Arcada Theatre

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  Here is the letter I wrote to the owner last week...with NO response.  I have omitted personal info.  I definitely think we deserved an apology...
  Hi Rich,
  
  You may remember me from the Dennis DeYoung show on Friday night.  
  
  First of all, the show was fantastic and the theater was beautiful.  If it wasn't for your staff treating us like belligerent criminals, we would have had a wonderful night.  
  
  My husband and I actually got a sitter and a night out from the kiddos to celebrate our anniversary.  He surprised me with dinner at Zsa Zsa's and the show.  
  
  When he printed the tickets, part of the info was missing (seat #, row, etc. because we are out of black ink).  The square with the scan design was clearly there, though.   It was an odd color because we were missing the black ink, but clearly there.  My husband hand wrote the info that didn't print on the top of the sheets.  He explained this to the woman checking tickets letting people in.  She then called you over and said, "THESE TICKETS ARE FAKE".  I was embarrassed and humiliated as I KNEW we paid for them!!  Other people near probably heard. We completely understand her needing to double check them, but to accuse us of using fake tickets is inexcusable.  There were 100 different ways she could have been discreet and polite about this.
  
  Unfortunately, we had a mishap which caused us to be late for our dinner reservations.  When our food came, we literally put them in containers without even one bite.   We brought them with us to the show as neither of us thought there would be a problem with putting the closed containers under the seat.  We were going to eat after the show as both of us were hungry and they were each $20 meals!
  
  In the midst of the ticket drama, a girl said I shouldn't bring the containers in.  I honestly didn't listen to her.  After we got through the ticket woman, she came up to me again and said I can't bring them in.  Five seconds later she came running up to tattling like a 4 year old, "I told them 3 times they can't bring that in".  It wasn't three times; it was two.  I then said, "You want them....here you go" and I handed them to her.  I watched her move her hands apart to avoid receiving them and they fell on the floor.  She shrieked, "What are you doing"???  To anyone who didn't see me hand them to her, it appeared I threw food at her and on the floor.  If I wasn't humiliated enough, by the ticket woman, this sure was the final nail in the coffin.  
  
  We are an educated, professional couple who live in ________ and own a house in ______ that we currently rent.  Bob works at ______ during the day and teaches graduate classes in Informatics at _______ in the city.  I am an elementary school teacher.  My husband has long hair and since we were celebrating our anniversary, we had a martini at Zsa Zsa's.  We were SLIGHTLY buzzed.  We both feel that we were treated VERY unfairly as either your staff was judging us as belligerent drunks or perhaps they're just that awful.  WE DID NOTHING WRONG AND DIDN'T DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE THIS.
  
  If it weren't for you, this night would have been completely ruined. Thank you for YOUR kindness.
  
  While the show was wonderful, it got overshadowed by all that happened on the way in.  As I write this, I am upset that I've wasted so much time thinking about this and my time I'm wasting writing this email.
  
  I highly recommend you re-evalute your staff.

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  Posted on 05.07.13 T H.

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  Do you love music, I mean REALLY love music? If you do, Arcada Theatre is for you. Located near the heart of St. Charles maybe a block from the Fox River, this old-fashioned theatre is now a hub for classic rock performers of the 70s and 80s. I came here to see former ELP drummer Carl Palmer with his own band. Once inside, the charm of the original theatre was plainly visible. A long lobby leads you past a Starbucks, candy store and a ticket window inside. On the opposite side, there's a vendor table and even an "Italian beef sandwich sliders" cart in case you need a beef before the show.
  
  Inside, the seating is elegant and the walls are ornate. While this is not as pretty as Chicago Theatre, Arcada retains the old theatre aura, right down to the house organ player, who emerges from an enclosure on the floor, seated on a platform with the antique instrument and descends back down as the show is about to begin. He's an older gentleman who probably is almost as old as the theatre itself. The owner, Ron Onesti, introduced him before the show, saying humorously that the organist came with the building.
  
  What I love about this place is the variety of shows booked, from "Jersey Boys" to classic rock cover bands, to older rock or metal bands that can't get into the Ticketmaster venues anymore and rely on outlying clubs or theatres such as this one to have a stage to perform. Tickets are also more affordable than through the TM gauntlet. Ron Onesti has a class operation and is genuinely interested in pleasing his audiences with acts they want to see and has found a niche for acts you can't see anywhere else these days.
  
