Portion of St. Charles theater to become 1920s 'speakeasy'
Come Friday, a "secret" door in St. Charles' Arcada Theatre will lead guests to a throwback Chicago speakeasy, reminiscent of the prohibition days of yesteryear.
Located on the third floor of the theater at 105 E. Main St., Club Arcada will open its doors for the first time 5 p.m. Friday. Visitors will enter through a door in the third-floor library next to a 1920s shoeshine stand, according to a news release.
The club, with its live music and old-Hollywood-star-themed rooms has been a dream of theater president and CEO Ron Onesti since he was "ten years old watching black-and-white films Sunday mornings."
The opening weekend will include performances by 1930s-40s dance band, The Flat Cats on Friday, retro '50s band Rosie & The Rivets on Saturday, and "an evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber" featuring Broadway performer Franc D'Ambrosio on Sunday.
Club Arcada will be open to the public for dinner, desserts and snacks beginning at 5 p.m. Entertainment will follow at 8:30 p.m., with a full food and beverage menu available throughout the show.
The speakeasy will be open to all ages from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and on select Thursdays and Sundays. Anyone not eating will be required to order a two-drink minimum, and shows will typically charge an entertainment fee.
Guests are asked to dress nicely, and shorts, gym shoes, T-shirts and ripped jeans are forbidden.
Because of limited seating, reservations are encouraged.
Tickets to special shows are available at www.clubarcada.com or by calling 630-962-7000.