WILDEY THEATRE LOBBY DEDICATION and OPEN HOUSE

The Wildey Theatre originally opened on April 12, 1909, 117 years ago to the day of the lobby dedication on Sunday, April 12, 2026.  The Wildey was originally built in the Victorian style before being redesigned in the Art Deco style in 1937.  The redesigned lobby was painted with deep charcoal-colored walls and ceiling, gold accents and panels that resemble stained glass.  Local companies like Whitetail Design Studio, Miller and Maack General Contractors, R Design Inc. and Eberhart Sign and Lighting all worked on the project.  The Friends of the Wildey, the fundraising arm of the theater, raised $56,000 to do the project.  Rich Walker, president of Friends of the Wildey, stated, “When they built the Wildey, it cost $45,000 to build. It cost more for us to redesign the lobby than it did to build the whole building in the first place!” 

A big “Ticket Tearing” ceremony was performed by Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy.  After a brief dedication, the public was invited to step inside and be among the first to experience the new art deco space.  Following a live performance by the very popular Sheafor & Simes, everyone was invited to take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, including the stage and green room.