  The seats are comfortable and the place is well maintained. The bathrooms are small but in good shape despite the age of the building. Having the Starbucks and Chicago Turtle Factory as essentially independent businesses acting as the concessions for this place works out quite well in the end. I found myself going to the candy shop twice and even got some things to bring home after the show.
  
  I look forward to coming back here for "Genesis Revisited" with Steve Hackett in September, or maybe sooner if another great show pops up on the schedule.

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  Posted on 05.07.13 Mike O.

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  **(The following review is not based on the location, or the historic aspect of this venue, or even the acts that come thru themselves).
  
  Facts are facts, people:  WAYYYY OVER-PRICED TICKETS for MOST OF THEIR ACTS.  Also - instances of 'false advertising'.
  
  I can't believe this is seldom mentioned, as I know most people aren't  and cannot be this NAIVE.  I was in a discussion about this on Arcada's facebook page and was appalled at the lack of common sense of some people (which is their right to have, of course).. and as somebody (myself) who KNOWS a lot about venues/ticket values/booking and many of these acts themselves - no to mention common sense - I felt it necessary to state the basics here for you all.
  
  Here are some current and past examples of ticket prices for various acts at the Arcada.  Please also note the fine print of 'starting price.'  ** (Starting price = cheapest seats in the house).  I will also give my opinion when I feel suited.
  
  - Brett Michaels in 2010 - tickets started at $65.   (WAYY overpriced to see Brett Michaels' solo band.  Most people also do not come to see Brett Michaels play his 3-4 solo songs, they come to hear the Poison songs.  I have seen, and you can see 'Poison', usually with 2-3 other good acts, for about $35 to $50.)
  
  - Dennis DeYoung - tickets started at $50.  (This is laughable.  No disrespect to Dennis DeYoung, but you can see him for FREE at various Chicago burbs "summer fest" type of events.  I saw him for free 2 years ago at Arlington Heights Frontiers Days festival.)
  
  - Rick Springfield - tickets started at $59. (see Dennis DeYoung description above. I saw Rick for free at Frontiers Days festival in 2005).
  
  - Quiet Riot in 2011 - tickets started at $39 (QR were great, but this was essentially a tribute band.  A fill-in singer who was fired after about 2 years, Kevin DuBrow had died in 2007.  I saw the classic line-up of QR at Shark City in Bloomingdale about 9 years ago for $10.  Yes - $10.)
  
  - America (this coming October 2013) - tickets starting at $59.  (Again, this is gouging at its best.  America was/is a great band, but I have also seen them for free at several summer festivals.  'America' is not worth $59 for cheapest seats.)
  
  - Bachman-Turner (BTO - coming in July) - tickets starting at $59.  (See 'America' above for the same comments).
  
  - American English - tickets starting price averaged about $35.  (American English is a great Beatle's tribute band - YOU CAN SEE THEM PLAY FOR FREE at about 25 free summer festivals, or various little sports bars/clubs for maybe $5-$8.
  
  - The Buckinghams - tickets starting at $39.  (Again, this is a joke.  Look on the Buckingham's official page, and they play tons of summer fests for free. I have seen them about 8 times for FREE.  They are also not worth a starting price of $39).
  
  Get the drift yet?   EXTREMELY OVER-PRICED.  I can go on and on with examples.
  
  I have seen Paul McCartney for under $50, and Kiss for under $25 at the United Center.  Yes people can argue "different venues", but you all still see my point.
  
  The venue is cool and all, very historic.  And yes I can adhere to the argument about these same bands playing for free at summer fests because they are being paid via other means, and some people want to be at a historic venue and sitting in nice seats in a more intimate setting, etc. But you will STILL completely over-pay to see pretty much whoever you go to see there - facts are facts.
  
  ** Also, this venue has 'Queensryche' booked for May 2013.  This is not Queensryche, but "Geoff Tate and 5 other musicians". Tate is not legally able to use the name 'Queensryche' (w/out a reference to his name included - until a court date in November 2013), so this borders on being false advertising - either by Tate or Arcada.  Just so you people know who may have bought expensive tickets thinking you are seeing 'Queensryche.'
  
  (I posted this fact on Arcada's fb page to which it was promptly removed - so much for appreciating public 'input'...cat musta had their tongue).
  
