Rhapsody Theater

Current article about the change to Rhapsody Theatre.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/04/15/rogers-parks-mayne-stage-to-become-rhapsody-theater-hosting-magic-shows-and-music-in-historical-venue/?fbclid=IwAR14mGApK4kL_Jx7XWEHACWVfszXL4P5GGDRbP-g9BKkNziTCMCehJBcjZ4

Skyline newspaper is reporting that Mayne Stage will reopen as Rhapsody Theater featuring live entertainment, magic shows, cabaret and chamber music, per Leslie Perkins, 49th Ward chief of staff. It is on page 3 of the current print version of Skyline. The online version however requires a $20 annual subscription fee to view.

https://www.insideonline.com/

This opened on March 19th, 1938. Grand opening ad posted.

Apparently the restaurant & storefront portion will be reopening as a brewery.

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170220/rogers-park/empirical-brewery-take-over-rogers-parks-mayne-stage

Well it appears it’s days as a music venue are over. The below article states it will now only be used for weddings and private events.

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160404/rogers-park/mayne-stage-ditches-live-music-will-host-weddings-private-parties-instead

According to Chicago’s Forgotten Synagogues book by Robert A. Packer, The name of the synagogue was Congregation Beth Israel Anshe Yanova (House of Israel, Men of Yanova).

I just learned of this brouhaha & shuttering from my pretty friend Claire.

Wonderful disappointment Chicago Style.

At least 4 shootings resulting in deaths in the area earilier this yr. Don’t quote me on that.

I supported the foie gras ban.

Wow. It would be open only 5 months as of tomorrows date. Can’t imagine what any Pritzker would need or expect of it in that amount of time. Guess the economy really is bad.

Maybe the city should have taxed the foie gras instead. And paid up the Millenium Park bills with the proceeds.

Interesting article. Not sure what good could ever come out of canceling any upcoming performances. Not really the way to go about building up a newly renovated venue.
Sounds like egos at war. No matter what the problem is, keep the doors open and people coming until it’s resolved.
What would be the point in going public with an internal turmoil? Strange. Especially with so much capitol already spent.

Are you sure about this? That Tribune story is kind of old and the alderman sent out an e-mail a couple of weeks ago that it was just a rumor and that things were being worked out. He was supposed to be a “mediator”. But things may have changed.

Of course, that may tell us just what kind of mediator he actually is. After all, this is the same guy who wanted foie gras banned. Sent all foie gras fans up to Evanston and other suburbs. Since repealed.

From the Chicago Tribune, 12/9/56:

One of the most successful recent conversions in the north side communities is the changeover of the former Coed theater into the present Beth Israel Anshe Yanova synagogue, 1328 Morse Avenue.

In the main auditorium the newly reupholstered seats will accommodate 600 persons for the Sabbath rites. In daily use, however, is the chapel seating 70 persons created from a portion of the lobby. What had been second floor offices now includes a social hall seating 170 persons, a temporary study for the pastor (sic), classrooms for the Hebrew school, and a well appointed kitchen. The two projection rooms of the theater days are now respectively a cloak room and rest room.

Looks like it is really moving along.