Wayfarer Theaters (1850 2nd Street, Highland Park), a multi-use space for films, live events and conversation, has announced the grand reopening of its five-screen Highland Park venue on Friday, May 31, following extensive renovations to the street-level lobby and second floor gallery, along with updates to auditoriums to enhance the audience experience. The opening night presentation will be Wayfarer Studios' and Closer Media's “Ezra,” a film directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro and newcomer William A. Fitzgerald. 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 Studios' leadership team, including Highland Park resident Steve Sarowitz, 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, along with natural snacks from local vendors and organic beverage options from Tractor Beverage Company.
“We provide a space where guests can find engaging content that inspires, unites and enriches the soul,” said Steve Sarowitz, founder of Wayfarer Theaters, 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 affirms 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.”
On May 31, Wayfarer Theaters will host a series of screenings of Tony Goldwyn's highly anticipated film, “Ezra”, for media and community supporters. The event will also feature a special preview of the venue with remarks from the Wayfarer Theaters team, and concessions to celebrate the occasion.
“Ezra” is 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 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.
To learn more about Wayfarer Theaters and for a list of upcoming showings, visit wayfarertheaters.com.
About Wayfarer Theaters
Wayfarer Theaters first opened in Highland Park in 2023 and is a sister company of Wayfarer Studios, an independent production studio actively developing, producing, and fully financing a slate of highly original, genre-defining, and globally impactful feature films, episodic television, documentaries, unscripted series, and podcasts, founded in 2019 by Paylocity founder Steve Sarowitz and director, author and actor, Justin Baldoni.