Just Announced: Blues Traveler at Rialto Square Theatre

Aug 18, 2023 | Just Added, Rialto News

Blues Traveler at the Rialto Square Theatre

It was just announced that Blues Traveler will be at Rialto Square Theatre on Wednesday, November 8. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 25 at 10 AM.

In 1987 the four original members of Blues Traveler—John Popper, Chandler Kinchla, Brendan Hill, and the late Bobby Sheehan—gathered in their drummer’s parent’s basement in Princeton, NJ to jam. From these high school sessions emerged a band that would go on to release 14 studio albums and counting, four of which have gone gold, three platinum, and one six-times platinum- selling more than 10 million combined units worldwide. Over an illustrious career Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, and, in “Run-Around,” had the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy® for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Their movie credits include Blues Brothers 2000, Kingpin, Wildflowers and others. A television favorite, they have been featured on Saturday Night Live, Austin City Limits, VH1’s Behind the Music and they have the record for the most appearances of any artist on The Late Show with David Letterman. Blues Traveler’s latest effort, 2021’s Traveler’s Blues, was nominated for a Grammy in the category of “Best Traditional Blues Album,” bringing their 35-year journey full circle.

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Folsom Prison Experience at The Rialto Square Theatre on January 20, 2024

Aug 4, 2023 | Just Added, Rialto News

Folsom Prison Experience at The Rialto Square Theatre on January 20, 2024

It was just announced that Folsom Prison Experience will be at Rialto Square Theatre on Saturday, January 20 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 11 at 10 AM.

Step Back in Time with Folsom Prison Experience: An Electrifying Johnny Cash Tribute Show
The iconic 1968 live recording, “At Folsom Prison,” turned Johnny Cash into a crossover superstar, defying conventions and leaving a lasting legacy. Now, get ready to relive the unforgettable day of January 13, 1968, as Folsom Prison Experience takes the stage – an immersive tribute drama that merges live concert, stage drama, and audience participation to bring you into the heart of Johnny Cash’s legendary musical journey.

Fascinating and Full-Contact Tribute Drama
Folsom Prison Experience brings to life the enthralling behind-the-scenes tales of Cash’s historic concerts at California’s Folsom Prison. You’ll be transported back in time, witnessing the captivating performances of Johnny Cash, June Carter, and the Statler Brothers, as if you were part of that iconic event. Dubbed a “full contact immersive tribute drama,” this musical extravaganza promises to be an experience like no other.

Featuring the Award-Winning Church of Cash
At the heart of the production is Church of Cash, the acclaimed Johnny Cash tribute show, led by the remarkable Jay Ernest as the Man in Black. Co-written by Ernest and his collaborator Tom Pickard, Folsom Prison Experience weaves a rich tapestry of music, drama, and history that will leave audiences spellbound.

Premiere Event – A Not-to-Miss Experience
Get ready for an electrifying journey through history as the Folsom Prison Experience hits the road on a 4-State tour. Catch their captivating performances at prestigious venues like the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, the Ames Center in Burnsville, Minnesota, and the Pablo Center in Eau Claire. As an audience member, step into the action by dressing in your best prison inmate attire and reliving the same electric atmosphere that once cheered during Cash’s iconic 1968 concert. Stay tuned for more exciting performance dates to be announced soon!

A Personal and Professional Milestone
For Jay Ernest, bringing Folsom Prison Experience to life is both a personal and professional milestone. “I have spent years studying the history and music of Johnny Cash,” Ernest shares, “and it is a great honor to bring that historic day in Folsom Prison to theater enthusiasts and Johnny Cash fans alike.”

An All-Star Cast
Folsom Prison Experience boasts an exceptional cast, with Jay Ernest channeling the spirit of Johnny Cash, supported by the talented band members of Church of Cash as Cash’s band. The production is directed by Stephanie Long with Tom Pickard as technical director. The lineup also includes Kat Perkins as June Carter, Dan Hopman as The Warden, Ryan Maddux as Emcee Hugh Cherry, and Bronson Bergson as Glen Shirley/Carl Perkins, along with a dozen more actors portraying prison guards and the Statler Brothers.

A Labor of Love
Writing Folsom Prison Experience was a two-month labor of love for Ernest and Pickard, drawing from a wealth of historical sources and folklore to craft an inclusive and authentic portrayal of that pivotal day. The incorporation of songs from Cash’s second live-in-a-prison album, “At San Quentin,” adds another layer of depth to this extraordinary stage production.