  One last point:  The Onesti's - Ron and Rich - who own or co-own this place - are not customer friendly 'behind the scenes', in my opinion.  This is in obvious contrast to many people's impressions of them just by seeing Ron chit-chat (aka 'do advertising') behind the mic in front of a few hundred people before a gig.  A few years ago in May 2011, I had to email them 6 TIMES for some business-type agenda, and I could NEVER even get a reply out of them.  I had to physically drive to and go into the venue to hunt one of them down for such trivial business, and even then I got the vibe they really could care-less - even the staff in the offices by the concession area were unfriendly when I asked where I could find Ron or Rich.  Just my opinion from what I experienced.  You would think for the prices this place gouges people, they and the other employees would be on their tip-top game with clients and customers.

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  Posted on 04.29.13 Johnny A.

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  Saw Michael McDonald last evening and it was one of the best concerts I had attended.  Since the Arcada Theatre seats under a thousand people, it seems as if the artist is just singing to you.  We sat 2 rows from the front of the stage.  In any other venue in other arenas, my ears would be ringing by the end of the evening.  The sound system is great no matter if you are right up front or in the balcony.  I am truly a fan of this place and will continue to go as long as they come up with great artist.

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  Posted on 04.27.13 Beverly W.

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  I went back to the Arcada last night to watch a tribute band and felt it was important to update my review, as nearly a year has passed, and the Arcada is still as depressing and dirty as ever.
  
  The women's bathroom on the first floor, with its two stalls, was probably the most disgusting bathroom I have ever set foot in. The floor was soaking wet, and yet sticky at the same time, and a large roll of soggy toilet paper lay on top of a drainage grate that obviously wasn't draining. The stall doors were missing their original locks, which means that an inch-wide hole sat smack in the middle of each. The entire bathroom needed updating - new paint, new tile, new everything. I really can't describe to you how gross the bathrooms were - I can tell you that I rubbed hand sanitizer on my thighs after using them though, and could not wait to get home for a shower.
  
  The rest of the theater is still as hodge podge as ever. Tacky Christmas lights surround the decorative ledges on the balcony, while fake trees lit with colored lights dot either side of the stage (actually, only one side features colored backlights, as the backlight on the other side of the stage seems to have been permanently set to white.
  
  And of course, you know you're in a classy place when it offers popcorn and yogurt bites as concessions in the lobby.
  
  The floor of the main room is dotted with plastic cups and other trash items from people too lazy to toss their garbage.
  
  The over-the-top marketing doesn't help. Even the main speakers on either side of the stage are dotted with "Onesti Entertainment - <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FOShows.com&s=884d0c0e9246bc1801f98840fe5d0911ef8aa057b1ce68422687312ea14c94c1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://OShows.com</a>." The owner of the theater came onstage no less than three times during the concert to promote upcoming shows and events. It seemed to me he just liked hearing himself talk.
  
  As I said a year ago, the place needs a major renovation. I am not a big fan, and would not come here if my fiance did not have a genuine interest in the acts playing.

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  Posted on 04.20.13 Leslie S.

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  My husbands is a fan of concerts.  Over time; I must admit they've grown on me too. We went to see Tower of Power and War just this weekend.  The venue itself has an awesome sound system - and you can't beat the live entertainment.  But you have to be comfortable in your chair; at the Arcada it's impossible.  I seen America at the Arcada - but had floor seat, which was a totally different experience. Maybe they we're replaced.
  
  We ordered the tickets aniline  - WILL CALL  - However, when we got to the venue  - the tickets were not printed; the general manager (a girl) there got an attitude because we didn't print before we came; we WILL CALL'd hence you pick up at the WILL CALL desk.  Right?  I guess not.  Our original seats -  we ordered on-line the morning of the show we're given to another couple. Possibly our experience would have been better had that not happened.  My husband just let it go because he didn't want to spoil the evening.  We PAID/PICKED OUR SEATS the morning of  and they we're resold before we even arrived - We got there 30 minutes prior to the show.  I'm not going to let this go - because our time was clearly tainted because these were not the seats we picked.  Shameful.  The box office Manager  - her attitude was less to be desired.
  
  However, the seats are super compact, uncomfortable, no leg room and completely in need of replacement in the balcony.  I understand there was a renovation, but the seats in the balcony needs a complete replacement.  The renovations seem to be hodgepodge as a previous reviewer indicated.  We couldn't focus on the venue because of the lack of being able to get comfortable in the seats!  It was unbelievable.  They sold out the Theatre; but there are some seats that clearly shouldn't have been sold.  I'm only 5'6" my husband is 6'.  The majority of the folks in our row we're left standing in the isles; due to the shear pain after sitting in them for more than 10 minutes.  Clearly not happy since we paid 60 bucks each for the seats.  If your going to pack the house; get the money from the decent seats in the front; warn the folks you sell those seats too that the seats are small; with no leg room.
  
