TEDDY BEAR TEA RETURNS AS PART OF HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Teddy Bear Tea will be hosted at the Rialto Square Theatre on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 9:30 am 12:00 pm.

Make holiday memories in the Rialto’s enchanted storybook setting. Surrounded by chandeliers, soaring archways and grand columns young and old alike will enjoy this magical setting for brunch. Gather round the beautiful Rialto Tree nestled under the “Duchess,” a magnificent crystal chandelier, and enjoy delicious food and fun activities complete with a special appearance by St. Nick himself and a keepsake Rialto Bear for each child.

This Teddy Bear Tea is an opportunity to bring your special princes and princesses to this holiday wonderland to make memories that will last a lifetime! It is graciously sponsored by ExxonMobil. Be sure to attend this holiday favorite and experience the magic!

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A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE

Tickets On Sale 8/25 at 10AM!

Just in time for the holiday season, the Peanuts gang will be coming to the Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet on Friday, December 8, 2017 for A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage is a fresh take on the timeless classic that gives the audience a completely new way of experiencing the story line as portrayed by real actors who maintain the integrity and spirit of each Peanuts character.

This Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz has been a longstanding tradition, warming the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over 50 years ago. Now, the live on stage adaptation of the classic animated television special brings all your favorite characters to life – all set to the unforgettable sounds of the Vince Guaraldi musical score.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage encompasses each of your favorite scenes from the original animated television show. It even expands the storyline into greater detail with more fun, more music, more finding the true Christmas spirit. This Peanuts Experience also includes an intermission and, after the final bow, the show crescendos into a celebration of song as the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing Christmas favorites.

So, join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

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NATALIE GRANT AND DANNY GOKEY BRING BACK CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TOUR

Tickets On Sale 8/25 at 10AM!

NATALIE GRANT AND DANNY GOKEY’S CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TOUR visits the Rialto Square Theatre with their hugely successful Christmas Tour on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm.

Award-winning artists Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey will ring in the holiday season together again this year on the Celebrate Christmas Tour, presented by Medi-Share, a national healthcare-sharing organization. Following a successful run of Christmas dates in 2016 where they performed for multiple sell-out crowds, Natalie and Danny will co-bill their popular Christmas tour again this season, sharing the stage each night in a fully integrated set.

A six-time Grammy nominee and five-time Dove Award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant and eight-time Dove nominee and two-time K-LOVE Male Artist of the Year (2016 and 2017) Danny Gokey are a quintessential vocal pairing, setting the stage for an unforgettable Christmas experience. Selections will include favorites like “O Holy Night,” “Joy To The World,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and more.

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ComEd TO BE PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE’S HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

ComEd has agreed to be the Presenting Sponsor for the Rialto Square Theatre’s 2017 Home for the Holidays. This season long holiday event encompasses many  activities including concerts, movies and social events. Many Joliet area residents of all ages in the past have included the Rialto in their holiday plans. Starting November 13, and continuing through December 16, Home for the Holidays has something for everyone. First-class entertainment for the holidays in downtown Joliet.

“Home For The Holidays will add to the holiday traditions of many residents young and old” said Jack Ericksen, Marketing & Development Director Rialto Square Theatre, “And this year we’ve expanded our offering to make even more holiday memories. We greatly appreciate the support of ComEd and their ongoing commitment to the Rialto Square Theatre and “Home for the Holidays at the Rialto”.

“ComEd is proud to continue as the title sponsor of the 2017 “Home for the Holidays at the Rialto”. We see the Rialto Theatre as a jewel in the revitalization of downtown Joliet, and our company is pleased to support programs where our employees live and work!” said Jeff Hettrick, External Affairs Manager, ComEd.

Click here to view schedule for times and ticket prices.

Kenneth von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet THE NUTCRACKER

Tickets Onsale 8/18 at 10AM!

Just announced, THE NUTCRACKER, sponsored by First Midwest Bank, visits the Rialto Square Theatre on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 2:00 pm.

