After decades of gala premieres and packed houses, the Coronado Theatre began to show its age. The last movie in the theater was shown in 1984. Local groups continued to use the Coronado to host productions — roughly 40 per year — but the theater suffered from antiquated restrooms, an unreliable heating system, outdated sound and lighting equipment, and a stage built for vaudeville and movies, not full-scale, modern productions. Also of concern, the building was not fully accessible to all patrons or performers.

1999-2001 CORONADO THEATRE RESTORATION PROJECT

In 1995, a group of concerned citizens, under the aegis of the Rockford Area Arts Council, began to investigate the possibility of renovating the Coronado to create a state-of-the-art performance and entertainment facility. In 1997, with the gift of the theater to the City of Rockford by the Kerasotes Corporation, the Friends of the Coronado was officially formed. A year later the organization launched a fund-raising campaign to expand, restore and renovate Rockford’s “Wonder Theatre.” With the generous help of the City of Rockford and thousands of corporations, foundations, government and individual donors and volunteers, the dream of creating a world-class venue “for all to use and share,” has been realized in the “new” Coronado Theatre.

Today

The Coronado Theatre is a vibrant regional arts and entertainment anchor providing an extraordinary variety in entertainment choices, hosting 80-100 events per year. It is home to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Rockford Dance Company and the Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society. Other stage events include weddings, galas, graduations, dance recitals, school music programs, organ concerts and annual Haunted Tours.  The beautifully restored Coronado serves our region as one of the top historic theaters in North America, strengthening our economy and exemplifying civic pride and excellence.