New Ownership and Vision for The Skokie Theatre

The Skokie Theatre, a historic venue operating since 1912, has new owners. Jose Pablo Cantillo and Kristi Cantillo, who divide their time between Skokie and Greenville, South Carolina, have partnered with Chris Matsakis and Monica Matsakis of Glenview. They aim to breathe new life into the theater located at 7924 N. Lincoln Ave.

Chris Matsakis emphasized their shared passion for live entertainment. “We all love teaching and working with kids,” he explained. “We want the community to have a place to gather and even perform themselves.” The new owners promise an eclectic lineup featuring comedy, theater, storytelling, music, and jazz. They also plan to enhance the venue’s film capabilities, aiming for more feature films and even film festivals.

The quartet acquired the theater on June 29 from Wendy Kaplan and plan to reopen it by late 2026. Recent financial support includes a $50,000 grant from the Village of Skokie’s Storefront Enhancement Program and more than $30,000 raised through an online campaign. Chris Matsakis noted that this campaign will resume, focusing on upgrading film equipment and installing a new large-format screen.

Each owner brings a wealth of professional experience. Jose Pablo Cantillo has over two decades in acting, producing, and writing. Known for his roles in “The Walking Dead” and “Sons of Anarchy,” he has also produced films like “Where Hope Grows.” Kristi Cantillo has expertise in ceramics education with degrees in Fine Arts and Arts Education. Chris Matsakis, an entrepreneur with a background in finance, discovered a love for comedy and spent years performing in Chicago. He previously ran an e-commerce company.

Monica Matsakis is a seasoned storyteller and educator. She has performed at various storytelling events and taught at Laughing Academy in Glenview. Together, the diverse skills and interests of these professionals promise a variety of entertainment at The Skokie.

Jose Pablo Cantillo intends to leverage his Hollywood connections to bring one-person shows and comedy to the stage. Supporters of the theater can become founding members, enjoying exclusive benefits like opening night tickets. Cantillo noted a trend of younger audiences preferring live experiences, which encourages him to return to performing.

The quartet plans renovations for the theater, aiming to update its decor, refresh the lobby, and introduce a bar and lounge. Chris Matsakis highlights the planned range of programming, aiming to meet audience demand. Although the calendar is not finalized, storytelling events are already in the works.