This holiday favorite fairytale is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, a growing Christmas tree, a battle between mice and soldiers, a journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and a joyous visit to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Keep the holiday spirit alive and enjoy this breathtaking performance.

Since 1989, the Chicago Festival Ballet (CFB) and School, under the artistic leadership of internationally- renowned choreographer Kenneth von Heidecke, has provided classical training and performance opportunities to many talented dancers in the Chicagoland area. With a curriculum underscoring the exactness, athleticism and discipline of ballet, CFB has helped launch the careers of many dance professionals.

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Home for the Holidays at the Rialto


Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 14th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour
The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 14th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour will kick off the season on November 13th at 7:30pm. In 1990, Stray Cats frontman Brian Setzer founded a new orchestra to focus on the burgeoning swing revival movement in the United States. Decades later, the wildly energetic Brian Setzer Orchestra still delivers its electrifying combination of rockabilly, blues, and swing to adoring audiences around the world. Rock in the holidays with Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 14th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour. Tickets go on sale August 11th.

Celebrate the Season
Celebrate the Season, a social gathering and cocktail party, will take place on Monday, November 20th from 5:30pm – 9:00pm. What a great way to bring everyone together to light up the holidays. Enjoy delicious treats and cocktails while listening to holiday favorites played by local artists. On this evening ComEd will light up the Rialto Marquee for the season and guests will enjoy the beautiful Rialto Tree lighting in the magnificent Rotunda. This year the Rialto Tree is being sponsored by Busey Bank. Tickets to Celebrate the Season are $45 and the event is sponsored by Jay and Lori Bergman. Cash bar and tickets go on sale August 11th at noon.

Lights of Love
The Joliet Area Community Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by Kurtz Ambulance and Emergency Services, will be held on Wednesday, November 22nd at 6pm. The ceremony is a time to honor and remember family and friends during this special holiday season. Contact Joliet Area Community Hospice for more information.

Teddy Bear Tea
Friday, November 24th is the ever popular Teddy Bear Tea. Young and old alike will enjoy this special brunch featuring delicious food and fun complete with a special appearance by St. Nick and a keepsake Rialto bear for each child. The event will include Santa’s Workshop on the stage and is sponsored by ExxonMobil. There will be a seating at 9:30am and Noon. Reservations are needed and fill up quickly so get your tickets before all spaces are gone. Tickets are $25 for adults and $22.50 for children 12 and under. Tickets go on sale August 18th at 10am.

Movies at the Rialto: Home Alone
Experience Home Alone, a classic Christmas movie, in the beautiful Rialto Square Theatre Auditorium. An eight-year-old trouble-maker must protect his home from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation. The movie will be shown on Friday, November 24th at 3:00pm. General Admission tickets are $5.

Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker 
Sunday, November 26th is Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker at 2pm. This holiday favorite fairytale is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, a growing Christmas tree, a battle between mice and soldiers, a journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and a joyous visit to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Keep the holiday spirit alive and enjoy this breathtaking performance. Tickets go on sale August 18th at 10am. The Nutcracker is being sponsored by First Midwest Bank.

Movies at the Rialto: The Santa Clause
Saturday, December 2nd the Santa Clause Movie will be shown at 1pm. Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he’s dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn’t a dream after all — and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do. General Admission tickets are $5.

Celebrate Christmas Tour
Two of Christian music’s powerhouse vocalists, Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey, will brighten this holiday season with their Celebrate Christmas Tour. Sunday, December 3rd at 7:00pm. A four-time Grammy nominee and five-time Dove Award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year, Grant and six-time Dove nominee and winner for Christmas Album of the Year Gokey are a quintessential vocal pairing, setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday experience. The Celebrate Christmas Tour will allow Grant and Gokey to craft a collaborative set as they perform a combination of Christmas classics along with selections from Grant’s critically-acclaimed, soulful-tinged Christmas project Believe, and Gokey’s No. 1 album Christmas Is Here (2015). Tickets go on sale August 25th at 10am.