  The staff are hot/cold - it's a mixed bag.  They need to invest in service focused folks.  It's sad too, because there isn't a bad seat in the house; however beware the seats are small, cramped and uncomfortable.  Completely awful experience.

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  Posted on 03.24.13 Pamela P.

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  it's an old rock and roll place that has great sound, it's old and loud for a great concert, keep up the good work getting the best shows in town.....steve k.

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  Posted on 01.25.13 Steve K.

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  Smaller Venue for Live Entertainment.  I was at the Arcada 10 years ago for a concert, and I remember it as being a little larger.  Hey, that was 10 years ago.  I do have the video from that concert, so I know I was in the same place.
  
  Enough of this.  There is only one other venue that I have been to that compares to the intimacy of the Arcada Theatre (check my other reviews if interested).  
  
  I saw Jim Peterik and World Stage on 1/19/2013.  I have been to at least 5 other World Stage concerts over the last 12 years.  All but one were in a larger venue.  I am big fan of World Stage, and haven't been to an event that wasn't top notch. (Always a different line up).  And nothing but the best talent.
  
  This year was different because of the intimacy, and synergy, at the Arcada Theater.  
  
  To say "the house rocked" would be putting it mildly.  The talent had a lot to do with it, but the house is what made is so special.  The seats were comfortable, we were close enough, but not too close to the stage.  But the show and the music seemed to come out at the audience, almost like we were part of the show.  
  
  In summary, the Arcada is an old theater, 1929 I think.  We were center, and about 5 rows from the stage, on movable, but comfortable seats (we figured out later, this section was like this so a dance floor could be cleared).
  
  Not sure what the balcony was like, but it looked as if it would offer a good view of the stage.
  
  Acoustics were good, no echoes, or tinny effects.  
  
  They have a what appears to be a fairly full bar set up in the lobby area, and drinks are allowed in the theater (no wait service in the theater).
  
  There seemed to be a candy store through one of the doors in the lobby (not sure if this is a part of the theater, or an independent business.
  
  Parking is either on the street, or in municipal lots.  The theater is right on the main street that goes through St. Charles.
  
  Bottom Line: I would return to the Arcada to see another show.  I know a lot depends on the talent, but the venue also contributes to the experience.
  
  I love old venues, and too many of them disappear for too many reasons.  
  
  Compliments to Ron Onesti, the man who makes this place happen!!

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  Posted on 01.24.13 Robert E.

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  You already know who or what you want to see... now you are wondering what the theater is like.  Arcada is a quaint little theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and according to Wikipedia, it now has 900 seats. Originally it had 1009 seats.  If you are interested in historical buildings, you will love this place.
  
  Like other Yelpers have said, I don't think there is one bad seat in the house.
  
  About the theater itself, when you first walk in, the entry way seems a bit small.  But, that is how a lot of older buildings are and is to be expected. I really did not know anything about this theater before I went, which is why I started with a short historical background.
  
  Arcada theater offers a diverse entertainment range for all ages.  Including free shows on Saturday mornings for children.  Where can you get that today ?
  
  I love historic buildings.... but I do think they need better cleaning service. The seats where I sat in the first row of the balcony , had a 'crumbly material' on the seat cushion. Had to brush off my seat before I sat down.  Also, some of the same 'crumbly material' was on the balcony edge which was directly in front of me.
  
  Who did I see here? Lindsey Buckingham (formerly with Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks)  if you do not know who they are, then you must have been born in the late 80's or 90's or after that. The show was fantastic to say the least. He (Lindsey) is a brilliant and exceptional rock guitarist/composer.
  
  Arcada is in downtown St. Charles, near the Fox River with restaurants and coffee shops in the area.  There is ample parking around the theater too, as long as you arrive early, like we did.  
  
  Bottom Line: This was my first time here and I will come back.

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  Posted on 11.14.12 Dawn M.

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  Couldn't believe we got to see Dana Carvey in such an intimate, fun atmosphere. The owner (?) was almost as entertaining as Dana! Great venue. Hope to go back.

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  Posted on 10.18.12 Christine M.

