Genesee Theatre

About Us:

The Genesee Theatre re-opened its doors on December 3, 2004 and continues to provide the highest quality of performances including comedians, Broadway productions and national and regional musical acts. The Genesee Theatre is located in downtown Waukegan, originally a commercial port city and later an industrial center; it is now the seat of Lake County. Within short distance to Chicago and Milwaukee, and home to a culturally rich and diverse population, the city is poised for a dramatic comeback. 

History:
The vision of three Waukegan men, A.L Brumund, H.C. Burnett and D.T. Webb, the Genesee Theatre was an impressive venue for its times. Using land purchased from the YMCA for $130,000 and enlisting the help of Chicago architect Edward Steinberg and Waukegan contractor Alva Weeks, the Genesee Theatre was constructed for around $1 million. Not just a movie house capable of features, music and live entertainment, but also consisting of forty apartments and retail space; the Genesee Theatre facility served as a community center for the people and a justifiable beacon for the thriving city of Waukegan.

Truly incredible, the 1,799 seat Genesee was adorned with 1,200 yards of lush tapestries, seven tons of marble and a massive Barton Grande pipe organ. In addition, no expense was spared on the modern fireproof construction, and $100,000 heating and cooling system. Originally scheduled to open Thanksgiving, the Genesee Theatre premiered to the public on December 25, 1927 to rave reviews.

The Genesee Theatre ran a regular schedule with new features every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, only slowing operation once due to a coal shortage in 1946. The theatre boasted the first talking picture in Waukegan with the "Lion and the Mouse" in October 1928, in addition to facilitating two world premieres: Jack Benny's 1939 "Man About Town" and "The Navy Way" in 1944. The Genesee also provided numerous other activities for the community including cooking schools, fashion shows and weddings. October 1982 saw the last first-run picture at the Theatre, and the Genesee finally closed its doors for good in 1989.