Wheaton Grand Theater
123 N. Hale Street,
Wheaton,
IL
60187
123 N. Hale Street,
Wheaton,
IL
60187
18 people
favorited this theater
Showing 151 - 175 of 369 comments
I know enough, perhaps more than you can imagine.
I have met you on more than one occasion and have read a lot more information about you and your “work”. You have provided no record of your completed projects so how can we judge?
I am not attacking you personally (like you did, calling me a liar) just providing facts. Unless you have been at the theatre and actively involved recently, you have no idea what you are talking about.
The Grand is moving forward why don’t you.
This is sad. You are blind, deluded or just plain malicious. No more to be said. You don’t know me so do not make assumptions about my character and I won’t attack you personally. This site is for theatre business and not for personal attacks.Of your six statements five are lies or contain falsehoods. Perhaps you just don’t know.
Once again, you are wrong.
1.) The annual meeting was not held in a “bunker like environment”. It was held in a public place for anyone to attend. You were not there and if your “sources” gave you this information I would consider getting new ones.
2.) I attended some of the “programming”(if you want to call it that) that GVI did during its tenure. It was lackluster and boring at best.
3.) The building is safe, it has been certified more than once.
4.) I know Steve Rathje and if you expect me to believe he cried and asked you to help him “take back” the theatre, you are even more deluded than I thought.
5.) You can’t even pay your legal judgements so how are you going to payback the $25K gain? Not with donations this time.
6.) Finally, I would NEVER join with GVI for any reason. You have been accused of lying, cheating, fraud other unsavory behaviors without providing any proof to the contrary.
You are the one who needs to open your eyes. You are not wanted at the Grand.
The Jim Fuller article in today’s Daily Herald newspaper is great! It shows GVIs dedication and passion, not greed! Didn’t you read it? Didn’t you see the lies? Steve Rathje is the liar! Over beer and many tears he tolds us to help him “take it back,” like he had done once before when he fired an entire board of directors! I liked the surgical metaphors. It is a disgusting mess. We didn’t create it. It happened over many years. We did programming that many people of all ages liked then asked that the buildin be made “safe.” You are the fools! Look to the future; not single theatres but multiples. The $25K gain in a state grant can be repaid and a new plan put in place. Open you eyes! The Grand Theatre Corporation has done nothing since we left! Where is all the money they are trying to raise? Where are the public hearings? The annual meeting was attended by 15 people in a bunker like environment. They are paranoid as they can’t produce! Didn’t you read that even the board of the Grand Theatre doesn’t know how they get elected? Can you say “Where are the bylaws?” Talk about dysfunctional! You,“Cosmogirl, KZA, Lifestooshort,and Neighbor” and many others should start asking the one tough question: are we on a losing team? If you answer yes, join us!
Sure…it was well balanced when you take the emotions out of it.
When you put the emotions back into it, Grand Venues looks evil with their digusting and vile Project Appendix and their planned coup. I know I’m disgusted.
I am surprised you think so Paul. This article shows what a conniving, greedy, loser you are. You will never take over the Grand because good people (the current board) will triumph over the lowest of the low.
I agree with Steve Rathje, “boys just go away”. You have showed no love for the Grand and certainly have not produced any credentials regarding any other theatre restorations that you have accomplished.
Don’t you ever get tired of making a fool of yourself. You need to grow up and move on. The Grand is doing GREAT without you.
Finally a well balanced newspaper story!
Here’s an article from today’s Daily Herald related to this theatre
http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=110195
I met Paul because I was looking into the theatre lobby from Hale Street one day…wondering what was going on. He spotted me and opened the front door. I got a tour of the entire facility and an explanation of his three-theatre idea. Then he tried to convince me to put cash into that donation box in the lobby.
I know there was/is a donation box in the lobby of the Wheaton theatre. I’ve put money in there myself. Did that money go to the 501c3 while GVI was there, or did Paul and his partner keep it? If they didn’t turn that money over to the 501c3, isn’t that fraud or something?
I appreciate the above comments regarding Ray Shepardson. Very helpful & informative. Thanks for taking the time to post something so thorough. It is indeed refreshing to read something about Mr. Shepardson that isn’t spun into a red-faced, hysterical rant.