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  The sound was good, the location easily accessible, and short lines for libations. We saw Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg, and aside from the terrible opening act, it was a great experience!

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  Posted on 10.08.12 Ben B.

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  Have always wanted to check out the Arcadia. Love the Amazing downtown St Charles...but just never had a chance to check it out!
  That is, until I scored some free tix to see 7 Bridges (Eagles Trib) last minute through <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FChicagofun.com&s=f48db50c99404c062103d9f77ce09796eaa934b3bc338fdf77229f3998f1cf84" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://Chicagofun.com</a>
  Pretty excited! Needed that escape! Been pretty crazy around here - and that's an understatement! ~
  Theater was smaller then what I had originally pictured. Cute. And very worth checking out. But none of the old charm I thought it would retain...
  Chairs were comfy. Was a little disappointed that there was no dancing going on...but the band was fantastic!
  Don't think there's a bad seat in the place! Never did make it up to the balcony...but the main floor was just as good! And plush velvet seats pretty comfy!
  Fully stocked bar - and of course theater prices - alright a little cheaper...paying $7 for a beer rather then $10! ;) ~ People are friendly, everyone is having a great time and the atmosphere is just relaxed and fun.
  They get a lot of great acts through the area, and I will most definitely be back again!! :D ~

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  Posted on 09.02.12 Jean K.

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  I was recently here to see the infamous Andrew Dice Clay and I initially wanted to rate them a bit lower, but I was patient with the experience and it paid off.
  
  There is no air in the waiting area which was quite silly. That is a huge issue when the heat and humidity are obscene and people just want to sit down. They make you corral up into the hallway while the previous show exits. I didn't understand it at first but then I saw small makeshift bars all along the side of the wall so obviously they are just going for alcohol sales. At one point we almost left it was so ungodly miserable in there for a good 20-30mins, but we couldn't miss DICE!
  
  We finally went in and strike two came. Our "assigned" seats we purchased online were covered by a rig for a camera. I guess Showtime was filming a special so it was kind of cool for notoriety but all in all, annoying. We spoke to a few people then went upstairs to cheaper seats. We decided to address the sitch to someone who directed us to a woman named Monica. She took us in the box office room, which I may add was VERY cool and cozy and talked to us. She seated us in a new area and got us drinks on the house. This def made things much better. Her service and willingness to keep us happy was where the page was turned. I even made a comment about "taking it to Yelp about this experience." She laughed, but I did anyway!
  
  The Theatre itself is old, built in the 20's and has a rough but elegant and classic look. It's quaint with good seating and sound and the chairs were about average as for as comfort went. Plenty of leg room and the ushers are a bunch of old, I mean OLD as in they opened the place OLD, but nice as sh*t. The service all around is what brought me from 2 stars initially, to 4. Monica saved this yelper from dogging the place and I commend her.
  
  FYI, DICE was an absolute KILL. He hasn't missed a step!

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  Posted on 08.28.12 LoudMouth M.

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  Last night Kevin and I went to see Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy at the Arcada.  I have never seen a live show at the Arcada but I am now a fan. Every seat in the hose was fantastic, and I was super impressed at the intimacy of the venue. More so was I impressed with Ron Onesti, who in my opinion has a deep love for the theatre. I specifically loved the fact that they had the original organ playing as the opening act, slightly quirky to hire for an opening act of a jump swing band, however very cool considering those vintage organs used to play music for silent movies all those years ago and provided music before, after, and during intermissions for movies like Gone With the Wind.  Well done Onesti bros, well done.  
  
  I also want to applaud the Onesti brothers for a fantastic dance night.  They provided a large dance floor and pulled up many of the orchestra seats to lay down a very nice floor. Kevin and I are big fans of vintage jazz music and vintage swing dancing so it was a great dance night as well. This morning we repeatedly stated how fun last night was and it reminded us of our time in New York City dancing the night away.
  
  My only complaint about the Arcada is how pricey the tickets are. Many of our dance friends balked at the price of our $29 ticket and didn't show up, despite from my constant advertising on the web and facebook. I too thought the price was a little steep, but wanted to support the event nonetheless.  A few weeks ago Ira Glass had a show at the Arcada that we really wanted to see but the tickets were very pricey, I want to say somewhere around $80 or $90 for the both of us, I thought this was incredibly high since we went to see "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" downtown last year for around $25 a ticket (another NPR radio show). We sadly had to pass on the show at the Arcada.  I wish there were a TKTS solution to selling out the theatre possible the night before? (selling 1/2 price tickets to fill the house).
  
