Highland Park’s Wayfarer Theaters reopens May 31 after extensive remodel
Wayfarer Theaters, a multi-use space for films, live events, and conversation, will have a grand reopening of its five-screen venue in Highland Park on May 31.
It follows extensive renovations to the street-level lobby and second-floor gallery, as well as updates to its auditoriums to enhance the audience experience, according to a news release.
The opening night presentation will be Wayfarer Studios’ and Closer Media’s “Ezra,” a film directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, and newcomer William A. Fitzgerald.
After opening in February 2023, the cinema’s theater spaces were modernized with luxury reclining seating options in two of the five auditoriums and a café area was added to the second floor.
The lobby now features a welcoming LED screen display of Wayfarer’s leadership team, including Highland Park resident Steve Sarowitz, along with Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, co-founder Justin Baldoni and President Tera Hanks, speaking to the theater’s unique guest experience and Wayfarer’s core principles.
A community bulletin board, café and dramatic video walls are key elements of the venue’s enhancements. The remodeled concession area will incorporate standard theater fare, such as popcorn, natural snacks from local vendors and organic beverage options from Tractor Beverage Company.
“We provide a space where guests can find engaging content that aligns with our core principles and enriches the soul,” said Sarowitz, founder of Wayfarer Theaters and co-chairman of Wayfarer Studios. “We offer engaging content that inspires, unites, and enriches the soul. Our team meticulously curates a diverse array of uplifting movies that affirm the nobility of all people. To further enhance the film experience, we regularly bring in filmmakers to have thought-provoking conversations with our audience.”
Past celebrity guest appearances include Jane Goodall, Rainn Wilson, Justin Baldoni, Patricia Heaton, Penn Badgley and Geena Davis, he said.
“This approach made us the fastest growing movie theater in the Chicago area in 2023 and we aim even higher in 2024,” Sarowitz said.
The company is rooted in principles of respect for the nobility of all, justice, celebrating diversity and oneness of humanity, the release said.
“The changes we’ve made to our facilities serve to enhance these principles and encourage impactful experiences amongst our audiences,” said Clayton Stamper, general manager of Wayfarer Theaters. “We will feature major studio releases, as well as independent productions like John Siskel’s ‘Memorial’, a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Highland Park mass shooting.”
On May 31, Wayfarer Theaters will host a series of screenings of “Ezra,” a 2024 American comedy-drama film written by Tony Spiridakis, for media and community supporters. The event also will feature a special preview of the venue with remarks from the Wayfarer Theaters team, and concessions to celebrate the occasion.
To learn more about Wayfarer Theaters and for a list of upcoming showings, visit wayfarertheaters.com.