Cue the lights, Call the Curtain, It's Showtime…read more Looking for a showcase of local talent, fun, and big city theater with the small town charm? Look no further then Engle Lane Theatre in Streator, Illinois. Nestled down a private lane in the midst of cornfields, Engle Lane Theatre is operated by the Community Players of Streator, a group of individuals who care deeply about bringing the chance to act and promote the performing arts through a yearly season running from May to October. Each season consists of a mixture of drama, comedy, musical, and a youth production. It should be noted that all the actors, stage crew, directors, etc., are all local to the area. The theater is outfitted complete with a box office and lobby area, auditorium, a full stage with full light and sound capabilities and an orchestra pit. In their comittment to get as many people to attend the theater as possible, the theater also offers devices for the hearing assisted. Backstage there is a set design room, a prop room, a rehearsal and dance hall, male and female dressing rooms, a make up room, and the always famous green room where actors can chill while awaiting their time on stage. To help promote local arts even further, the hallways near the restrooms are used to display photography and art of local artists. While I was home for a few weeks and in my quest to promote local businesses, I decided to take in a show. Unfortunately the night I wanted to attend, I found the show had been sold out. Luckily, I found out that I could have my name placed on a wait list for any reserved tickets that were not picked up. This worked well since I was able to visit with people I hadn't seen since I moved and catch up while waiting.....fate was on my side, and I was informed they would have available seating that night. The show I was seeing that evening was Hairspray. After a brief, humorous welcoming by the director, the lights dimmed and the show began. If you have ever seen the production previously live or in the movie remakes, the cast hit it perfectly in portraying each character. The live orchestra kept the music flowing and never missed a note. From previously being in production work, I know it takes a full team to make the presentation, and not to take away from any other actors talent, but I have to give an A+ extra effort to the lady who was cast as Tracy Turnblad -- it was truly a mirrored image of previous versions I have seen. The show was capped off with a surprise spraying of confetti into the audience following the casting call and encore of "You Can't Stop the Beat". Now before I continue on with this next part, it should be noted that Engle Lane kind of holds a small place in my life, throughout high school I was involved in our drama club which held a spring production here each year and I also volunteered on the production team for Engle Lane for two productions after school. In 2010, Engle Lane had it's season ripped away unexpectedly and almost ceased to exist. On the night of June 5, 2010, the theater was one of the first buildings damaged when the town was hit by a tornado. I just happened to be with the fire department that evening and upon pulling up, I witnessed a place that held some great memories being nothing more then a pile of bricks, debris and a skelatal frame. That was the last time I saw Engle Lane prior to moving out of Illinois. Through a lot of hours of volunteering, planning, and folks coming together, the theater was rebuilt, refurbished and in position to host it's 2011 season. Following the show, a few of the cast members and director were kind enough to take me on a tour and show me the rebuilt theater. It was kind of strange standing on the stage, looking out and not seeing steel beams and the star lit sky as what was in my last memory. The theater is now a trophy and beacon of not only local acting and performing arts talent, but also a showcase to what can be accomplished when local folks, hard work and community support all come together. Engle Lane definately has some of "The Nicest Kids in Town".

I came to Engle Lane to take in the "The Marvelous Wonderettes" but that is not what I am here to…read moretalk about today I am going to talk about the Theater it self. Situation just on the southern out skirts of Streator Il Engle Lane serves it purpose as creative outlet for its community. The parking lot is rather small & the lobby is near nonexistent. Once you enter the theater it is small can the seating is comparable to old 1980's GKC theater seating not something you want to sit in for 90 minutes. Would I go back yes I would because it a strong asset to the community and the arts, tickets are fair priced and the performance is filled with passionate youngsters.

Shift manager (beard guy) was very knowledgeable and hospitable. These days customer service is…read moreusually lacking but not here.

This was me and my husband's first time here, but it was a great visit. They practice social…read moredistancing, but alot of ppl didn't have ok their face masks. We did though. This is a older movie theater, and family owned. Nice young employees at the concession stand and ticket booth. Reasonable prices for tickets, and snacks. We went to watch Spider-Man and it was a great movie. We ordered a large popcorn, 2 drinks, a box of m and m's and a pretzel. Everything was good but the pretzel. My husband love pretzels, but not that one. We will definitely be back soon.

Great seats, clean theater, good popcorn and service. Seats recline and have heaters as well. You…read morecan add as much butter to your popcorn, and they have various selections of pop.

Theaters in general have really started to tank. First, no one working counter, after waiting,…read morefinally came out. After getting seated, realized I forgot something and again had to wait. Then, even though the posters and even the ad on the screen itself said we got points for purchasing, the girl said they don't do that. They did two weeks ago. Not worth the drive down from Sycamore anymore, we'll have to start heading up to Marcus in Elgin again. Disappointing.

The visuals were so blurry, that one could not even read the credits. The sound was very good,…read morebut i wouldn't ever go there again.