  I'd like to address some of the complaints on here:  Regarding the air conditioning, we didn't notice a problem with the heat, and we were dancing, hard. The restorations in the theatre portion of the building were adequate. Parking: All, please note, you have legs, use them!  For real, you can't walk a couple of blocks to the theatre??  There is plenty of neighborhood street parking if you're willing to walk a couple of blocks, and its all free.  The bar?? really, the bar? (Come on guys) My husband has worked in many historic theatres on Broadway and buildings of this age generally have compact bars.  You can't compare a vintage theatre to a stadium seating venue...
  
  Overall, we will continue to steadfastly support the Arcada. I still would like to see more frequent, smaller, and riskier acts in between the "larger" acts.
  
  ..aaaaand I still don't know who Don Rickles is.

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  Posted on 05.05.12 Michelle M.

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  This place is great come and see a show.  Help support places like this.  Nestled right in downtown St Charles.  Frank Onesti really pours his heart and soul into this place and brings some pretty popular events here.  Ticket prices are very reasonable and the consessions aren't anymore overpriced than across the street at some loud obnoxious bar.  The acoustics are perfect and every seat is a winner. Enjoy the ambiance.

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  Posted on 02.29.12 Dan T.

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  I went her to see a showing of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back. I knew it was a historic landmark so I looking forward to a different movie viewing experience. The theater itself was very nice, tickets were priced below average, the organ playing between films was awesome,  and the popcorn was good.
  
      The biggest complaint I had was the movie itself. I foolishly expected to be able to see maybe the original theatrical version but to my dismay the movie was a projection of the star wars dvd I have at home. Besides the questionable legality of doing this the projectors color settings were off and white snow scenes, like the ones on hoth, were too white and picture quality was lost. Also blowing up a dvd (standard definition 480i)  to the size that they had will noticeably lower the quality of it. I wish I would have been able to have seen star wars on an actual film projector or wish they had used a blu ray copy (high definition 720p or higher) of the film so the image quality would have been better.  
  
      Overall it was a very nice theater I believe they have musicians/concerts there often and it would be a good place for that but as for seeing a movie there I'd go elsewhere.

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  Posted on 01.01.12 Ryan S.

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  The historic 1926 Arcada Theatre earned my 5 star review for overall venue experience. The theatre itself is beautiful & iconic as featured on PBS/WTTW. The management goes over board accomodating patrons.We were there for three shows. Once to see Patritzio Buano & twice to see the Bronx Wanderers.Our last show was also a tribute to our War Heros with the owner of the Arcada making a donation to the Veteran's Hospital from proceeds. We simply could not have had a better time!
  It is also well worth the trip from Chicago & we are now planning to see "Frank Sinatra Jr does Sinatra" Dec 2011. Ticket price is a tremendous value and honestly I don't think there is a bad seat in the house.
  I should also mention the handicap accessibility & the bathrooms all on 1 level.
  In summary: convenient, affordable, world class entertainment  in a quaint hassle-free setting.
  You can visit: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oshows.com&s=629f15ef2951be76c62e3b1183ed6922202fe50f1c3c278ad80c5e04c37df588" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.oshows.com</a> for a schedule of events like Foghat, Temptations,ABBA Tribute, Trans Siberian Orchestra,etc

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  Posted on 11.17.11 Lori B.

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  This is the 3rd time I've been to the Arcadia and I cannot say one thing negative about it.  The sound, the speakers and everything was just great.  The management is really excited about future programs coming and is really motivating so let's help him out.  This is an old St. Charles Theater and what they have done to it is just fantastic with what they have to work with.  If you want better liquor, bigger bags of popcorn or different talented acts to suit what YOU like, or better acoustics, then go some place else because The Arcadia doesn't need your negativity.  Support this theater or shut up.

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  Posted on 11.10.11 Carol J.

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  My first time here was to see the Neil Sedaka concert.  Everything (except the price of the sandwich bag size popcorn) was perfect.   Other reviewers complained about the acoustics but they must have fixed that problem. I was literally in the seat farthest from the stage (last row balcony all the way to the left) and I heard every single word that Neil spoke and sang.  The seats are comfortable.  Parking in nearby lots is free.The organ concert for the hour prior to the start of the show was an added bonus and was very enjoyable. The staff that I interacted with were all very nice.  I will definitely return to this theatre.