I’m also delighted to see “Life’s too Short” using the “Uncle Paul” moniker. “Life’s,” if I knew who you were, I’d buy you a drink. May you frequent this board with your astute observations and rapier wit for a long time to come.
Uncle Paul has emerged from hiding! Where could he have been? Saving theaters hither and yon? Anyway, I’d like to see what a brand-new, $8 million, 1000-seat theater would look like. I’m guessing it would resemble a crackerbox multiplex & have all the charm of a carwash. However, if Uncle Paul can prove otherwise, I’d enjoy viewing the link to the website of any comparible municipal auditorium built in the last 5 years for $8 million or less. That way we can all decide for ourselves whether Uncle Paul has a point.
Meanwhile, I’d sure like to know how Uncle Paul came up with the $4 million price tag for his three-theater boondoggle. Is that figure based on some reality, or was it concocted in the same secret & magical place where Uncle Paul’s qualifications lurk?
Regarding Uncle Paul’s comments about fundraising, the National Register listing should have opened doors to several fundraising avenues that were not previously accessible. I suspect it takes no small amount of time & energy to pursue grants and launch a full-blown capital campaign, and that’s without the distraction of operating the theater and dealing with frivolous lawsuits from unscrupulous gadflies.
I ask again: Where is the 501c-3 donation money collected by Uncle Paul & his partner? It sure wasn’t used to pay outstanding judgements:
http://www.annoyanceproductions.com/lawsuit.html
Was the money used to pay all those past-due legal bills???
Thank you, Life’s Too Short!
The contradictions are mind boggling. I don’t really understand why anyone should listen to Mr. Warshauer’s suggestions when he’s done absolutely nothing to demonstrate that he might know what he’s talking about. He has slung accusations, hurled insults, and let insinuations fly, but has done nothing at all positive.
I tried to discuss the three theaters. Way back in the beginning. Way back when I first started posting. Mr. Warshauer decided he didn’t have to answer any of my questions. As a result, I’ve completely discounted any thing he might have to say on the subject.
I am not opposed to discussing three theaters. I am opposed to discussing Mr. Warshauer having any further involvement in the Wheaton Grand Theater with or without three theaters. Unfortunately, Mr. Warshauer has tied those two concepts permanently together. The board of the Wheaton Grand Theater has decided there will be one theater, and I support and trust the decisions made by that board and by Mr. Shepardson.
As far as fundraising goes, again…Mr. Warshauer has nothing to do with it, and I don’t know why he’s even interested. There are plenty of irons in the fire for fundraising, and no one believes its going to happen overnight. As it is, the entertainment schedule is keeping the doors open while other fundraising techniques are being put into play. Why Mr. Warshauer had to make scathing accusations about out of state professional fundraisers to the Wheaton Sun, I’ll never know. Well, maybe I do…but I’m trying to restrain myself.
It is not going to be easy. And I’m sure that a “A community could construct a brand new theatre for that amount!” However, that is not the point, and if Mr. Warshauer truly believes that, he’s on the wrong web site. We are trying to save a piece of architectural and commuity history. That’s the point. We do not want some boring square with black walls that will fall apart in 5-10 years to be torn down and another built in its place.
The DuPage would not have been saved by three theaters. The DuPage was in its death blows years and years ago. We are fortunate that the Grand is in a different town, that there is a different financial support system beneath it, and that it was in operation for a longer period of time. It is luck and fortune that divides us from the fate of the DuPage. Not a plaque (which I happen to like quite a bit). Not three theaters or one. Luck and fortune have also supplied the Grand with Mr. Shepardson, a theater board who makes sound decisions, and volunteers who will give and give and give. The Grand will succeed, and they will succeed without (and despite) Mr. Warshauer.
The Neighbor
Well, at least you’ve warmed up to your new label Uncle Paul. I’ll bet your partner is really happy that he told that cub scout story!
I know it tugged at my heart strings.
“Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time.” Where are these other people who share your philosophy, and why haven’t they posted any comments in support of your concepts?
Many of us = you and your partner.
Now you are saying Shepardson has done great work in the past? I thought you said that he was a complete fraud.
