With great respect: The documentary, “Portrait of a Palace” was lacking in many respects. It was a good student film but lacked historical data like where the chandeliers are today and how they got there. It also failed to answer the question of who the REAL owners are. Glaring ommissions were the failure to interview: Mary Brush, D'escoto Architects, the two banks and their mortgage people, Carol, Mike, Mark Zipperer, Chad, Marty Tangora, and many others who could have explained the complex financial history and status of the theatre today. Rudy, Louie Wolf, Kenny Goldberg… It also lacked an interview with ME! I have collected and archived so many financial and historical documents from the Uptown, I would have been honored to share them all. I would have been a natural on camera. Even if I wasn’t interviewed, no one from UTCA was interviewed nor was Albert Goodman. Why wasn’t the official “trustee” even interviewed? “Portrait of a Palace” was a great piece to save other theatres but did little to answer the REAL questions of what to do programming wise with the Uptown Theatre when it opens…not if…but when. Many of us at the Portage Park Theatre that night were deeply saddened that a large committee of well meaning community members could not meet and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Some informal groups began their discussions on the street outside the theatre. (Dave S., Ruth, and her investors, George from Cleveland, and even Dr. Talsky with some of his minions.) The Alderman has the power and authority to do this: Organize the first Uptown Summit! It is time to bury our individual egos, roll up our sleeves and go to work. It truly will take a nation to save this theatre. It will take music promoters, producers, actors, musicians, theatre historians, preservationists, architects, construction estimators, professional theatre consultants, REAL developers with REAL money, dreamers, workers, finance people, grass roots groups and the politicos to save this theatre. Let’s stop addressing the root causes of why it hasn’t opened and deal with how it CAN open. And please.. leave the personal attacks of me off of this site and stick to the issues?
Goaway: Again this is website for cinema treasures not for the legal aspects of this case. E-mail me privately and I am happy to respond. For the record one last time: Grande Venues, Inc. claims that the Wheaton Grand Theatre has done three primary things to destroy our company. They cancelled our lawful contract, they spread lies about us to business people and have retained money for concerts we wrote contracts for. They also cost us upwards of $90,000 of commissions. Balance the small amount we collected from activities that WE created against the money they owe us. Again we are willing to let the courts decide. The lawsuit is public. We filed it last summer. Read it! I am happy to meet you and others at the DuPage County Courthouse one day to go over all these matters. How is that? Now can you let this go and allow theatre restoration business to resume here?
Life: You and I have been warned about posting lies and to stick to the facts. GVI has filed a lawsuit against Grand Theatre Corporation. We are suing them. Period. All the issues regarding money owed to us, money we have collected on behalf of them, concessions, commissions, tortious interference, etc., will be settled in court. Let it stay there not on this site. There are no other lawsuits or claims aginst GVI or me personally. All judgements against me have been paid. Thank you.
We are reminded not to bring any personal attacks on these sites and to stick to the facts. Your statement is untrue. GVI is suing Grand Theatre corporation in Wheaton. We have no other lawsuits against us.
On the ghosts: We heard a few haunting stories from an old projectionist who used to live in the theatre. He left in the 1950s. He told stories about side wall lights flickering at night after the theatre was closed. He and a manager went to the fuse box and turned off all the fuses and still a light flickered. They also heard laughter coming from the stage but assumed it was kids in the alley. On several occasions he went out of the back door and no one was there. Oh one last thing: Keep broadcasting lies, Mr. Brennan and see where it takes you. We have moved on, you should too. Never assume GVI has ever done anything illegal or immoral. You may say what you like about me (which normally Brennan fabricates) but never assume Mr. Novelli is anything less than honorable.
