PORTAGE PARK — The Portage Theater, which reopened in the heart of the Six Corners Shopping District a month ago after being dark for nearly a year, has not prompted a single complaint to the alderman's office, authorities said.
Ticket sales for shows at the theater — which have included rock cover bands, country music, comedians and author talks — have been brisk, operator Charlie Burns said.
"Overall, it's been a great start and experience," Burns said, adding that he was thankful for the community's support.
Heather Cherone says early concerns of residents have not manifested themselves so far:
Owen Brugh, chief of staff to Ald. John Arena (45th), said his office had not received any complaints about shows at the Portage, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave.
"They seem to be doing well," Brugh said, adding that theater operators have been giving notice about their shows to his office and to Jefferson Park Police District commanders. "We remain cautiously optimistic."
Burns, who promised the Portage Theater would become a place Portage Park residents would be proud of under his control, said he had gotten positive feedback on the theater's "diverse entertainment." Comedy shows, country music concerts and family friendly theater have done well, he added.
Eddie Carranza, whose ownership of the 94-year-old former Six Corners movie palace has been steeped in controversy, said the theater would host more book authors in the coming months after the first one last week was a "big success."
The theater reopened in time to be a part of the Six Corners BBQ Fest, which saw a 33 percent increase in attendance from last year to this year, said Ed Bannon, the executive director of the Six Corners Business Association.
"We had a great year," Bannon said, adding that some of the attendees were probably drawn to the festival, which raises money for local arts organizations, to get a glimpse inside the theater.
Carranza closed the Portage Theater in May 2013 after Arena said he would not allow Carranza to take over the liquor and public place of amusement licenses at the Six Corners theater based on Carranza's pockmarked track record at the Congress Theater.
Because city officials yanked Carranza's liquor license at the Congress, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., city law prevented Carranza from operating the Portage and serving booze.
City officials determined the Congress "created a nuisance" because of five separate illegal incidents involving drugs from September 2011 to April 2012.
Several weeks later, city officials closed the Congress because of building violations.
The news of the Portage Theater’s reopening — with a liquor license — came as a shock to many Six Corners business owners and Arena, who has taken a wait-and-see approach with the theater's new operators.
The Portage Theater's relationship with other Six Corners businesses has been positive, and Burns has been easy to work with, Bannon said.
"People are excited about Six Corners," Bannon said. "It has been nothing but good since the theater reopened."
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