Why don’t you put your ideas together in an Excel spreadsheet and post them on your web site where we can all see?
Uncle Paul says “Yawn.” $8 million for the restoration “masterpiece?” I don’t care what kind of resume he has or HAD. This is 2005. Money is tighter. Now what about the $8 million they want to spend on the Grand Theatre? It is nuts! A community could construct a brand new theatre for that amount! Talk about cost per square foot! No one doubts that Ray has a colorful resume and has done great work in the past. Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time. No one has discussed THREE theatres at all here. No one wanst to see the architects designs. Now if someone will focus on that suggestion, the theatre will not end up like the DuPage! By the way I have not heard anything about the fundraising efforts at the theatre…Anyone?
I think The Neighbor has hit the nail on the head. I have seen some of the articles that the Neighbor has posted that shows what Mr. Shepardson has done to many numerous theaters in the past and it is just breathtaking. I believe that the theater is lucky to have the talented Mr. Shepardson working with the theater and I am only too confident that he will produce another masterpiece
Just for the record,
I went to the Cinema Treasures page for the Genessee, just to see what all the fuss is about. Someone had submitted an article that was in the Chicago Tribune, dated January 9, 2005.
I found this portion of the article very interesting.
“Conflicts of interest seen
Waiving its bidding procedures in November 2003, the City Council voted to enter into a contract of up to $13.2 million with Pickus Companies run by sons of Friends board secretary Allan Pickus, even though another company, St. Louis-based Clayco Construction, was preparing to submit a proposal for $570,000 less. Calls to Allan Pickus were not returned. Pickus companies officials would not comment."
Interesting, very interesting.
I tend to believe there is more on heaven and earth, etc., etc., etc. I’m sure Mr. Shepardson’s side of the story is quite different. There’s a good chance that he tried, unsuccessfully, to point the city into a different direction than the one they chose to take.
However, my favorite difference between Mr. Shepardson and Mr. Warshauer is the amount of class each of them is showing…or not. Mr. Shepardson DID NOT turn around and file a frivolous lawsuit against the Gennesee or the people of Waukegan. He is NOT on that cinema treasures page shaking his fist (figuratively speaking) and trying to provoke anger and bad feelings. He is NOT writing silly, pointless diatribes to the local papers. He simply, gracefully, and intelligently picked up, and left the Gennessee. Period. He has taken the higher ground.
Regardless of what Mr. Warshauer tries to say about Mr. Shepardson, the truth is evident in their behavior, and time will tell in the end.
The Neighbor
The Prowler:
Since you’ve asked for information, I’ve managed to scrounge up some. I know that internet information can be easily discounted since anyone and everyone can post “facts” on the internet these days. So, here are some “hard copy” pieces of literature for any and all to investigate.
First, and most impressive piece of information on Mr. Shephardson would be the very nice book, “Cleveland Classics: Great Stories from the North Coast”, ISBN number 0-9701305-3-8. Mr. Shepardson’s bio appears on page 60. This book contains some incredible cultural icons and, judging solely by the company he has in this book, I would say that Mr. Shepardson ranks among the cultural icons of Cleveland if not the midwest. It is interesting to note that he spends most of the interview in a very humble manner, sharing much of the glory with the people who influenced him as well as the people who helped him. Its an incredible piece and I recommend it highly.
Next “Hard copy” for recommendation would be the magazine “Cleveland” in its collectibe 30th anniversary copy, “The 30 People Who Defined Cleveland”. Again, Mr. Shepardson is among the elite of Cleveland. If you were to judge him solely on the company he is listed among, that would be amazing enough. But this particular magazine has the subtitle for his bio, “Savior of Playhouse Square, Theater Planner.”
Yep, savior. For the record, Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts complex in the United States.
Detroit Magazine, in an article on Woordward Avenue entitled “Street of Dreams” refers to Mr. Shepardson as “the nation’s leading expert on movie palace restoration, who was called in to work his magic on the Fox.”
Leading expert, no less. 80% of the original materials, paints and finishes have been preserved (approximately) according to the article. Now, that’s preservation!
