Neighbor News
Curtain Rises on New Chapter: Oil Lamp Theater Announces Move to Long-Vacant Shoe Store
Theater is set to illuminate a long-dark storefront in downtown Glenview
GLENVIEW, Ill. – The Oil Lamp Theater, a staple of downtown Glenview, is set to illuminate a long-dark storefront after announcing plans to relocate across the street into the former Cobbler Shoe store on Glenview Road.
The move, confirmed by multiple Village of Glenview officials and a representative of the Friends of Downtown Glenview, will breathe new life into a building that has sat empty for over 15 years, its large shoe store sign still hovering above the door.
“It is not a secret; everyone in Glenview knows about it except the local newspaper,” the Friends of Downtown Glenview representative quipped during a gathering at the remodeled Glenview History Center on Tuesday.
Find out what's happening in Glenviewfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The theater, which first opened in March 2012, is receiving support for the relocation from the village, the Friends of Downtown Glenview, and private donors. Preliminary plans for the new venue reveal an ambitious design, including a sunken stage dug into the ground. The concept, similar to the setup at the Ravinia Festival but on a much smaller scale, would allow for increased seating capacity.
The theater's "Light the Way" campaign is funding the new venue, which is projected to seat between 60 and 143 patrons and feature improved technical capabilities. The theater is planning for a fall 2026 opening.
Find out what's happening in Glenviewfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Proceeds from the Oil Lamp's recent annual gala, "MasqueRAVE," held on October 18, 2025, are supporting the campaign. The theater is actively seeking donations, offering tiered recognition on a donor wall: "Internal Light" for $100,000, "Brilliant Glow" for $50,000, and "Spark" for $10,000. They are also offering naming rights for key elements of the new space, including the marquee sign for $750,000, the stage and theater for $500,000, the bar for $100,000, and even a stage door for $25,000.
The move has garnered support from local leaders. State Senator Laura Fine said, “Oil Lamp Theater has been a cornerstone of the Glenview community for the past 13 years, enriching downtown both culturally and economically.” She confirmed she awarded capital grant funds to assist with the project.
Oil Lamp Theater executive director Jay Pastucha stated that the theater will issue a formal press release with more details later this week.
