Jan 4, 2019 | Just Added, Rialto News
Joliet, IL (January 4, 2019) – Rialto Square Theatre is excited to announce a brand new year-round movie series at the Rialto Square Theatre. This new movies series comes about following the overwhelming success of our summer movies series #TBTuesday Movie Series. “It’s important for us to offer a wide variety of entertainment options for the residents of Joliet and surrounding areas,” says Rialto Square Theatre Executive Director. “We are thrilled to partner with incredible sponsors so that we can make these movies affordable for everyone.”
Tickets are $5 each, and will be available day-of or in advance at the Rialto Square Theatre Box Office. Tickets are not available online. Doors will open at 6 PM; a free organ concert will start around 6:30 PM, all showings start at 7 PM. All seating will be general admission—first come, first serve. Bar and concessions (including freshly popped popcorn) will be available for purchase.
The 2019 Reels at the Rialto Movies Series at the Rialto Square Theatre will include the following mix of popular movies, old favorites, and some family-friendly titles:
The Blues Brothers
Thursday, January 17, 2019 | 7pm
R | 2 hours and 28 minutes
After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) — collectively known as the “Blues Brothers.” Jake’s first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time.
Sleepless in Seattle
Thursday, February 21, 2019 | 7pm
PG | 1 hour and 45 minutes
After the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) moves to Seattle with his son, Jonah (Ross Mallinger). When Jonah calls in to a talk-radio program to find a new wife for his father, Sam grudgingly gets on the line to discuss his feelings. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a reporter in Baltimore, hears Sam speak and falls for him, even though she is engaged. Unsure where it will lead, she writes Sam a letter asking him to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Thursday, March 14, 2019 | 7pm
PG-13 | 2 hours and 14 minutes
Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.
Rudy
Thursday, April 25, 2019 | 7pm
PG | 1 hour and 56 minutes
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend (Christopher Reed) dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school’s fabled football team.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | 7pm
PG-13 | 2 hours and 15 minutes
Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn (John Boyega) crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights.
Ferris Buellers Day Off
Thursday, June 20, 2019 | 7pm
PG-13 | 1 hour and 43 minutes
Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) has an uncanny skill at cutting classes and getting away with it. Intending to make one last duck-out before graduation, Ferris calls in sick, “borrows” a Ferrari, and embarks on a one-day journey through the streets of Chicago. On Ferris’ trail is high school principal Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), determined to catch him in the act.
Field of Dreams
Thursday, July 18, 2019 | 7pm
PG | 1 hour and 47 minutes
An Iowa corn farmer, hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a baseball diamond in his fields; he does, and the 1919 Chicago White Sox come.
The Sting
Thursday, August 15, 2019 | 7pm
PG | 2 hours and 9 minutes
Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won’t even know he’s been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don’t go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.
Walk The Line
Thursday, September 19, 2019 | 7pm
PG-13 | 2 hours and 33 minutes
The rise of country music legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) begins with his days as a boy growing up on the family farm, where he struggles under the scorn of his father (Robert Patrick). As the years pass, Cash ends up in Memphis, Tenn., with his wife, Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), and breaks into the music scene after finding his trademark sound. While on tour, Cash meets the love of his life, singer June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), but Cash’s volatile lifestyle threatens to keep them apart.
Hocus Pocus
Thursday, October 17, 2019 | 7pm
PG | 1 hour and 36 minutes
After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
Movies for the months for November and December will be announced as part of Home for the Holidays 2019.
All seats are $5 and seating is general admission. For more Information about the entire series, please visit www.RialtoSquare.com/movies, or call the Rialto Square Theatre Box Office at 815.726.6600. The box office is located at 102 N. Chicago Street in downtown Joliet.
LEARN MORE
Dec 19, 2018 | Just Added, Rialto News
MEN IN THE PARISH BASEMENT? WHAT’S A CHURCH LADY TO DO?
“Rise Up, O Men” gives the gents a chance to shine in the latest installment of the Church Basement Ladies musical comedy series
Joliet, IL (December 14, 2018) – Rialto Square Theatre brings the latest installment in the hilarious musical comedy series Church Basement Ladies: Rise Up, O Men, to Joliet on Tuesday, April 9th for a special matinee performance at 2 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 21st at 12 PM. More info at rialtosquare.com.
Let’s hear it for the boys! Fans of the musical comedy series Church Basement Ladies will finally get to know more about the men of East Cornucopia Lutheran Church, in the new production Rise Up, O Men at the Rialto Square Theatre on Tuesday, April 9th at 2 PM.