Holiday Luncheon and Organ Concert
Grab a tasty bite to eat while you enjoy holiday music played on the famous Barton Grand Theatre Pipe Organ or listen to seasonal songs sung by local high school students at the Holiday Luncheon and Organ Concert Wednesday, December 6th at 11:00am. Tickets are $15 and go on sale on September 22nd at 10am.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage
The Peanuts Gang Comes to the Rialto Square Theatre for A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage. This new production is a fresh take on the timeless classic. Bring the whole family out on Friday, December 8, 2017 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale on August 25th at 10am.

It’s A Wonderful Life – Live Radio Broadcast
Saturday, December 9th at 7pm brings the return of It’s A Wonderful Life – Live Radio Broadcast sponsored by 1340 WJOL. Be taken back in time as Alpha Media presents a live radio broadcast and theatre performance of It’s A Wonderful Life. Take the kids and grandkids to this multi-generational nostalgic performance. Experience first-hand how live radio broadcasts used to be made, while watching one of your favorite Christmas classics come to life on stage. The performance will be broadcast live on 1340 WJOL. General admission tickets are $10

The Joliet American Legion Band
The Joliet American Legion Band will bring the sounds of Christmas alive on Sunday, December 10th at 2pm. Your ticket will be a canned good or other staple food item. Enriched with tradition, military sharpness and musical integrity these musicians are dedicated to bring you a quality performance with their tremendously rousing musical spirit.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze
It’s a cirque show, Broadway musical, and family Christmas spectacular all in one! Hailed by The New York Daily News as a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload & so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil.” Don’t miss the international sensation that “Dazzled…at The Kennedy Center” according to the Washington Post. Celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary in 2017, Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the holiday season with its critically acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza, Wednesday, December 13, 2017 7:30pm, sponsored by First Midwest Bank. Tickets go on sale September 8th at 10am.

Colors of Christmas
Colors of Christmas, Friday, December 15th at 7:30pm is a night of Christmas – A Celebration of Holiday Spirit – be part of this exciting tour, to join family and friends experience the harmony and joy of the Christmas season and bring the message of Good Will and Peace on Earth. Staring Peabo Bryson, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Ruben Studdard and Jody Watley, this will be a concert for the family, a concert for friends, sponsored by First Midwest Bank. Tickets go on sale September 8th at 10am.

Movies at the Rialto: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The curmudgeonly recluse Grinch, who hates Christmas, becomes annoyed with the out-of-control Christmas festivities in Whoville, the town lying below his cave dwelling on Mt. Crumpit. But after the Grinch conspires to deprive the Who’s of their favorite holiday by sneaking into town on Christmas Eve to steal everything associated with the holiday, he learns that the spirit of Christmas goes much deeper than tinsel and toys. Don’t miss the Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie starring Jim Carey at the Rialto Square Theatre on Saturday, December 16th at 1:00pm. General Admission tickets are $5.00.

In addition to all of the events, there will be 30 holiday wreaths on display — all lavishly designed. Wreaths will be sold fully decorated and ready for you to take home in time for the holidays. Special prize packages will be won via raffle ticket.

Proceeds from the Home for the Holidays at the Rialto will benefit the Rialto Square Theatre and our mission, “To lead a performing arts community partnership to enrich the quality of life by encouraging artistic and cultural development.” “I wish to thank the Rialto Square Theatre Foundation and Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority for their support and encouragement as we build upon holiday traditions and raise funds to support the beautiful Rialto Square Theatre.” comments Valerie Devine, Executive Director of the Rialto Square Theatre. “We are delighted that our sponsors, including ComEd as the title sponsor, are equally supportive and continue their commitment to support the Rialto.” The response to our sponsorship invitations have been incredible.” says Devine.

Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster or at the Rialto Square Theatre box office at 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. For questions regarding the Home for the Holidays at the Rialto call Marilyn McSteen, Development Manager 815.726.7171 ext. 216.

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