Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Portage Theater Reopening in June with Movies, Comedy, Music

 Shows are scheduled to take place at the Portage Theater through July, according to its website.
Shows are scheduled to take place at the Portage Theater through July, according to its website.
View Full Caption
Facebook/Portage Theater

PORTAGE PARK — The Portage Theater — which has been dark for a year — will reopen with a full slate of comedy shows, musical acts and classic movies, according to its website.

The first events at the Portage Theater since May 2013 will take place as part of the Six Corners BBQ Fest June 14-15.

Owner Eddie Carranza closed the Portage after Ald. John Arena (45th) said he would not allow Carranza to take over the liquor and public place of amusement licenses at the theater near Six Corners based on the theater operator's pockmarked track record at the Congress Theater in Logan Square.

Carranza could not immediately be reached for comment.

Owen Brugh, Arena's chief of staff, said the alderman's office had not been informed of the theater's reopening and could not comment.

In May 2013, Carranza lost his liquor license at the Congress after city officials determined the theater "created a nuisance" because of five separate illegal incidents involving drugs from September 2011 to April 2012.

That makes Carranza ineligible to hold a liquor license at the Portage.

The lineup at Portage in June and July includes comedy shows, silent films presented by Jay Warren and classic rock tribute bands, its website says.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: