Paxton Majestic Theatre
133 South Market Street,
Paxton,
IL
60957
133 South Market Street,
Paxton,
IL
60957
1 person
favorited this theater
Showing 51 - 75 of 88 comments
Okay. Mr. Majestic, If you were warning us of this all along why didnt you do something? Why did you run away from this lady 21 years ago?
I must say you arent that bright and since I am furious today and deeply heartbroken I can not hold back my strong desire to call you an idiot. Sure not the nicest thing to say but very true. My first clue that you are an idiot…How do you mispell someones name when you are replying to their message. NO I didnt mispell my name. You did. Why would I want to meet you after you abandoned such a treasure and then insult the amatuer theater group that I was a part of my entire life. And then mispell my name. Also who made you the king of this page. Why is everone else’s opinion wrong?
Tom, I’ve been in Damn Yankees, Never Too Late, The Music Man, Cinderella, and another show that I cant remember the name of, Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), The Variety show, The improv show we did with Lance, and my last show there when my dad died; Good Help is Hard to Murder(Libby). I also helped run the childrens theater camp there in 2004. I’ve known the Healy’s my entire life. And you cant forget Joe and Sue.
Remember a freckled kid? Thats me.
I’m really sad that the theater is gone. I spent countless hours on that stage, sitting in those old seats, crying in the parking lot, chasing kittens. The pictures of it burning to the ground are very depressing. far more depressing than the marquee bearing the last show dates from two years ago.
I dont know what to do now.
Yes, Tom, I agree. But, I have been warning of this very thing, and of my suspicions, for years. This IS NOT just a freak accident that broke all of our hearts, and robbed a community. Even the earliest facts that are comming out, mirrors my suspicions. SOMEONE is responsible, and must be held to that responsibility, and certainly not profit from the loss to all of us. I expect a flawless and relentless investigation(s). No Tom, NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING will erase the pleasant memories of the MAJESTIC PAXTON THEATRE. And certainly pursuing the cause/arsonist will never douse the ‘little sparks’ you speak of. But to those of you who knew, and loved the Majestic Paxton Theatre, there was never “just” a ‘little spark’, but the raging fire of memories will burn in our hearts forever. That big “silver smile” I have always talked about, shown brighter than ever today. Yes, our Grand Lady made a Grand exit, indeed.
Why not focus on the memories experienced at the fine theater instead of spending time trashing others. What’s done is done. Being spiteful will not bring things back to life, only trash the treasures we all have from our experiences there and what the theater represented when the lights were glowing bright. Let’s use those littles sparks left to help keep the memories alive to one day be relived in a great theater again.
Sad to say clutzycook is correct. I spent over an hour wandering downtown this evening and had updates all day from concerned friends as I work much to far away to have been present. It is truly a great loss and kind of a missing heart in the downtown. Since there is no longer historic preservation I am not sure where to go from here. I wish I was independently wealthy and could start from scratch. I guess I have the bittersweet memory of being on stage for the first time in my life in Paxton and directing the last show to appear there. Not the way I would have scripted the ending. Renea if your dream includes starting from the ground up, I know I will be with you as well as others tonight with sad hearts. Not sure who you are exactly, but if you tell me your last name or what shows we appeared in together I would know. If you want to contact me directly my email address is It would be great to hear from you.
Thank you, clutzycook. Paxton yet again lost a peice of it’s history and identity. When will that “stupid” little town LEARN? They should have saved it a long time ago! I have said, day one, that this would happen, and that “someone” is going to try to collect a nice “insurance check”, by design…or not. All indicators point in the direction of “inside arson”. All I can say at this time is, Paxton, shame, shame on you. And especially “Mr.” Sutton, you are a sorry sort, and very, very questionable. I’ll always love the MAJESTIC PAXTON THEATRE. There will never be another Grand Lady like her. I question whether Paxton ever really deserverd her, at all.
I am a native of the Paxton area. I just spoke with my dad this evening and he informed me that the Majestic theatre is no more. It was destroyed by fire today. Even though the 50 firefighters from around the area were able to save the surrounding buildings on the block, the theatre burned to the ground. I’m sorry to deliver such devestating news to you all…
Hi Renae(?). I am delighted of your interest! I will be very happy to visit with you, as I’m sure Tom would be.
