History of the Onarga Theater ________________________________________ History of the Onarga Theater Onarga, Illinois — 1937 to Today
Our Beginnings (1937–1940s) The story of the Onarga Theater begins in 1937, when the building—originally constructed in 1894 as a hardware and furniture store—was transformed into a modern movie house. Designed in the sleek Art Moderne style, it opened as the Modernistic Theatre, offering the community a stylish new place to enjoy motion pictures.
A few years later, the name was shortened to The Modern Theatre, and it quickly became a beloved local gathering place. The Mode Theatre Era (Late 1940s–1990s) In the late 1940s, the theater was purchased by the Kerasotes theater chain, who renamed it The Mode Theatre.
For decades, The Mode served generations of families, adapting to changing film technology and entertainment trends while remaining a cultural anchor in downtown Onarga.
In the late 1990s, ownership changed again—this time to the operators of the Harvest Moon Drive In in Gibson City. With this transition came a new name: the Onarga Theater, the name it proudly carries today.
A New Chapter: Randy & Cheryl Lizzio (2008–Present)
In 2008, the Onarga Theater entered a new era when Randy and Cheryl Lizzio became its owners. Their stewardship has been defined by preservation, modernization, and a deep commitment to keeping the magic of the movies alive in Iroquois County. Preserving a Historic Landmark The Lizzios have worked tirelessly to maintain the theater’s historic charm while ensuring it remains fully functional for modern audiences. Their goal has always been to give today’s families—and especially younger generations—a chance to experience the warmth and nostalgia of a classic small town movie house. Bringing First Run Movies to the Community As the only movie theater in Iroquois County and Surrounding Counties, the Onarga Theater continues to offer first run films, giving local residents access to new releases without the long drive to larger towns and the huge amount of money the larger theaters charge.
The Digital Projection Challenge (2012–2014)
When the film industry transitioned from 35mm film to digital projection, small theaters across the country faced a difficult choice: upgrade or close their doors. The Onarga Theater needed a costly digital projection system to survive.
• In 2012, the Lizzios launched a community wide fundraising effort, including taco dinners, silent auctions, and online donations.
• In 2013–2014, they ran a Kickstarter campaign, raising $8,113 toward the upgrade.
• In 2014 the Lizzios secured a private loan for the rest of the monies needed to purchase the Digital Equipment needed to reopen the theater. Completing the Upgrade After the Kickstarter campaign,
• In 2014 the Lizzios secured a private loan to fund the remaining amount needed to purchase the digital equipment, allowing the Onarga Theater to reopen and continue serving the community.
A Labor of Love
For Randy and Cheryl, the theater is more than a business—it’s a passion project. Their dedication has kept the marquee lights shining, the popcorn popping, and the tradition of moviegoing alive in Onarga. They have made many updates to the theater to keep it up to date including all new digital surround sound speakers and amps, a dual Popcorn popper that allows not only for that delicious Buttery Theater Popcorn everyone loves, but also Fresh Caramel Corn made nightly. During the Covid time, the theater opened their concession counter on Friday night so everyone could come in and purchase their favorite concession items. Going along with that, the Lizzios purchased the equipment needed to start making Gourmet Popcorn. Sold online and for the holidays the addition of the gourmet popcorn helps to supplement the monies needed to keep the theater operational.
Why the Onarga Theater Matters
For nearly a century, the Onarga Theater has been a place where memories are made. From its Art Moderne beginnings to its digital transformation, it remains a symbol of community, resilience, and small town pride. Thanks to the commitment of the Lizzio family, the theater continues to welcome movie lovers of all ages. Keeping the theater open and running is a daily struggle. When the Covid virus hit the world, movie companies started streaming new releases almost immediately upon theater release. With more people staying home to watch movies, the attendance for the theater has vastly diminished.
Trying still to keep prices lower for the community, ticket prices remain at $6.00 a person. Most do not know that the movies companies take about 60-65% of each ticket sale so sales from concessions is how the theater stays open.
So the next time you come to the Onarga Theater remember that each concession sale is helping them to keep the doors open and they very much welcome the public to come in anytime they are open and purchase their favorite concession items. ________________________________________