And as far as cash flow goes, I’d like to note that according to Progressive Architecture Magazine in an article from June of 1990 on Preservation: Theaters writes, “The Fox has proven to be a successful location for concerts and touring theatrical productions: in 1989, it was the top-grossing theater in the country.”
Commercial Interior Design and Architecture, March 1996 has an article about The Orpheum in Minneapolis, which Mr. Shepardson was also involved in. The Orpheum, by the way, is only one half block from the State theater, and therefore care was taken in focusing The Orpheum’s entertainment schedule in a way which would not conflict with The State’s. Sound familiar?
Anyway, to quote the author, “Making it pretty again was done on a tight budget, nonetheless. For example, the two most important decorative elements, paint and lighting, were cut by $300,000 and $100,000 respectively. ‘We backed off on the finishes and downsized the lobby chandeliers to save money,’ remarks Shepardson. The gilded central dome became the focal point—and a useful distraction from the low-budget walls.”
The article goes on to explain how the budget was not cut as far as ADA compliance is concerned, and many of the original work which was discovered in the process of restoration.
Tired yet?
Corporate Detroit Magazine (just for something different) from August 1992 interviewed Mr. Shepardson for a piece on whether restoration of old theaters can revive a downtown area. In this article, it lists many of his triumphs; The Fox, The Gem, The State and The Grand Circus.
To quote the author, Lynn Waldsmith, “And just in case you’re still laughing, consider C) It’s already happening. The Fox, State and Gem, along with the Music Hall, are already packing them in. (At the Gem, some performances have been sold out.)”
This article mainly focuses on his work in the Detroit area.
Here’s the part I like…“‘You’ll see people walking through this area like they walk through Greektown now,’ predicts David DiChiera, founder and general director of the Michigan Opera Theater. ‘These people will come. I’ve seen thousands of people come to the Fox—and not only for headliners—who otherwise never would have come downtown. They’re coming down to see that single theater. So imagine the potential when a real (theater) environment is there.’”
Yep, thousands of people walking through downtown Wheaton? I’d settle for hundreds <grin>.
The article in Architectural Lighting Magazine is worth getting just for the pictures. In the March 1990 issue, they ran an article on the lighting design of the Fox theater…which Mr. Shepardson designed. Amazing…no words can describe these pictures. You simply have to get your hands on one of these. I’m not sure if the magazine is any longer available, but there should be copies of it on film or computer somewhere.
Well, that’s a start. Between the hard information I have seen and the childish antics of Mr. Warshauer (including the very silly letter he wrote to the Sun newspaper), I have definitely made up my mind. Mr. Shepardson is on the right track, and Mr. Warshauer is nothing more than a spoiled child upset because he didn’t win. Why attack Mr. Shepardson? Because if you can’t win on your own merit, you have to viciously attack. Unfortunately for Mr. Warshauer, he’s doing nothing but bringing more negative attention onto his own head.
Hope I’ve helped somewhat.
The Neighbor
Renovating one of these old theaters must be like remodeling an old house, only at least 100 times worse. You often don’t know how far gone a building is until you tear into it, and by then you have no choice but to keep writing checks or walk away. On top of that, if a local government and all its pals get involved, these projects must turn into a veritable feeding frenzy, especially in Illinois. I imagine something of that nature went on in Waukegan.
That’s not to say Shepardson is entirely blameless for the cost overruns in Waukegan, but I think it’s a stretch to place the responsibility for them entirely at Shepardson’s door, as our friend Uncle Paul spews ad infinitum. Playing devil’s advocate for Uncle Paul, albeit for a moment, if Shepardson blew the budget in Waukegan to hell all by himself, then where were the city officials or theater organization that ultimately had responsibility for the project? Shouldn’t they have reined Shepardson in when the budget swelled to uncomfortable numbers, or were they too busy gorging at the trough themselves?
For all the frothing at the mouth Uncle Paul seems to do about Ray Shepardson, his criticisms of Shepardson are as vague as his very own credentials. Other than Waukegan, what are the cities and theaters that had problems with Ray Shepardson? Shepardson’s not Santa Claus, coming down the chimney to restore a theater for free while everyone sleeps. Certainly he’s ticked off a few people over the years, but where are these disaster projects with massive overruns? What are the details, and who are the contacts? How much are we talking about, 20%, 50%, 100% over budget? Was Waukegan an exception, or part of a trend? Just who and where are these people? How many of these theaters “ruined” by Shepardson did Indigent Uncle Paul subsequently rescue?