Hello,
Mr, Majestic I want to meet you. Tom, we have already met and played upon that stage together. I am very surprised to see that this message board exists. I read half of the comments but then got tired and bored of the bickering back and forth.
I grew up in Paxton. I spent 18 years there and at least 10 of those years playing in that theatre. It is a big part of who I am. I have the vision to make that building alive again. As of right now I dont have all the resources to do that. Luckily, I am in the perfect city to find those resources and bring them back to Paxton. My goal is to reopen those doors in June 2013. I know this will be no easy feat as I have seen the struggles of the PMTG leaders for the 18 years that I was there. PMT made me passionate about theatre. I am realising it is really in an extreme manor. I want to run the theatre. I have all of the interests of a business owner and of a theatre operator. I am also interested in property management and real estate. I am educating myself on all of these attributes curently. I am looking for ideas and constructive suggestions into making this a successful endeavor and The Paxton Majestic Theatre, Performing Arts Center as well as venue.
Paxton is a very creative town. I know because I spent my first 18 years there. I saw everyone grow up. Paxton is a town of dreamers. I know because I have dreamed so many times there. Paxton is a town of hurting. I know because I hurt plenty there and watched others as well. We just keep going and pretend tht everything is okay. Paxton is a sad place when you drive down Main street and see that abandoned marquee. Thats such a beautiful Marquee. Now such a sad site, dark and still bearing Honk dated two years ago.
That theatre needs to be alive again! It’s marquee bearing lights and red ropes sectioning a line directing you to the door. Then you walk in and you absorb its vintage charm. It’s like you are walking through a portal to a make-believe land. It reminds me a lot of Chicago’s Oriental theatre. I saw Wicked there. It was amazing! The show as well as the interior details, it really creates that hint of exciting possibility. You begin to imagine and forget your regular worries and thoughts. Paxton is such a sad place, I know because I’ve felt such sadness there. It is really hard to escape from the sadness when everything reminds you of hurt. Everyone loses people and I’m sorry to bring it to such a low sad level. It’s true though, I escaped so much of the stupid mundane life problems by doing shows in that theatre. I made friends there and stayed out of trouble there. I sang solos and played lead roles and was dissappointed by not getting roles that I wanted. I think everyone should get to be on some side of theatre. It breaks my heart that that facility is not in operation anymore.
I know it is interesting to be in the audience or on the stage or backstage or in the orchestra pit.
I also know that this project is very large, it will take a lot of money and effort and time. Fortunately, I have all the time in the world.
So to conclude, I am researching and collecting resources to make it come back. Does anyone want to help me?
Renea
This is in response to Mr. Majestic. I have been patiently waiting for the scales of progress to tip in our favor and I am disappointed in the lack of communication and it appears the lack of discussion on how things are moving. I was told things were being handled and a low profile was the best method. My patience is wearing thin and I am about ready to blow up the scales of progress. I have requests in to a couple of people to find out why things are not moving forward. I will let you know as soon as I do where things stand. I am way past perturbed as I know you have been in the past.
… extending my hand of cooperation and working toward the common goal of preserving the Majestic Paxton Theatre … three months ago, I have not been contacted by a “serious” Mr. Janowski to proceed, in ANY way??
Tom, I truly agree. Perhaps we have the same goal in mind, and that’s the important thing. If you have anything in mind to accomplish the goal … I’m on board. By now, we both know the theatre’s history, strengths and weaknesses, and can build upon the experience we both have gathered in our careers, and love … sometimes the hard way. Yes, the difference in our opinions are truly respectable, but a waste of time and not accomplishing a thing for the Community. Let’s collectively move forward and prepare for a bright future for the Majestic Paxton Theatre, your Group, and my grand Lady.
