Unlocking the Mysteries of Lake County: The Haunting of PM&L Theatre

The PM&L Theatre in Antioch is more than just a cherished community arts venue; it’s a landmark steeped in history and mystery. From its vaudeville days in the early 20th century to its role in the Prohibition-era underworld, the theater’s past is as rich as it is enigmatic. Today, it stands as a hub for arts and culture, but whispers of ghostly encounters and mob lore continue to captivate visitors and locals alike.

A Stage with a Storied Past

To understand the allure of the PM&L Theatre, we must go back to its origins as The Crystal Theater. In its vaudeville heyday, the theater brought drama, comedy, and music to life on its stage. Antioch’s Main Street was bustling, and this little venue became a gathering place for entertainers and audiences alike.

But the PM&L Theatre wasn’t just another small-town playhouse. With Lake County’s proximity to Chicago, it’s rumored that members of Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit and their rivals, including Bugs Moran’s crew, frequented the area. The Chain O’Lakes, just a short distance away, served as a haven for bootlegging and clandestine meetings. Imagine these notorious figures blending into the audience, watching vaudeville performances while plotting their next moves. Capone’s reputed hideaway in Lake Bluff was only a short drive away, further cementing the theater’s connection to the Prohibition-era underworld.

Revival and Cultural Significance

By 1960, Palette, Masque, and Lyre, Inc. (PM&L), a nonprofit group of local enthusiasts, stepped in to revive the old theater. Over the years, it transformed into the PM&L Theatre we know today, hosting plays, musicals, and community events that continue to draw audiences from all over Lake County. Yet, as the theater flourished, so did tales of its haunted reputation.

Ghostly Encounters

One of the most famous apparitions tied to the PM&L Theatre is that of a young girl dressed in period clothing. Witnesses claim to have seen her wandering the stage and auditorium, her faint figure a haunting reminder of the theater’s vaudeville past. Could she be a performer who never left the spotlight?

The paranormal doesn’t stop there. Staff and volunteers report hearing disembodied voices, footsteps echoing in empty hallways, and bursts of laughter in otherwise silent spaces. Lights flicker inexplicably, props go missing, and cold spots chill the air backstage. Some claim to have felt a ghostly hand on their shoulder, only to turn and find no one there. These eerie accounts have left even the most skeptical visitors questioning what’s really happening behind the scenes.

A Legacy of Mystery

The PM&L Theatre’s long history provides fertile ground for speculation. Are the spirits tied to past performances? Lingering energies from the vaudeville era? Or perhaps even the mobsters who once mingled in the crowd? While definitive answers remain elusive, the stories add an undeniable layer of intrigue to this beloved venue.

Present-Day Charm

Despite its ghostly tales, the PM&L Theatre remains a vibrant part of Antioch. Its productions continue to delight audiences, and its historical charm endears it to the community. Yet, for those who believe in the supernatural, the question lingers: When the curtain falls and the lights dim, who—or what—remains in the shadows?

The PM&L Theatre is a testament to the enduring power of stories—those performed on stage and those whispered about its past. Whether you visit for a show or to seek a glimpse of its mysterious side, the theater is sure to leave an impression.

Do you have a story about the PM&L Theatre or an encounter with its spectral side? Share it with us as we continue to unlock The Mysteries of Lake County.