Life’s: Did you get a degree in psychology? You appear to have such empathy and passion to help people and save theatres like I do. You say I am “acting like a door to door knife salesman?” Yikes. Perhaps you need help. Someday I truly believe that we could meet and work on a project together. Naturally you would want to meet in a public place as you appear to be so afraid of me. Bring a friend or two and let’s work on another theatre together. I am sure there are a few left for us. So we can get back to business…What is happening a the Wheaton Grand now? Are there fundraisers planned? Will there be an architects plan presented to the public?
To LawfordTheatre (really it is Robert Brennan): Your information is wrong and libelous, as usual. I would appreciate your keeping my family out of this. For the record: My mother has been dead for 47 years. You were thrown out of the Lawford for non payment of rent, so stop posting here. You past is not so clean either but GVI will not resort to your despicable tactics. Stick to the facts, pal.
Lifes2short: Your frustration is clear for all to see. You have now sunk to new lows… high school name calling. Sad. No one is trying to bring this discussion down, only to reality. GVI sued in a court of law because even a not for profit is capable of breaking the law and failure to pay commissions. We all love old theatres. That is why we post here. You take everything personally then throw back vitriol. Are you on the board? Are you a volunteer? What is your connection with the theatre? Why don’t you come out of the shadows? Your attacks on me personally aren’t necessary. Just stick to the facts.
It is sad that Robert Brennan lost the Lawford Theatre (and money to us)and now chooses to blame everyone else except himself. Grow up, Brennan, It’s is big business world out there. Now that neither one of us is involved, stay off of this site as per the request of the folks who run this website.
There he goes again, folks. Robert Brennan defines the word, “Con Man” or “Pathological Liar.” For the record: Brennan owes GVI $13K for back rent and we began eviction proceedings. He then made a pathetic attempt to run the theatre without our help. Down he went. He will fail again. Check county records, newspaper clippings, etc. Why does he persist these postings after he failed? Stop posting, Robert, and try to run your theatres in… where have you run off to, now?
Although there are no rules about being involved with a specific theatre to post messages on Cinema Treasures, Robert, we will respect your wishes. In the future, tell the truth and you won’t see us on here anymore. We sold our option to you and now you are running the theatre. You don’t own it either. End of discussion.
OK: No flaming. Please keep running the theatre and talk about what your plans are for programming? People in the community want to help you do concerts, movies and special events. How do they help you? Do you have plan to put money into restoration of the historic 1914 theatre?
Larry is misinformed or a patsy. The theatre is for sale and he did not get an e-mail form anyone to that effect as the broker will not be in until tomorrow. More lies from Mr. Brennan? Cal is accepting names and offers. Let’s end this string here as we were requested to do so and let it play out quietly.
Once again Robert Brennan proves that he is delusional. We were patient and even cordial. For the record, he has paid us NO rent in months so we evicted Mr Brennan. He is now playing a long game into court. The truth hurts but he will be gone soon and the theatre will be sold, again. Anyone know of a nice couple who wants to run a small theatre in a nice town? Contact our rwalor and do NOT talk to Mr. Brennan. He has no standing now at the Lawford Theatre. Call Maloof Realty. Speak with Cal Masear, GRI Work: (309) 692-3908. He is a trained professional.
I can assure you that “LawfordTheatre” has the best interests of the theatre in mind. We are all looking for someone who will live in Havana to operate the theatre and continue the success it now enjoys. If you want to contact a realtor, please call Cal Masear GRI Work: (309) 692-3908. He is a trained professional.
Thank you, Patrick. The Historic Lawford Theatre in downtown Havana, Illinois has been showing movies quite successfuly recently under manager Robert Brennan and Chalet Theatres, Inc. He has done a great job reopening the place. Fresh popcorn, good selection of candy and soda, new sound, and some new projection equipment. Hopefully more live events and cocnerts soon! Continued success!
