I worked at the Roxy in Ottawa befor, during, and after the twin remodeling. I agree that it was in fact a vaudeville theater befor a movie house. The stage behind the screen was a full wood floor stage with flies above, and dressing rooms below. There was a light panel behind the stage with copper knife switches. I was told that it once had a balcony. This was probably one of the finest vaudeville theaters in Illinois in it’s day.
I worked at the Roxy in Ottawa befor, during, and after the twin remodeling. I agree that it was in fact a vaudeville theater befor a movie house. The stage behind the screen was a full wood floor stage with flies above, and dressing rooms below. There was a light panel behind the stage with copper knife switches. I was told that it once had a balcony. This was probably one of the finest vaudeville theaters in Illinois in it’s day.