies on old 35-millimeter film to new digital equipment. Without it, the theater would have to close, he said.

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