Wheaton Grand Theater

Paul, you conveniently skipped over my question. Did you give those donations to anyone or did you keep them?

Here’s how I think things are going to end up:

One day somebody is going to get angry enough with Paul to organize all the people out there who have reported being taken for 3 or 4 thousand dollars. If you aggregate tons of 3 or 4 thousand dollar claims it adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is a claim big enough to interest an attorney, as well as the Treasury Department (because I would venture to guess that Paul has not been filing proper tax returns). Paul will be served. This time he better show up: unlike the little court cases he has been involved in before, he will end up in jail for blowing off these court orders. Once the trial starts Paul will destroy himself rather quickly. Think about it: can you imagine Paul on the witness stand? My God! He contradicts himself constantly. He always has to have the last word and comes off like a jerk. That may be fine and good when he is dealing with a small town community-based theatre organization. But it’s not going to work in a legal trial in Downtown Chicago. Paul will be found guilty, and then it will most likely be a matter of a couple years in jail. Of course, he will be a model prisoner and get released after a year or so. But he will spend years paying off the judgment (starting with the wages he earns while working in prison), and walk the Earth as a convicted felon. It is also worthy of note that his time in prison will be most uncomfortable if the accusations of child indiscretions are discovered by his fellow inmates. It doesn’t matter whether or not they are true. All it would take would be somebody inside the prison recognizing Paul (which seems like a good probability) and mentioning it to another inmate.

Stop wasting your life, Paul, and use your skills to do something with it.

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?

It’s not flaming. I am trying to help Paul. I really think that if Paul ever decides to stop acting like a door-to-door kitchen knife salesman that he will do great things. He is intelligent, persuasive, creative and (obviously) never quits. That’s what you need to be successful.

Unfortunately it doesn’t appear that Paul has any intention of working on his life issues.

Thank you, KZA347. Words to live by.

The fact is that you suck. So I don’t see what the problem is.

The real tragedy of your existence, Paul, is that I think you are extraordinarily creative and persuasive. If you used your talents for legitimate enterprise I think you would contribute greatly to the world.

Here’s an honest comment (it really is): I would be happy to give you the name of a good counselor. It is never too late to turn your life around.

You think I am messing with you. But I am not.

You suck Paul. Only a complete &$&* would get into the middle of a nice conversation like this and bring it down.

Come to think of it, only a complete &*($^*(# would sue a non-profit theatre restoration group with limited funds in an effort to seize control of the property after jerking them around to begin with.

Oops! Did I say that?!?

I can hear the Cinema Treasures storm troopers coming for me now…

Yeah, that’s a pretty nice article. We’re going to have a great time on April 1st for our last 2006 show, ending this phase on a high note, then start getting busy with the next phase. This place is going to be something special when it reopens.
Thanks to everyone who came out to a show the last few years – we hope to see you all back when we’re reopened.

Cosmogirl-

Please watch the Wheaton Grand Website. We’ll be looking for more volunteers soon to help with various tasks related to the restoration.

Thanks.

Jerry Smith
Wheaton Grand Theater
http://www.wheatongrand.net

Go get ‘em Mr. Loster.

Congratulations WGT. Those of us familiar with the venue know it is the best but it is gratifying to have everyone else recognize the fact. The Wheaton Grand is an awesome place and deserves to get the recognition. I have been there many times throught the years and am really excited that the restoration is beginning.

Will there be any chances for the public to get involved with the resotration process? I would love to be a part of the process. I don’t have large sums of money to donate but am willing to invest as much time and energy as I can.

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS WGT—You’re the best!

From the March 18th Daily Herald’s Editorial page:

Pivotal juncture for Wheaton Grand:

Come April, the Wheaton Grand Theater will shut down for the sake of reopening. That may sound paradoxical, but it’s actually a bold plan to start in earnest a major renovation of the long-languishing, 80-year-old venue. It’s also a risk. The Grand, set back by lawsuits and stumbles, has finally started generating some buzz â€" and money â€" through rock concerts and other shows. It’s tempting to keep that going while the going’s good. But that’s always been a step toward the larger goal of renovating the theater to its former glory, restoring a central part of Wheaton’s history and giving the city the high-class performing arts venue it deserves. It might not work, but, having come this far, it’s time to try.