Matt Carr is the Manager of Special Events at Chicago’s iconic Music Box Theatre, a historic movie palace that has been bringing film lovers together on Southport Avenue since 1929. After moving to Chicago in 2011, Matt fell in love with the city’s character, neighborhood spirit, and passionate communities. His path to the Music Box took him through hospitality and luxury hotels before he found a way to turn his lifelong love of cinema into a career.

Today, Matt helps bring the Music Box’s unique programming and experiences to life, from classic and independent films to cult favorites, international cinema, and unforgettable seasonal traditions. With its starry-sky ceiling, old-school charm, and nearly century-long history, the Music Box is more than a movie theatre. It’s a Chicago institution where generations of film lovers come together to celebrate the magic of the big screen.

We also dive into the theatre’s legendary Halloween programming, including its 24-hour horror marathon and immersive screenings of classic William Castle films. Matt shares the stories behind the Music Box’s beloved Christmas traditions, the ghost said to haunt the building, and what makes Chicago such a special place to live and work. From preserving the magic of moviegoing to building community through a shared love of film, Matt explains why the Music Box continues to captivate audiences nearly 100 years after opening its doors.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Matt found his way to Chicago and built a career around his love of cinema
• The history and enduring magic of the Music Box Theatre
• What makes the Music Box different from a traditional movie theatre
• Balancing new releases with classic, independent, international, and cult films
• The theatre’s legendary Halloween programming and 24-hour horror marathon
• Immersive William Castle screenings featuring interactive effects and audience participation
• Beloved Christmas traditions, including sing-alongs, carolers, and the theatre’s organist
• The story of “Whitey,” the ghost said to haunt the Music Box
• Why preserving the moviegoing experience matters in an increasingly digital world
• What Matt loves about Chicago’s neighborhoods, people, and passionate communities