Who Owns the Regal Theater in Chicago? A Tale of Mystery and Popcorn
The Great Regal Riddle
So, you wanna know who owns the Regal Theater in Chicago, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this is a story filled with more twists and turns than a M. Night Shyamalan movie.
First off, let's clear something up: there are actually two Regal Theaters in Chicago. One was a legendary spot in Bronzeville that sadly met a tragic end, and the other is the Avalon Regal Theater, a South Side gem that's been trying to find its footing for what feels like a century.
The Ghost of Regal Past
The original Regal Theater was the bee's knees. It was the place to be for Black entertainers in the golden age of jazz and blues. Think Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole gracing that stage. But alas, time is a cruel mistress, and the theater was demolished in 1973. So, who owned it back then? Well, that's a question for the ghostbusters, not me.
The Avalon Regal: A Modern-Day Soap Opera
Now, the Avalon Regal Theater is a whole different kettle of fish. It's been through more ups and downs than a yo-yo. Currently, the theater is owned by a guy named Jerald Gary, who bought it in 2014 for a cool $100,000. That's right, you could've bought a theater for the price of a decent used car! But don't get too excited, because reviving a historic theater is no walk in the park. It's like trying to teach a cat to fetch – possible, but you'll probably end up covered in cat hair.
Gary has been on a mission to restore the Avalon Regal to its former glory, but it's been a long and winding road. There have been financial hurdles, bureaucratic red tape, and even a brief flirtation with cryptocurrency. Yes, you read that right. Crypto.
So, while we can definitively say that Jerald Gary is the current owner, the future of the Avalon Regal is still as uncertain as the ending of a Christopher Nolan film.
How to... Regal Theater Edition
- How to become the next owner of the Avalon Regal Theater: Win the lottery, have a sugar daddy with deep pockets, or invent the next big thing in sustainable popcorn.
- How to enjoy the Regal Theater experience: Time travel to the 1940s or support the Avalon Regal's restoration efforts.
- How to get a refund for a canceled show at the Regal Theater: Check your ticket terms and conditions, or try your luck with customer service.
- How to throw the ultimate movie night at home: Stock up on popcorn, cozy blankets, and streaming services.
- How to appreciate the history of Black entertainment: Support Black artists, learn about the Chitlin' Circuit, and visit historical landmarks like the Apollo Theater.