If nothing else, it seems that Ray Shepardson knows how to get the job done.
Since Uncle Paul seems incapable of providing any verifiable facts other than the fact of his own instability, I’d appreciate hearing any additional comments on Ray Shepardson, from anyone out there not named Warshauer.
In fairness, Shepardson does have a reputation for doing beautiful, fabulous work, but also for having inflated budgets that get broken.
Also, from what i’ve gathered, the Annoyance fiasco was related to the Uptown-Broadway Building, not the Uptown theatre, although Mr. Warshauer was removed from there as well.
In any event, i’m pretty sure Mr. Shepardson has a better reputation, especially since he is willing to discuss his past projects, successful or not.
Ron, are you using Firefox? I do and I frequently have this problem. I’ve mentioned it to Brian Krefft in the past but it’s been doing this as long as i’ve used FF. I’m not sure exactly what causes it.
I’ve been in at least 5 of the theatres Shepardson has been associated with. The Fox in St. Louis, The Chicago Theatre, The Fox in Detroit, The Gem in Detroit, and the Genesee in Waukegan. They are some of the most beautiful theaters I’ve had the pleasure to experience.
Let’s see:
1985 Winner of a Special Citation for Distinguished Service to the Arts as a Cultural Catalyst from the Cleveland Arts Prize. Was that Paul Warshauer? Nope, it was Ray Shepardson.
The Detroit Fox (Shepardson oversaw the $12.5 million renovation in 1988) which was recently the “No. 1 theater in North America” according to Pollstar. You know who he brought in shortly after the Grand Reopening in 1988? Just Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Sammy Davis, Jr. that’s all. The closest you could ever get to talent like that Uncle Paul is purchasing their cds.
The Detroit Free Press, calling Shepardson: “The dynamic and expert artisan who restored the Gem as well as the rococo Fox Theatre.”
The Orpheum Theater in Sioux City which Shepardson renovated in collaboration with FEH Associates which won the 2001 Iowa Best Preservation Award for Public Use Facility
Anyone with a computer can look up Shepardson’s impressive career. Warshauer’s “accomplishments” can be summed up pretty succinctly as I’ve done in a previous post, but I’m sure there’s some disasters that I’ve missed.
That’s called the BIG-TIME, Uncle Paul. Is that jealously that makes you act like such an ass? Accept the fact that the Wheaton theatre has moved on to bigger and better, and continue to do your little murder mysteries. I loved one line from the review you got in Naperville, wasn’t it something like: The play needs less Warshauer, more plot. That’s an understatement.
When the Wheaton theatre is restored, it will most probably be a successful venue like the others Shepardson has worked on. There is no need to debate with you on anything, nor the need for you to add your useless opinions, since you have no proven track record of anything remotely approaching this man’s work. Prove me wrong. You’ve been asked repeatedly for a list of your accomplishments, where are they?
What are YOUR qualifications for fundraising? How much money have you ever raised for a project? Let us all hear it. PLEASE give us an example!!! How does someone like you, who claims indigence in court in Chicago, and has a bankruptcy in Oregon have the cojones to question others on fundraising?
The only money you should be worried about raising is your own bail money.
If anyone from Cinema Treasures is listening here,
can you do something about the very wide column of text?
It’s impossible to read without horizontal scrolling.
Paul,
Shut up. You provide no facts and figures to back up your “successes” only bluster that you indeed have them. Produce cold hard facts instead of impuning other peoples reputations.
Unless you want to get serious and answer the questions asked of you then stay off this message board. You are not now nor will you ever be involved with the theatre again, despite your delusional thinking that you will somehow be “given” the theatre as settlement of your frivolous lawsuit. So stop with your sour grapes and move on.
