November 15th 2023.
Three of Chicago's most prominent celebrities are preparing to revive one of the city's most iconic theatres. Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper, and Quincy Jones are teaming up to restore the Ramova Theatre in Chicago's South Side, which has been unoccupied for almost four decades.
The theatre has a long history, opening its doors in 1929 and quickly becoming a prominent movie theatre. However, it closed in 1985, making this renovation project all the more exciting.
Quincy Jones, in a statement to the press shared by Variety, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He believes the theatre's reopening will help bridge the cultural divides in our society. He said, “I believe the cultural divides in our communities will always be bridged and uplifted by music and the arts. With Ramova, I see a future where the rich cultural heritage of Chicago shines even brighter alongside the country’s most talented artists, which will inspire future generations to come and bring glory to America’s Second City.”
The other two celebrities involved were also eager to share their thoughts about the project. Jennifer Hudson, an EGOT winner, stated her commitment to taking care of home first, saying, “My mother always taught us to take care of home first, so to support the rehabilitation of this extraordinary theater with such a rich history in Chicago means more to me than one could imagine.” Chance the Rapper also spoke about the importance of the project in showcasing Chicago's homegrown talent: “I joined the team at Ramova to give back to the city that’s given me so much and to provide a stage to showcase the incredible talent Chicago has to offer. This is our moment to revitalize Chicago neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful ways possible — the arts.”
The theatre is set to open this fall and will be accompanied by a new grill, beer garden, and brewery, with Other Half Brewing being a partner in the revitalization. The theatre will also offer educational events and “amplify community initiatives” in its space. This is a truly spectacular project, and we can't wait to watch the three Chicago legends bring this theatre back to life.
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