This sidesplitting, uplifting peek into the lives of the rural Norwegian Lutherans who audiences first fell in love with in 2005 is the sixth chapter of the story begun in the original Church Basement Ladies. Rise Up, O Men features familiar faces: Mrs. Mavis Gilmerson, Mrs. Vivian Snustad, and Mrs. Karin Engleson who would never leave the basement kitchen unattended, of course (who would make bars for the youth group meeting?). But as they busy themselves with preparations for their church’s participation in the town’s 1964 Centennial Celebration, we get to see their coming and goings from the eyes of the menfolk, who have their own problems to solve. Karin’s husband Elroy, farmer Carl and Great War vet Arlo are joined in brotherhood by series staple Pastor E.L. Gunderson. Their camaraderie unites them as they deal with furnace salesmen, looming retirement, rival Protestant denominations, the Pastor’s bad jokes, and Arlene’s even-worse cooking.
“We’re ready to introduce some new faces to the many fans who’ve become part of the Church Basement Ladies family over the years,” said Troupe America’s Curt Wollan, who has produced all six of the shows. “We’ve also got a lineup of original musical numbers that we’ve caught our preview audiences humming on the way out of the theatre—between the belly laughs and the songs, Rise Up O Men is an exciting addition to the Church Basement Ladies canon.”
The series of Church Basement Ladies productions are inspired by the bestselling book Growing Up Lutheran by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson. This latest chapter in the lives of these rural Minnesota Norwegians was developed by Greta Grosch, who wrote the scripts for the second, third, fourth, and fifth musicals in the series. Longtime Minneapolis StarTribune theatre critic Graydon Royce contributed additional material. Composer and songwriter Dennis Curley wrote the music, with lyrics by Dennis Curley and Greta Grosch.
Originally produced by Troupe America Inc, the original musical comedy, “The Church Basement Ladies”, opened at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis September 2005 to a response so enthusiastic that its initial run lasted two-and-a half years. Five sequels have expanded the universe of these familiar and beloved “Steel Magnolias of the Prairie,” making The Church Basement Ladies the most successful show in Troupe America’s 30-year history. Millions of Americans discovered a heartfelt connection to its deeply funny church matriarchs through regional and national touring productions.
LEARN MORE || BUY TICKETS
Dec 10, 2018 | Just Added, Rialto News
Joliet, IL (December 10, 2018) – Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour will be stopping at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, IL on March 6, 2019 as part of the 2019 edition of this high-energy “musical extravaganza” (People). Bringing to life beloved characters from the #1 preschool television network, including Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and more, this 90-minute interactive concert experience — perfect for kids and families –- performed more than 120 shows in 2018 and was recently nominated for a Pollstar Award, honoring the top achievers in the live entertainment industry.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 14 at 12 PM. Visit www.rialtosquare.com for complete ticket details.
Directed by Amy Tinkham (ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars”), produced by Jonathan Shank of Red Light Management, and represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the concert features songs from Disney Junior’s hit series, state of the art LED technology, a giant Mickey-shaped DJ booth, high-tech scrim screens that transport characters into the theater and 4D special effects.
Two VIP Package options are available for a pre-party and after-party, both with character greetings. Each VIP Package includes one premium seat to the show, a chance to meet your favorite Disney Junior characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and more. Children and families can also enjoy pizza, snacks and beverages while participating in DJ hosted games and music. Each VIP guest will leave with a complimentary Disney Junior Dance Party VIP merchandise gift.
LEARN MORE || BUY TICKETS
Dec 4, 2018 | Just Added, Rialto News
Joliet, IL (December 4, 2018) – Aaron Lewis, country music star, will make his Rialto Square Theatre stage debut on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 7, 2018 at 10 AM.
Aaron Lewis is known for his outspokenness, outlaw Country tunes and impassioned live show. And today he announced that he will be hitting the road again for THE STATE I’M IN TOUR in advance of new music coming in 2019. Giving fans something different, THE STATE I’M IN TOUR will feature acoustic songs + stories from Lewis as he shares personal tales from the stage. Fans will receive a physical copy of the new album available next year, THE STATE I’M IN (The Valory Music Co.), when they purchase a pair of tickets to the tour.
“My music is very first person, very autobiographical,” said Lewis. “It’s from my life experiences that I draw inspiration for my songs. This acoustic tour gives me the opportunity to share the stories behind my songs with my fans and play them stripped down, like I wrote them.”
Recently wrapping sold-out dates on his SINNER TOUR, Lewis’ in-demand live show electrifies audiences whenever he takes the stage. Country Rebel raved, “Lewis’ voice rings out above all the noise and is even more powerful than ever before…”
The self-proclaimed “Northern Redneck” has achieved critical and commercial success with his last album SINNER earning him the No. 1 spot on the Top 200 Albums, Top Country Albums and Top Digital Albums Charts upon release. The 12-track project was voted to numerous Top Albums and Best Of lists and continues to make an impact two years later.
More information about album release to come in the new year. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.AaronLewisMusic.com.
LEARN MORE | BUY TICKETS
Nov 30, 2018 | Just Added, Rialto News
Joliet, IL (November 30, 2018) – HAIRBALL, the rock and roll experience, makes its triumphant return to the Rialto Square Theatre stage on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 7, 2018 at 10 AM.