Bottom line and all heated comments aside, she is a great building and if I came into the money tomorrow I would do everything to restore her to what you and I know is grand. I might even hire you with all your tenacity to guide the progress as despite our disagreements on what transpired we appear to have a common vision of what she could be again. Just a difference in opinion on how to get there and also a lack of the means at this time to accomplish that. My dream has been to retire and own the theatre one day restored to the nines and provide it to the community at no charge just to keep the arts (film, music, live theatre) alive in this town. I know a handful of new playwrights that would love to see their shows performed there and even filmed and shown on a restored big screen. I have spoken to them after some of our performances and even have their scripts. The dream is there. The means and time belong to my kids. One day they may meet on the same road and the dream will become a reality. Keep the faith.
So much for “defensive” ramblings that certainly speak for themselves. Alledged facts aside, the issue is the Majestic Paxton Theatre, not yourselves or your group. Yes, it’s sad you are still “there” and STILL doing nothing for the Theatre. The theatre is but a skeleton of what was left after it was renovated in ‘83-'84 sounds like either the last tenants altered the theatre beyond recognition or they just did not “make a good deal” with the again, alledged “absent” property owner (who in fact IS local). The caretakers certainly didn’t care, used her up, and spat her out. And when it got a little “rough”, split. One thing after the other was stripped from this community jewel to the extent it would be very expensive to restore. What a silly misinformed idea you have of the film industry, and how “simple 'n easy” you think it may be. It’s certainly much more than a few lights and a few ’…how are thou’s'. Yes, I am much more familiar and experienced with the boards than you think, and how it all works, so you cannot pull the curtains over my eyes, as you did upon the Majestic Paxton Theatre. I hope you do not reflect this selfish attitude for the entire Bowling Alley Theatre Group. You have been well aware of just how awake I have been, and perhaps it is that fact that dislodges you. And again, it’s sad that out-of-towners care more about such a Paxton landmark than yourself, and the group that has such an asset right in your own back yards. What are you going to do about it … neighbor? Do your damage and walk away? And still maintain the name that “made” you to the point of a misleading indentity? If you had chosen to abandon the Majestic Paxton Theatre, then give the name that has belonged to her for over 75 years.
I think Mr. Titus and Mr. Majestic need to get their facts straight before commenting on things they have insufficient information on. To clarify, the Paxton Majestic Theatre Group (so named to honor the building and the town) was only locked on some weekends and 4 weeks out of the year for 20 years. During the rest of the time there were either auditions, rehearsals, tech/dress rehearsals, performances, or kids camp going on. Apparently the two people commenting have no idea what goes into a live theatre production. It is much more than plugging in the projector and popping corn. There is a week of auditions, 6-8 week rehearsals, dress rehearsal week and seven performances with each show. We usually did 5-6 shows a year and a two week kids camp. Costs for musicals ran from $3000-$4000+ for royalties, costuming, set construction and advertising. All this was done without being non profit and with no grant assistance. The group was and still is successful after 20+ years. We have seen many young actors go off to become theatre majors, teachers, and directors. Because live theatre went through times went attendance was slim, sometimes we had to perform to slim audiences and settle for breaking even and even losing money. Given all that we were able to make several thousand dollars of improvements in lights, sound, and an awesome grand curtain that was severely damaged beyond repair from water because of an absentee owner that didn’t care. We didn’t gut the place. We took what was left when we got there and made it into a 20 year success. The last two years we literally bailed water off the back of the stage during performances plagued by a rain storms. The damage to sets, props, and rented costumes was more than we could continue to handle and explaining the lack of heat to patrons that were cold during the last performance was the last straw. We did not have the means or the expertise to repair the roof or fix a boiler that was never maintained. What we paid for rent is what we could afford and only our business and the owners. We might be only performing in the bowling alley, but we are still here because the of the owner of the bowling alley. He deserves extensive kudos for giving us the opportunity to stay alive when no one else would. We didn’t abandon anything, but decided to keep alive what was dying in a run down building owned by an uncaring person. We didn’t turn tail and leave our home town when the going got rough. You can call us amateurs and yourself professionals, but we and still here and you’re not. That should show who believes in community more. All I can say is, MR. MAJESTIC, WAKE UP! WAKE UP NOW!
Thanks for the photo! She’s still beautiful!
