Music Box Theater Investigation

The Music Box Theatre’s history is similar to that of other neighborhood movie theaters throughout the city of Chicago with the exception that is was the first small interpretation of a “Movie Palace”.  It opened on August 22, 1929 as an elaborate little brother to the giant downtown film/presentation houses.  It featured second-run films after they left the downtown for the neighborhood circuits.  In its declining years, it slipped into a sleazy $1.50 grind house policy showing last year films.  The last Hollywood film to play here was “The Exorcist” in the fall of 1977.

The house was built for a cost (including the seats) of about $110,000.00.  The entire building, which includes the theater, nine storefronts and 32 apartments, cost about $260,000.00 according to an article in the August 1929 edition of Theatre Architecture Magazine.  Theater equipment, exclusive of seats, was noted as $35,000.  The architect was Louis A. Simon, a local, supposedly eccentric architect who was better known for his depression era W.P.A. Post Offices and plaster palaces for the avant garde nouveau riche.  The building was erected by The Southport Avenue Businessmen’s Association and operated by Lasker & Sons, which operated several smaller neighborhood houses in Chicago.

As Chicago Tribune Architectural Critic, Paul Gapp wrote (Arts and Books, July 31, 1983), “The architectural style is an eclectic mélange of Italian, Spanish and Pardon-My-Fantasy put together with passion.”  The actual style is called “atmospheric”.  The dark blue cove lit ceiling with “twinkling stars” and moving cloud formations suggests a night sky.  The plaster ornamentation of the side walls, round towers, faux-marble loggia and ogee-arched organ chambers are, by Hollywood standards, reminiscent of the walls surrounding an Italian courtyard.  Overall the effect is to make the patron feel that, no matter what the real weather outside; they are watching a film in an open air Palazzo where the evening temperature is always a balmy 72 degrees.

The theater opened in 1929 with Morton Downey (Sr.) in Mother’s Boy.  First-run film distribution in the 1930s thru ‘50s was in the hands of the studio owned downtown movie palaces.  In 1983, the current operators leased the closed theater.  It had been used sporadically between 1977 and 1983 for Spanish language films, porno films and lastly, Arabic language films.  After an arduous four month restoration, the theater reopened in August of 1983.  The presentation format was revival and repertory films in double features.  The opening features were “Wabash Ave.” with Betty Grable and Victor Mature and “In Old Chicago” with Alice Faye, Don Ameche and Tyron Power.

Within eight years, cult films, independent films and documentaries were added for a one week playtime intermingled with double feature repertory.  First-run foreign films were added to the roster in 1986.  The Music Box Theatre now presents a yearly average of 300 films making it Chicago’s year-round film festival.

Hauntings: Old theaters have ghosts and The Music Box is no exception. It has its resident caretaker.  “Whitey”, as was his neighborhood nick-name, was the manager of The Music Box from opening night in 1929 to November 24, 1977.  His wife was the cashier and they raised their family two blocks away from the theater.

According to one of Whitey’s daughters, he spent most of his time at the theater.  Young people who grew up in the neighborhood tell tales of working for Whitey, being tossed out by Whitey and accidentally-on-purpose skinning their knee to get a free piece of candy from Whitey.  

Parents speak of the embarrassment of having their child’s instamatic photo in the cashier’ station “rogues gallery” of children not allowed back in the theater for any of a myriad of offenses.  

On Thanksgiving eve, 1977, Whitey returned to close the theater.  He fell asleep on the couch in the lobby and never woke up.  The theater closed.  

Whitey is a tireless protector of The Music Box Theatre.  He helps solve problems and has been known to express his opinion of a bad organist by causing the drapery to drop in both organ chambers simultaneously.  He is a very positive contributor to the audience comfort and enjoyment of his theater.  He is Manager Emeritus.

Address: 3373 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Phone: 773-871-6604

Manager: Ryan Oespeich

Website: https://musicboxtheater.com

Hauntings: Many paranormal groups have found melted candle wax and other signs that point to an occult presence. It is possible that occult activity may be causing some of the paranormal activity. Activity includes seeing cloaked figures darting around the tower’s base and footing, feelings of paranoia, and possession.

The Ghost Research Society investigated the Music Box Theater on September 9, 2024 and the team members included: Charles Williams, Diane Oksanen, Mike Rosario, Sandy Weber and Dale Kaczmarek.

Equipment setup: Mostly hand-held equipment was used like Melmeter with telescopic probe, digital recorders and camcorders, Tri-Field Natural EM Meter, REM Epod and there were some Nightshot camcorders set up but since the lighting was never shut off, they weren’t very useful.

