Wayfarer Theaters, a multi-use space for films, live events, and conversation, announced the grand reopening of its five-screen venue in Highland Park, following extensive renovations to the street-level lobby and second floor gallery, along with updates to auditoriums to provide an enhanced audience experience.
The opening night presentation on Friday, May 31, will be Wayfarer Studios’ and Closer Media’s Ezra, a 2024 American comedy-drama film directed by Tony Goldwyn and written by Tony Spiridakis. The film centers on comedian Max (Bobby Cannavale) co-parenting his autistic son Ezra (William A. Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne). Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra’s future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip. Additional stars include Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, Goldwyn, William A. Fitzgerald and Robert De Niro.
The event will also feature a special preview of the venue with remarks from the Wayfarer Theaters team, and concessions to celebrate the occasion.
Friday, May 31
Wayfarer Theaters
1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL
The Grand Opening Event begins at 5 PM
After opening in February 2023, the cinema’s theater spaces were modernized with luxury reclining seating options in two of the five auditoriums and an inviting café area was added to the second floor.
Upon entering the theater, guests will discover a welcoming LED screen display of Wayfarer’s leadership team, including Highland Park resident Steve Sarowitz, along with Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, co-founder Justin Baldoni and President Tera Hanks, speaking to the theater’s unique guest experience and Wayfarer’s core principles. A community bulletin board, café and dramatic video walls are also key elements of the venue enhancements. The remodeled concession area will incorporate standard theater fare, such as popcorn, natural snacks from local vendors and organic beverage options from Tractor Beverage Company.
“We provide a space where guests can find engaging content that aligns with our core principles and enriches the soul,” said Steve Sarowitz, founder of Wayfarer Theaters and co-chairman of Wayfarer Studios. “We offer engaging content that inspires, unites, and enriches the soul. Our team meticulously curates a diverse array of uplifting movies that affirm the nobility of all people. To further enhance the film experience, we regularly bring in filmmakers to have thought-provoking conversations with our audience. Past appearances include Jane Goodall, Rainn Wilson, Justin Baldoni, Patricia Heaton, Penn Badgley and Geena Davis. This approach made us the fastest growing movie theater in the Chicago area in 2023 and we aim even higher in 2024.”
The company is rooted in principles of respect for the nobility of all, justice, celebrating diversity and oneness of humanity. “The changes we’ve made to our facilities serve to enhance these principles and encourage impactful experiences amongst our audiences,” said Clayton Stamper, general manager of Wayfarer Theaters. “We will feature major studio releases, as well as independent productions like John Siskel’s ‘Memorial’, a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Highland Park mass shooting.”
To learn more about Wayfarer Theaters and for a list of upcoming showings, VISIT HERE.
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