A band puts on a concert – Hairball puts on an event! Hairball is a Rock & Roll experience
you won’t soon forget. The lights, sound, smoke, fire, bombs, and screaming hordes of avid fans…to merely call it a concert would be like calling Mount Rushmore a roadside attraction!
Vocalists Joe, Kris and Bobby lead the band through a 2+ hour, mind-blowing, and drop-dead accurate homage to some of the biggest arena acts in the world. Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, and Aerosmith are but a few of the acts fans will see brought to life. The Hairball stage becomes an entirely new rock concert before your very eyes countless times throughout the night.
The motor that drives the Hairball dragster consists of Freaky on the electric bass, Billy on the drums, and Happy on the lead guitar. These Rock & Roll soldiers pride themselves on nailing
some of the most memorable licks and chops of all time, while adding their own style and flare that they’ve cultivated over decades of tireless performing. This isn’t a side job. These guys eat, sleep and breathe Rock & Roll!
2018 finds Hairball celebrating its 18th year of rocking hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Constantly adding more characters, more pyrotechnics, more lights, more sound, more props, more surprises…more everything! Do not confuse Hairball with the countless “80’s Tribute” bands across the country. Hairball is an experience, an attitude, and expression of music that isn’t simply a retro flashback. It’s a way of life, and it’s not going anywhere soon.
LEARN MORE | BUY TICKETS
Nov 28, 2018 | Just Added, Rialto News
CEDAR RAPIDS — “Noel the Musical” is a most lovely addition to the Christmas landscape — filled with enchantment swirling through the snow falling on the “invisible” homeless in a London park.
VenuWorks Theatricals, which sprang from a sleigh in Ames, is debuting this new tale of hope among the hopeless, and about 900 people of all ages received this gift Sunday afternoon at the Paramount Theatre. In return, they gave the cast a well-deserved standing ovation and cheer.
This isn’t your typical holiday tale. Love, faith and hope have to break through some pretty tough barriers and hardened hearts.
Young Noel isn’t nestled all snug in her bed, with visions of sugarplums dancing in her head. She’s hitting the streets to try to find the mother who disappeared six days ago. Just 12, Noel knows if the authorities find out she’s fending for herself, she’ll end up in an orphanage for Christmas.
In a park, she finds a community of homeless men and women battling their own demons, but with room in their lives to help keep Noel safe. They insist she check in with them twice daily as she goes about her quest.
The folks in the park get a helping hand, too, from a jaded man named Nick who outwardly bah-humbugs everything about Christmas, but gives them gifts they need, like a hat that just happens to be from a game that Edgar, a war veteran in a wheelchair, saw with his father in 1969.
Making matters worse, Noel has a solo in a televised Christmas play, for which her mother is making the costumes. Except, Noel bursts into tears whenever she tries to sing it, and the costumes aren’t finished, raising drama director Carnegie’s suspicions.
This show’s happy ending goes through a dark and winding path made brighter by Liam Bates’ delightful, winsome, soul-searching musical score. This Irish composer has worked with a who’s who of singers, arranging and conducting for Pete Townsend, Luciano Pavarotti, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, as well as composing and directing music for movies, including “Circle of Friends,” “Don Juan De Marco” and “Leap Year.”
The captivating story and lyrics come from the pen of fellow Irishman Eoin (pronounced Owen) Colfer, best-selling author of the “Artemis Fowl” series.
Rounding out the top-flight team are director Sam Scalamoni, director of the national tours of “Elf the Musical” and “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” around the world; and Broadway choreographer and dancer Charlie Sutton.
The technical team is equally stellar, creating a world of wonder, darkness and light, with two revolving platforms magically transforming into everything from Santa’s North Pole home to Noel’s home, the park and a community theater, all bedazzled by lighting effects and on-point costumes.
With that kind of star power behind the scenes, it’s no wonder the stars shine so brightly onstage. Jena Simmons, 11, from Jupiter, Fla., is utterly charming in the title role. When Noel finally dries her tears, Simmons belts out her big solo with all the gusto you’d expect from her previous professional star turn as “Annie.”
Tess Jonas brings the right mix of fantasy and caring to Duchess, the park dwellers’ own royalty. Once a maid, a nanny and a theatrical seamstress, she now is the kindly monarch for the homeless and for Noel. Her “Fairy Story Girl” solo near the end of the show is shattering.
David Johnson as her constant companion, the wounded veteran Edgar, is a powerful presence throughout, wringing out hearts and emotions in “Invisible,” lamenting the way people ignore the homeless, and in his plea for mercy and kindness near the finale. On the verge of being too preachy — and just when I feared his speech was going to launch into a treacly audience singalong — his tearful oration veered the play onto a more logical, palatable track.
A special nod goes to Todd Berkich, whose cranky Claus is really just a dispirited “delivery boy” for whom Christmas has become a burden too painful to bear. His huge, booming voice pierces the hardest heart in the woefully wrenching solo, “This Man.” In the end, the people Nick hopes to heal in the park heal his wounded heart.
READ REVIEW | BUY TICKETS