Experiments performed: Several Phasma Box and Ovilus V sessions were conducted throughout various parts of the theater including the Basement, Small Theater, Balcony, the Lobby, and the Front Bar.

Personal experiences:

Mike Rosario: Intro and Equipment Used:  For this investigation, we traveled to the Music Box Theatre with Dale, Chuck, and Diane. The day’s weather was warm and comfortable, with calm conditions, and clear skies. The equipment I used in this investigation were my K-II Meter; a Philips VoiceTracer Digital Voice Recorder; a DVC 4K Ultra HD 48mp Night Shot Digital Video Camcorder with an LED IR Light; and an iPhone 8+ for interior photo shots.

Initial Investigation: For this investigation, I was accompanied primarily by the entire group that attended that day during the all building-level investigations (basement, first/parlor, and second floors).  I first began by doing my usual K-II sweeps in the first floor area in order to obtain some base readings. First floor main auditorium levels were around 1.2mG-5.7mG. The parlor/café area was around 1.8mG-4.5mG. The Second Theatre section was around a low 0.4mG-1.1mG. Basement readings were around a high 15mG-19mG. And the second floor level was around 2.9mG-4.2mG. I unfortunately did not get a chance to investigate the Auditorium Two (Second Theatre) projection room, where it is said a projectionist had passed away whilst on duty many years back. We did, however, conducted our main investigation in the Auditorium One (First Theatre), and Second Theatre areas. Such very beautiful rooms! The basement was an interesting investigation as well, as we got some Phasma Box EVPs. I positioned my IR camera in the main theatre facing the stage in hopes for some activity there. This recording was constantly running all throughout our investigation whilst on all levels of the theatre. Our last investigation was the parlor café section, where the walls were littered with lovely nostalgia of a bygone era of movies, plays, comedy shows, music, tapes/CD’s, video tapes, and movie posters. They still even have the very couch where the first owner of the building had passed away on in the center of the room near the forward wall! This room was really amazing, and it all brought me back to yesteryear in every way! We used various ITC devices here in this room in order to try to pick up any EVP phenomena as well. It was truly an experience to remember. I actually haven’t set foot in this theatre since my old grammar school days, as I born and lived in the Lake View area many years back. It was so great to see the old’ theatre once again in all her glory; so good to see. And I am deeply thankful for the many staff keeping her alive and well all of these years and hopefully for many years to come.

Evidence:  Upon reviewing all of my evidence, unfortunately I did not capture any video or photographic evidence, but did capture some very interesting audio whilst during our EVP Phasma Box and other ITC sessions in all the locations we investigated in the building. It was an overall very productive, fun day, and I would love to investigate this beautiful location again sometime in the near future!

Charles Williams: There were some K-II hits in basement and the Phasma Box and Ovilus V were used in every area that was investigated.

The Music Box is a grand old theatre on the North side of Chicago.  I have been there many times since 1980.  I have never had any paranormal experiences in the past.  Recent renovations occurred, so it was interesting to see if this brought out any activity.  We went around as a group.  This was an am investigation per theatre timing; staff was going about their jobs as usual.  We got a thorough walk through but a staff member, and got to go to areas I have never been in before, like the Basement, & Balcony. 

Dale Kaczmarek: I initially wrote about this theater in my first book, Windy City Ghosts. I don’t believe that I had any personal paranormal experiences while investigating this rather large theater but did capture some interesting EVPs at various locations.

Evidence collected:

Asshole musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Balcony, a comment was made, “You’re welcome to join us.” The device responded with, “Asshole.”

Basement musicbox.MP3 – while conducting an Ovilus V and dual Phasma Box session in the Basement at the same time; before any question could be asked, the Ovilus V said, “Basement.”

Beelzebub musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, the device said, “Beelzebub.”

Boy exit out musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Balcony, the device said, “Boy exit out.”

Chicago musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Balcony, a question was asked, “What city are we in?” The device replied with, “Chicago.”

Chuck I love you musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session at the Bar, the device said, “Chuck I love you.”

Coffin musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Balcony, the device blurted out, “Coffin.”

Cunt musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session at the Bar, the device said, “Cunt.”  

Dale musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, the device said, “Dale.”  

Dale get out of here musicbox.MP3 – while conducting an EVP session in the Front Lounge, a gruff-sounding disembodied was heard and recorded as saying, “Dale get out of here.”

Diane musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Balcony, a comment was made, “…yes we’re in the Balcony” a voice comes through the device that sounds like, “Diane.”

Disembodied voice musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the theater, a question was asked, “Do you watch movies in this theater?” The reply sounds like it says, “Yeah” followed like a possible disembodied voice that didn’t come through the device and is difficult to discern.