With great respect: The documentary, “Portrait of a Palace” was lacking in many respects. It was a good student film but lacked historical data like where the chandeliers are today and how they got there. It also failed to answer the question of who the REAL owners are. Glaring ommissions were the failure to interview: Mary Brush, D'escoto Architects, the two banks and their mortgage people, Carol, Mike, Mark Zipperer, Chad, Marty Tangora, and many others who could have explained the complex financial history and status of the theatre today. Rudy, Louie Wolf, Kenny Goldberg… It also lacked an interview with ME! I have collected and archived so many financial and historical documents from the Uptown, I would have been honored to share them all. I would have been a natural on camera. Even if I wasn’t interviewed, no one from UTCA was interviewed nor was Albert Goodman. Why wasn’t the official “trustee” even interviewed? “Portrait of a Palace” was a great piece to save other theatres but did little to answer the REAL questions of what to do programming wise with the Uptown Theatre when it opens…not if…but when. Many of us at the Portage Park Theatre that night were deeply saddened that a large committee of well meaning community members could not meet and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Some informal groups began their discussions on the street outside the theatre. (Dave S., Ruth, and her investors, George from Cleveland, and even Dr. Talsky with some of his minions.) The Alderman has the power and authority to do this: Organize the first Uptown Summit! It is time to bury our individual egos, roll up our sleeves and go to work. It truly will take a nation to save this theatre. It will take music promoters, producers, actors, musicians, theatre historians, preservationists, architects, construction estimators, professional theatre consultants, REAL developers with REAL money, dreamers, workers, finance people, grass roots groups and the politicos to save this theatre. Let’s stop addressing the root causes of why it hasn’t opened and deal with how it CAN open. And please.. leave the personal attacks of me off of this site and stick to the issues?
Goaway: Again this is website for cinema treasures not for the legal aspects of this case. E-mail me privately and I am happy to respond. For the record one last time: Grande Venues, Inc. claims that the Wheaton Grand Theatre has done three primary things to destroy our company. They cancelled our lawful contract, they spread lies about us to business people and have retained money for concerts we wrote contracts for. They also cost us upwards of $90,000 of commissions. Balance the small amount we collected from activities that WE created against the money they owe us. Again we are willing to let the courts decide. The lawsuit is public. We filed it last summer. Read it! I am happy to meet you and others at the DuPage County Courthouse one day to go over all these matters. How is that? Now can you let this go and allow theatre restoration business to resume here?
Life: You and I have been warned about posting lies and to stick to the facts. GVI has filed a lawsuit against Grand Theatre Corporation. We are suing them. Period. All the issues regarding money owed to us, money we have collected on behalf of them, concessions, commissions, tortious interference, etc., will be settled in court. Let it stay there not on this site. There are no other lawsuits or claims aginst GVI or me personally. All judgements against me have been paid. Thank you.
We are reminded not to bring any personal attacks on these sites and to stick to the facts. Your statement is untrue. GVI is suing Grand Theatre corporation in Wheaton. We have no other lawsuits against us.
On the ghosts: We heard a few haunting stories from an old projectionist who used to live in the theatre. He left in the 1950s. He told stories about side wall lights flickering at night after the theatre was closed. He and a manager went to the fuse box and turned off all the fuses and still a light flickered. They also heard laughter coming from the stage but assumed it was kids in the alley. On several occasions he went out of the back door and no one was there. Oh one last thing: Keep broadcasting lies, Mr. Brennan and see where it takes you. We have moved on, you should too. Never assume GVI has ever done anything illegal or immoral. You may say what you like about me (which normally Brennan fabricates) but never assume Mr. Novelli is anything less than honorable.
Life’s: Did you get a degree in psychology? You appear to have such empathy and passion to help people and save theatres like I do. You say I am “acting like a door to door knife salesman?” Yikes. Perhaps you need help. Someday I truly believe that we could meet and work on a project together. Naturally you would want to meet in a public place as you appear to be so afraid of me. Bring a friend or two and let’s work on another theatre together. I am sure there are a few left for us. So we can get back to business…What is happening a the Wheaton Grand now? Are there fundraisers planned? Will there be an architects plan presented to the public?
