Dreaming about Grand potential

The Wheaton Grand Theatre has become of great interest to me as I’ve watched the ongoing struggle between past and present to determine its future. Chicago, Aurora & Elgin electric line coaches ably transported my friends and I from Warrenville to the Wheaton Theatre for Saturday or Sunday matinees during the ‘30s and ‘40s.

An aunt of mine played piano behind the “Silents” of the 1920s. Lots of nostalgia here. But, realistically, the old nemesis, ‘bottom line,’ tends to smother creative thinking. However, based on the number of brave souls who voiced an opinion in favor of public funding for the ‘Grand’, there appears to be a stirring of conscience that could help us change our attitude from “What could have been” to “What just might be.”

Possibly, we are moving from ‘preserving,’ which denotes maintaining its present museum form, to utilizing and creating a destination right next door to an already successful theatrical venue. We could think “grass roots” and look to our town and its neighbors for various attractions to present themselves on the Grand’s stage.

For example: garage/basement bands could offer exposure for the young, drawing in their parents and friends — and (facetiously) spelling bees, speech tournaments, lectures, travelogues, debates, etc., etc. Drawing from the Grand’s early history, a showing of the old, jerky silent films of the 1920s with real-live piano background would be unique, and (moving right along), black-and-white movies of the ‘40s/’50s.

A ‘must’ would be an ever-changing historical display managed by the Wheaton History Center. Along with ticket revenue, subscription packages, life memberships, the sale of Wheaton memorabilia and a theatrical “angel.” Popcorn would definitely be the ultimate “bottom line.” Oh well, coming back down to earth in the struggle between fantasy and reality, it doesn’t cost anything to dream, does it?

Marianne Avery

Wheaton