Yes, it is misleading, indeed, but also very sad. Heck, the group now performs in a bowling alley! Go figure.
The website just given IS NOT the website of the theatre. It is the website for the “group” that USED to “use” the theatre. A group that altered and then abandoned the Majestic Paxton Theatre, with no intention of performing there again, let alone participating in Her preservation and renewal (some “community” spirit). The “name” of their group is quite misleading and should not be associated with the Majestic Paxton Theatre, OR Paxton Majestic Theatre.
Well, so much for someone stepping forward to help save and preserve this midwest jewel. Anybody else?
I emailed you … again(?)
I emailed you.
Mr. Majestic, I have what could be positive theatre news, but no word from you. nachtschreiber at yahoo.com
If you want to discuss further, e-mail to nachtschreiber at yahoo.com
Thank you for the enlightenment on the PMTG. It does sound like they got a deal. Yes, I would like to see the original plan. And, if you are serious … ME TOO! We can give it our best shot.
First, a correction. The campaign to save the Majestic – and all that followed – began in 1987, not 1986.
From my understanding of the situation, when the Paxton Majestic Theatre Group (PMTG) left the building last year, the disagreement was mutual.
When the PMTG started up in 1987, I think the original rent was to be $400/month â€" plus, after the first year, a percentage of profits. According to The Paxton Record, the rent in November 2006 – a full nineteen years later – was $450.00, a whopping increase of $50.00! Whether the PMTG has ever shown a profit or been obligated to the percentage, this I don’t know.
The rent didn’t cover heating costs, let alone operating expenses, but the landlord offered to REDUCE the amount to $300.00 â€" provided PMTG pick up the tab for utilities and half the water. Apparently the building owner had been paying the theater’s heating and electric all along. In itself, the cost of lighting a production can be considerable. It’s entirely foreign to my experience that the producing organization wouldn’t, one way or another, be responsible for the expenses it incurs in the normal course of business.
It’s not my intent to defend either side here, but it’s unreasonable to expect first-rate services when the facility operates at a loss every month it’s open. No doubt both parties were intent on a compromise that just wasn’t going to happen.
Keep in mind, PMTG was the exclusive tenant in the space, mounting something like four productions a year, each running a maximum of two weeks. Counting tech and dress, the theater’s still dark an astounding 325 nights of the year.
Demographics have changed quite a bit since 1987, not to mention streetscape and attitudes. The original plan would have to be reconsidered and revised, something I might consider doing – if the space was available, if funding looked possible, if enough people were (seriously) interested.
First, a correction. The campaign to save the Majestic – and all that followed – began in 1987, not 1986.
From my understanding of the situation, when the Paxton Majestic Theatre Group (PMTG) left the building last year, the disagreement was mutual.
When the PMTG started up in 1987, I think the original rent was to be $400/month â€" plus, after the first year, a percentage of profits. According to The Paxton Record, the rent in November 2006 – a full nineteen years later – was $450.00, a whopping increase of $50.00! Whether the PMTG has ever shown a profit or been obligated to the percentage, this I don’t know.
The rent didn’t cover heating costs, let alone operating expenses, but the landlord offered to REDUCE the amount to $300.00 â€" provided PMTG pick up the tab for utilities and half the water. Apparently the building owner had been paying the theater’s heating and electric all along. In itself, the cost of lighting a production can be considerable. It’s entirely foreign to my experience that the producing organization wouldn’t, one way or another, be responsible for the expenses it incurs in the normal course of business.
It’s not my intent to defend either side here, but it’s unreasonable to expect first-rate services when the facility operates at a loss every month it’s open. No doubt both parties were intent on a compromise that just wasn’t going to happen.
Keep in mind, PMTG was the exclusive tenant in the space, mounting something like four productions a year, each running a maximum of two weeks. Counting tech and dress, the theater’s still dark an astounding 325 nights of the year.
Demographics have changed quite a bit since 1987, not to mention streetscape and attitudes. The original plan would have to be reconsidered and revised, something I might consider doing – if the space was available, if funding looked possible, if enough people were (seriously) interested.