Thank you, LarryB7313. Words to live by.
Thank you, KZA347. Words to live by.
To LawfordTheatre (really it is Robert Brennan): Your information is wrong and libelous, as usual. I would appreciate your keeping my family out of this. For the record: My mother has been dead for 47 years. You were thrown out of the Lawford for non payment of rent, so stop posting here. You past is not so clean either but GVI will not resort to your despicable tactics. Stick to the facts, pal.
Lifes2short: Your frustration is clear for all to see. You have now sunk to new lows… high school name calling. Sad. No one is trying to bring this discussion down, only to reality. GVI sued in a court of law because even a not for profit is capable of breaking the law and failure to pay commissions. We all love old theatres. That is why we post here. You take everything personally then throw back vitriol. Are you on the board? Are you a volunteer? What is your connection with the theatre? Why don’t you come out of the shadows? Your attacks on me personally aren’t necessary. Just stick to the facts.
It is sad that Robert Brennan lost the Lawford Theatre (and money to us)and now chooses to blame everyone else except himself. Grow up, Brennan, It’s is big business world out there. Now that neither one of us is involved, stay off of this site as per the request of the folks who run this website.
There he goes again, folks. Robert Brennan defines the word, “Con Man” or “Pathological Liar.” For the record: Brennan owes GVI $13K for back rent and we began eviction proceedings. He then made a pathetic attempt to run the theatre without our help. Down he went. He will fail again. Check county records, newspaper clippings, etc. Why does he persist these postings after he failed? Stop posting, Robert, and try to run your theatres in… where have you run off to, now?
Are there plans to keep it open for any other purpose other than for cinema?
Is the Portage going to open soon?
Good luck with the next “phase.” Hopefully those with property inside will be able to get it out before too long.
Although there are no rules about being involved with a specific theatre to post messages on Cinema Treasures, Robert, we will respect your wishes. In the future, tell the truth and you won’t see us on here anymore. We sold our option to you and now you are running the theatre. You don’t own it either. End of discussion.
For the record: Cal and Tammy work in the same real estate office.
OK: No flaming. Please keep running the theatre and talk about what your plans are for programming? People in the community want to help you do concerts, movies and special events. How do they help you? Do you have plan to put money into restoration of the historic 1914 theatre?
See? I told you all. Mr. Warshauer’s credibility remains in tact, as usual.
Larry is misinformed or a patsy. The theatre is for sale and he did not get an e-mail form anyone to that effect as the broker will not be in until tomorrow. More lies from Mr. Brennan? Cal is accepting names and offers. Let’s end this string here as we were requested to do so and let it play out quietly.
Once again Robert Brennan proves that he is delusional. We were patient and even cordial. For the record, he has paid us NO rent in months so we evicted Mr Brennan. He is now playing a long game into court. The truth hurts but he will be gone soon and the theatre will be sold, again. Anyone know of a nice couple who wants to run a small theatre in a nice town? Contact our rwalor and do NOT talk to Mr. Brennan. He has no standing now at the Lawford Theatre. Call Maloof Realty. Speak with Cal Masear, GRI Work: (309) 692-3908. He is a trained professional.
I can assure you that “LawfordTheatre” has the best interests of the theatre in mind. We are all looking for someone who will live in Havana to operate the theatre and continue the success it now enjoys. If you want to contact a realtor, please call Cal Masear GRI Work: (309) 692-3908. He is a trained professional.
We own the lease. Mr. Brennan is our tenant. He is doing a great job. Let it be.
Thank you, Patrick. The Historic Lawford Theatre in downtown Havana, Illinois has been showing movies quite successfuly recently under manager Robert Brennan and Chalet Theatres, Inc. He has done a great job reopening the place. Fresh popcorn, good selection of candy and soda, new sound, and some new projection equipment. Hopefully more live events and cocnerts soon! Continued success!
Thank you Patrick. I promise to be nice and only discuss the facts.