Wow. I see that I have quite a fan club but it always seems to come from the same three or four of you who continually churn up irrelevant material regarding THIS theatre. Your facts are wrong about the Portage, Uptown and Lawford theatres so it’s pointless to try and answer all of your goofy charges. You also refuse to look behind the current “Wizard” at the Wheaton. I could also put up lots of blueprints and pictures of theatres that I was involved with, too! BUT… Please follow the TRAIL after Ray Shepardson leaves a project! Financial ruin, theatre companies insolvent, cities in trouble. You all sound so defensive. Do you have something to hide as well? Well.. I am so glad that we decided to talk about the programming and fundraising at the Wheaton Grand Theatre. It seems that you have more fun attacking me and not pointing the criticism at those who deserve it: The current board of the Grand Theatre Corporation. By the way, how much did they say it would cost to restore the theatre? Where did they say the money was coming from?? I look forward to THOSE questions being answered.
Mr. Warshauer:
I will not entertain any discussions presented by you at any time. You only propose to “discuss” the one venue plan as an opportunity to again “bash” the board of the theater for their current plan.
You are no longer connected to the theater in any way, save for the currently pending lawsuit. As soon as that matter is over with, you will have no connection of any kind. You currently have no say in what direction the theater goes, and nor should you. Your contract has been terminated. All that remains is for the Board to tie up the legal loose ends that you have created, and you will be nothing but a paragraph in the history of the theater’s remodeling.
I would also like to correct you on one term that you keep using. This web site is not a blog, it is a message board. It would be wise for you understand the difference between these terms before throwing them around. Just because “blog” is the hip new term doesn’t mean that its the appropriate one.
Along those lines, I would also like to add that this is not a “We hate Paul Warshauer” site, although I would not be surprised to find one in cyberspace somewhere. I realize there are a couple of people who are coming through this website who have had interactions with Mr. Warshauer at some past place and time, and whose goal it seems is to expose him as the criminal and con man he appears to be. I would like to let you know that your work here is done. The people in Wheaton are well aware of the nature of Mr. Warshauer. But by posting on this board you invoke the beast. Much like a demon possession, Mr. Warshauer appears whenever we invoke his name. I’d like to see him fade away, and feel that he will do so if we ignore him. Coming in and expressing how horrible he is simply fans the flames of his self absorption. Only by not responding to him at all will we ever rid ourselves of him and be able to carry on a civil conversation. There are many potential victims out there who need your vigilance. I wish you well.
To the Wheaton Grand Theater Board:
I will add my congratulations! The party was wonderful, the photographs amazing and Mr. Shepardson is every bit the gentleman I thought he was. Quite the opposite of the blustery Mr. Warshauer in all ways. The cake was also quite yummy.
Also, I would like to add that several of my customers have inquired as to whether there will be any films playing there soon. There seems to be a profound interest in the older films. Of course, that might be a bias of the type of customer that I have enter my business, but I thought I’d pass it on.
The Neighbor
Since you are questioning other people’s credentials, why don’t you take the opportunity to furnish yours? For the record, have you ever had an active part in a theatre restoration? Ever? Please tell us all where and when? Think carefully before answering, because some of us will definitely verify your statements. Please fill in the blanks with your successes. I think its important to know what a person who claims he can provide such a great service for the Wheaton theatre has done successfully in the past. I’ll help you out by listing some of the projects of yours I’ve read about, and you can just fill in the rest. Ready?
Lawford Theatre in Havana – Closed after less than two months. Allegations of not paying employees.
Zoe Theatre in Pittsfield – Your company did an Arts Assessment which concluded that your company should become the theatre developer. It must have been hard for you to reach that conclusion!
Wheaton Theatre in Wheaton – Contract to program theatre terminated and theatre locks changed to keep you out.
Portage Theatre in Chicago – Evicted by the theatre owner.
Uptown Theatre in Chicago – Took a $4000 deposit from the Annoyance Theatre group for a building you did not own, wound up in court and lost a judgment in March 2004 – of which you’ve only paid $864 of $4000.
I forget, where did that other $5000 judgment against you stem from? I’m sorry, but its hard to keep track of all your “successes”
Ok, now its your turn. What theaters have you successfully restored (sorry, I couldn’t find any), or have worked at and left on good terms?
Unless I read differently, all I see is a long string of failures.