I thought because of the updated theater experience I'd be updating with a higher rating. Noooope…read more When we get to the front of the line, a register opens up. The girl at the register just stares at us. So we walk over. No hi, hey, or how you doing. Literally silence. It was pretty awkward. We ordered our tickets. Then she finally speaks after we get our tickets. "Enjoy the movie." Then as we're walking away I hear her say, ""Hi, how are you tonight?" to the next people. Ok. We decided to skip snacks and drinks. Went to our seats. The seats are good but not great. If you didn't know, you can order cooked food now. That's awesome but there's no where to sit your food. I'm guessing you put it in your lap. That's the other downside. I had to smell my neighbors onion rings. Bleh. Not my idea of setting the atmosphere. My last beef is the main reason I won't be going back. I decided I was thirsty. I get in line. The kid at the register looked up at me. I'd say I was third in line. The first person gets there items and leaves. He tells the next lady, he'll be right back. He comes back. Takes her order. Gets her stuff and leaves. He walks away. Doesn't say anything to me. I'm waiting and waiting. I finally look over and this guy is at another register taking someone's order! I was irritated. He knew I was there. I skipped buying a drink. I just wanted to watch my movie and leave. If you want to see how a movie experience like this is supposed go then travel to the CMX at the Mall of America. You can order food AND the seats come with trays to put your food on. The seating is comfortable and not cramped. This location was more concerned with how many recliner seats they can squeeze in. Oh..best part at CMX if you want a drink then you can easily get one. Shocking!

my friends went in to the back rooms movie but forgot their id and they got in but when me and my…read morehusband forgot ours the girl threw a fit! ended up watching a movie i hate. 5/10.

If I could give a negative star I would. What kind of theater splits the aisle six feet wide down…read morethe center? If that wasn't bad enough the seating itself was horrid. The most uncomfortable seating imaginable. Did they purchase them from a condemned prison? Because they felt more like torture devices than something someone would pay money for. The neck strain I have from the awkward seating position has me contemplating on seeing the chiropractor. The lights never dimmed all the way. Some bull crap about safety. I couldn't be paid to return. Absolutely the worst movie going experience ever. I couldn't imagine a way to make it worse. But I'm sure they are working on some way to achieve just that. Oh yeah and it was just dirty. Can't leave that out. Thank you SunnyLand Cinemas for the worst viewing experience of my life.

Went here to see Rogue One. Our tickets were only $7.99 each. The guy who sold us our tickets was…read morereally friendly. My girlfriend bought popcorn and a soda. Those were around 11 dollars. The butter station looked messy. They have a few arcade games in the lobby but they are older games. The seats in the theater are leather and slightly recline. The arms on the chairs go up if you want more room. I don't know why but I had trouble staying comfortable during the movie. I had to keep shifting. Maybe the seats could use more cushioning or maybe my booty does. Most theaters I have been to have multiple restrooms but this place only has the two near the exit. It gets crowed after the movie. You have a bunch people standing in the pathway while you're trying to leave. This next bit has no factor into my rating. It's just a random rant. If you're in a theater that is not crowed, what possesses some of you people to seat right near people!? Space out!

Disgusting. The bathrooms are disgusting the floors are disgusting the seats are disgusting the…read morewhole place is disgusting. Clean up your mess

Nothing there but it's still hanging on for now, more people in there walking around for exercise I…read morethink than shopping

First time at this location, but it was a pleasant visit…read more My husband and I decided to see The Batman. We are so behind on movies, so since we like AMC theaters, we decided to choose this location. The young men at the concession stand was really polite. We purchased our tickets, purchased our snacks, and went in. The theater was really clean and the chairs were comfy. I really enjoyed the movie, but not too much of the popcorn. The large popcorn is much smaller now. We used to have buckets for large popcorn. The popcorn wasn't hot, and really needed to be much fresher. We end up dumping the first batch, and got a second batch. Much better. :-) We added hot putter on it. Delicious! My husband and I shared popcorn, and soda. The tickets plus the snacks came up to $36 total.

Great experience. Helpful staff. Clean bathrooms. Clean theaters. Well done. So, we took an Amtrak…read moretrip. Had 11 hours to kill in Normal. This is the second time we have gone. Great place. We took a cab here & to Denny's. A great day.

A solid experience. This is an older theater. No recliners or preselected seats, but clean and well…read morekept. The staff were nice. For a Sunday, it was pretty quiet which when it comes to move theaters, I appreciate. There is ample parking and just 5 min from the ISU campus.

Great step back in time. But, with current films. Lower…read moreprices, courtesy service, and cordial patrons. Find myself wanting them to be open during the week. All that and they donate profits to their community!

I grew up going to this theater. The seats were awful then, but it was only a buck and we saw every…read more80s movie that came to Town. Now, the seats are really comfortable (are they leather?!) and it's still the same small town vibe. I love that it's supporting programs around town. The concessions are affordable. The young ladies working the night we visited were super sweet. I would LOVE to have something like this where my family now lives for my own kids to hang out!