Don’t remember musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Lobby, a question was asked, “Can you say one of our names?” The device responded with, “Don’t remember.”

Folks say hi musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session by the Bar, the device says, “Folks say hi.”

Growl my spirit musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session, a question was asked, “Can you say hello?” The device responded with, “Growl my spirit.”

Help me musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, the device clearly says, “Help me.”  

Hello musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Theater, a question was asked, “Hello?”  The device resounded in a queer voice that sounded a like, “Hello.”

Hey asshole musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Lobby and while Weber was talking; the device talked over her and said, “Hey asshole.”  

Hold it musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Theater, a question was asked, “Can someone tell me where Mickey is?” The device replied with, “Hold it.”

I love dancing musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session, the device said, “I love dancing.”

If they know I’m here I’m fucked musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Lobby, a gruff-sounding male voice says, “If they know I’m here, I’m fucked.”

I’ll be coming never musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session at the Bar, the device says, “I’ll be coming” and a question is then asked, “When?” and a deep voice replies with, “Never.”

I’ll be coming real quick musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Front Lounge, when the device said, “I’ll be coming” then followed by a question, “When will you come?” The reply was, “real quick.”

I’m a machinist musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement when the device blurts out, “I’m a machinist.”  

I’m starving musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Main Theater, the device blurted out, “I’m starving.”

It wants you musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, the device says, “It wants you.”

It wasn’t murder musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Front Lounge, a question was asked, “What happened on that couch long ago?” The device said, “It wasn’t murder.”

It’s Debbie musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session on the Balcony, the device said, “It’s Debbie.”  

Kinda busy musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Theater, the device, a comment was made, “My name is Dale.” The device replied with, “Kinda busy.”

Legal action musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session, the device said, “Legal action.”  

My name’s Al musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, the device said, “My name’s Al.”

Oh my God don’t anyway you are evil musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box in the Basement, the device said, “Oh my God, don’t anyway, you’re evil.”  

Oh yeah musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Theater, a question was asked, “What’s he holding? (Referring to me)” The device responded with, “Oh yeah.”

Quiet on the set musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, a female voice says, “Quiet on the set.”

She left musicbox.M3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Lobby, a question was asked, “How about Jennifer? She here? The device responded with, “She left.’

This is Ed he’s right here musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session, Ovilus V said, “Ed”. “Is Ed here right now? Can I talk to Ed?” The device replied with, “He’s right here.”

We fall down now musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, the device said, “We fall down now.”

We’d love to Sandy musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Theater, Dale says “touch Sandy”. Sandy says, “I’m Sandy, I’d love you to touch me.” The device responds with, “We’d love to Sandy.”

We’re investigating please come in musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session on the Balcony, the device says, “We’re investigating, please come in.”

What do you think musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box sessions in the Basement, a question was asked, “Are you alive?” The device replies with, “What do you think?”  

What's up Ron musicbox.MP3 - while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Theater, the device said, "What's up Ron?"

What’s your name hi there musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Basement, the device said, “What’s your name? Hi there.”

Where’s the Lobby here musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session, the device said, “Where’s the Lobby?”  

Who’s dead musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Theater, a question was asked, “We’re going to talk to each other. Is that okay?” The device said, “Who’s dead?”

Yeah beautiful coffee musicbox.MP3 – while conducting a Phasma Box session in the Balcony, a question was asked, “Before he came here, did he get you a cup of coffee?” The device responded with, “Yeah beautiful coffee.”

Words spoken by the Ovilus V in dictionary mode: closet, radio, cold, am not, front, wings, Jo, file, climbed, this, Ed, work, follow, describe, proton, ambition, Greg, often, round, done, will, plan, hurt, puncture, learn, raised, this, drive, fan, learn, planet, wings, remote, feeling, fire, statement and chills.

Words or phrases spoken by the Phasma Box: can you say hello, I’m Tim, the export, I’m intrigued, go to your room, bullshit, our lady, what’s in it, sounds, rotten, two old people, say something, champion, developed, crescent, coffin, go away.

Conclusions: There were quite a few intelligent responses to questions asked as well as what I believe to be random or residual words or phrases that came through as well. We were shown around by some very nice theater staff who also shared their personal experiences.

I was able to supplement the history with various newspaper clippings including some very recent ones. It was an amazing theater however there was some background talking when we were conducting an EVP session up in the Balcony and the lights could not be turned off which hampered our Nightshot capability somewhat.

It was also nice to be able to investigate with Sandy as we haven’t seen her in quite a while.