Tidbits about the Genesee Theatre

From silent film stars of the past to the top comedians of the present have graced the stage at the historic Genesee Theatre over the years.

The Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St. in Waukegan, first opened in 1927 and closed in 1989. After a massive renovation, it reopened for a second life in December of 2004.

Here are some facts about the historic theater:

• Three Waukegan businessmen -- A.L. Brumund, H.C. Burnett and D.T. Webb -- were the owners of the original Genesee after purchasing the land owned by the YMCA for $130,000.

• The original theater had 1,799 seats and 1,200 yards of tapestries. But the massive Barton Grande pipe organ was the crowning achievement of the building.

• The original theater was scheduled to open on Thanksgiving of 1927, but construction problems pushed the start date back to Christmas day of that year.

• The theater boasted the first talking picture in Waukegan with the movie "The Lion and the Mouse." Also, Waukegan native Jack Benny's "Man About Town" premiered at the Genesee in 1939, while his movie "The Navy Way" premiered in 1944.

• The Genesee closed its doors in 1989, but didn't sit dormant for long. A $23 million renovation began in July of 2001 as part of the city of Waukegan's downtown renovation project.

• All fixtures in the current Genesee are exact replicas of what was in the theater in the early years. The wallpaper, tapestries and the marquee on the stage were recreated.

• The opening act featured two sold-out performances by comedian Bill Cosby.

In the coming weeks, the Genesee will host:

• "The Music of Mannheim Steamroller:" April 5

• "Jesus Christ Superstar," the musical: April 17.

• The comedy of E! talk show host Chelsea Handler: April 24.

• The "Chiwaukee Dance Festival:" April 27.

• The comedy of Jeff Dunham: May 3.

For ticket information, please call the Genesee Theater at (847) 782-2366, or check out their box office on the Internet at www.geneseetheatre.com.