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  Posted on 10.30.11 Marie N.

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  I've been meaning to write this since I saw Don Rickles a couple of weeks ago. Anyways I was extremely disappointed in the venues sound quality. We sat 3rd row balcony on the aisle and heard maybe 20% of what was being said. I don't know if it was poor acoustics, speakers, or a microphone but it was poor. There were several people complaining in the balcony as well. This was my 1st trip to this theater and probably last. With the price of tickets I can't take a chance with poor sound quality. Maybe it would be better with music but I wouldn't know. Also, I'm sure Mr. Onesti is a busy man but I did e-mail him about the problem. He never did respond which I think is sad. Hopefully they can do something to improve the sound quality at the venue.

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  Posted on 08.31.11 Dan C.

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  Really nice "small venue" theater (about 1000 seats, including the balcony).
  
  I was in the balcony and even up there, every seat had a great view.
  
  I will be checking the theater for upcoming shows and will be back!

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  Posted on 06.02.11 George H.

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  This place is in great shape for a classic theater. We went to the Egyptian Theater in DeKalb and believe me -- the Arcada is like an IMAX theater compared to that... Saying that, there are a couple of things that need work -- soon!
  
  First of all, the lack of bathroom facilities. I find it hard to believe they let this place open with the serious lack of stalls for either sex in this place...
  
  And the second gripe is the poor choice of beer and wine at the bar.
  
  Man, I've got it good when that's the only stuff I can find to whine about, right?
  
  Back on the positive side, the location is great and there really is not bad seat in the house...
  
  TIP: Park in the new First Street Parking Garage (a short walk) and you're centrally located to enjoy both the Arcada on east Main and the bar scene on west Main.

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  Posted on 12.19.10 Steve G.

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  My wife and I went to see Kansas at the Arcada last Friday night, first time there.  I agree with the other reviews that it is so nice to have a local venue of this type and so accessible in the heart of St. Charles.  Last Friday was also Scarecrow Fest, so we were genuinely pleased to find plenty of free parking despite a crowded downtown area.
  
  It's so obvious that Ron Onesti really, REALLY loves music and his onstage excitement during his opening remarks was infectious.
  
  Our seats were on the floor stage left about 12 rows back and close to the aisle.  Not bad for the price paid.  I didn't get to see the balcony, but it looked as though there were no bad sight lines anywhere and even some upper box seats.
  
  BUT...
  
  Our one and only complaint was the sound quality.  I'm not sure who was behind the mixing board but the sound was so muddy on the low end and shrill on the high end that partially plugging my ears actually improved what I was able to hear...though not much.
  
  I sincerely hope that this was just an anomaly and that next time we go to a concert at the Arcada the sound is better.

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  Posted on 10.11.10 Jim K.

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  Fox Valley Treasure, (shhhh don't tell anyone else!). I have to admit I considered NOT writing this review since if the Arcada gets REALLY crowded, long lines etc. it would take away from the joy of easy free parking and fair ticket prices. WONDERFUL small venue. Helpful help, some who really KNOW that building. NICE balcony.
  
  VERY solid, not shabby feel for an older building. No bad seats. Free parking everywhere. Walk to the Fox River, restaurants, parks. MANY places to eat in Geneva-St. Charles, including above average very reasonable sportz bar food at The Beehive Tavern. The Arcada's owner, Ron Onesti often comes out and speaks before shows. HE'S committed, like the Pig in bacon and eggs, and seems like nice people. Not sure what all the Onesti family is up to but it even includes a restaurant (CLOSED-  that we have enjoyed as far back as when it was the Old Church Inn), particularly the eclectic "Dean Martin Lounge"! I hope they do More Budget Shows ($10-20) of "old groups" you wanna see "one more time".
  
  +Interesting architectural treasure Mission/Spanish Revival has a small intimate venue feel not unlike the Waukegan Genesee, VERY easy free parking,  restaurant paradise (the OPPOSITE of Aurora's Paramount).
  
  -Price creep on "Big" name acts, Not enough Budget Shows, odd confusing lines for drinks/popcorn.

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  Posted on 05.15.09 Gerry A.

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  This is a wonderful theatre. An outstanding venue to see a concert in.
  
  Lovely restoration, of a 1926 theatre. The bar is huge, and the mix of drinks on the menu is nice to see at a concert.
  
  We will definitely be back at this venue to see many more acts in the future.

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  Posted on 11.17.08 Angela U.

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