Folsom Prison Experience – Reliving Johnny Cash’s Legacy
Coupled with the recent Church of Cash album release, “Flowers for June,” Folsom Prison Experience serves as a powerful testament to Johnny Cash’s enduring influence on the collective consciousness. Jay Ernest and Church of Cash stand as proud champions of the Cash legacy, ensuring that his music and legend continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.

Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Journey
For a journey through time and a celebration of the Man in Black, join Folsom Prison Experience and let the spirit of Johnny Cash live on in your heart.

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Comedian Brad Williams will be at Rialto Square Theatre

Aug 1, 2023 | Just Added, Rialto News

Brad Williams – Tour ’24 at the Rialto Square Theatre

Get ready to laugh till your sides ache, as renowned comedian Brad Williams hits the road with his new comedy tour – Tour ‘24. He will be making a stop at Rialto Square Theatre on Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 AM.

Williams’ show offers a fresh perspective on life’s quirks, cleverly navigating through his experiences as a little person, relationships, and everyday situations. His humorous and inspiring observations on disability, relationships, sex, and race consistently win over audiences; proving anyone can overcome their shortcomings. His high energy live performances frequently produce standing ovations from audience members which prompted the late Robin Williams to call him “Prozac with a head.”

Williams has parlayed his live performances into a multitude of stand-up television appearances, including The Tonight Show, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. His first one-hour special, Fun Size, was the highest rated special on Showtime, and a year later, he followed that up with his second one, Daddy Issues, which was even more successful than the first. His third special in three years was an uproarious one, hosting some of the edgiest comedians in the country from the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. His last groundbreaking special on Netflix, The Degenerates, garnered more huge ratings and rave reviews. Also an accomplished actor, Williams has appeared on numerous TV shows and feature films, including FX’s Legit, Sam and Cat, Mind of Mencia, Pitboss, a recurring role on the Hulu original show Deadbeat, and memorable roles in a plethora of movies, including Little Evil, produced by Scott Stuber (Ted), as well as the Netflix original Christopher Guest film, Mascots, and most recently Reno 911: It’s A Wonderful Heist.

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Rialto Square Theatre Announces Home for the Holidays 2023

Jul 28, 2023 | Just Added, Rialto News

Rialto Square Theatre and VenuWorks announced today the annual holiday series at the Rialto Square Theatre, Home for the Holidays. This lineup of family-friendly shows includes classics titles, holiday favorites, well-known artists, and soon-to-be new holiday favorites. All shows will go on sale over the next few weeks, please check our website for more information: www.RialtoSquare.com/holidays.

A Very Rialto Christmas: Merry & Bright
Monday, November 20
Marquee Lighting: 6 pm | Concert: 7 pm
Ticket prices: $20 adult | $10 children (12 and under) (additional fees may apply)

Kick off your holiday season with the Rialto Square Theatre and a special concert. Enjoy an evening focused on making your holiday season merry and bright. Join us starting at 6 PM for the Christmas Tree Lighting officially kicking off the holiday season.

Teddy Bear Tea
Friday, November 24 | 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Ticket prices: $25 adults | $18 children (12 and under) (additional fees may apply)

The Rialto Square Theatre holiday tradition continues. Young and old alike will enjoy this family tradition featuring a delicious brunch buffet and family fun complete with a special appearance by St. Nick himself and a keepsake teddy bear. A ticket is required for all in attendance and space will fill up quickly!

Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker
Sunday, November 26 | 2 pm
Ticket prices: $43.50, $34.50 | $23.50 children 12 & under (additional fees may apply)

This holiday favorite fairytale ballet is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, exquisite sets, including a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, and sensational choreography. Journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and visit the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is one holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.

The Gatlin Brothers: Country & Christmas
Thursday, November 30 | 7:30 PM
Ticket prices: $51 | $41 | $34

For more than 67 years, the Gatlin Brothers have entertained audiences in venues and stages all over the world from the Grand Ol’ Opry to Carnegie Hall. They have performed for the Grammy Awards, the American Music Awards, and the People’s Choice Awards. They appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Oprah, Hee-Haw, Love Boat, the Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack, the Merv Griffin Show, Solid Gold, the Barbara Mandrell Show and their own variety special on ABC.

Away In The Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas
Sunday, December 3 | 2 pm
Ticket prices: $45 | $35 | $25 | $17

Away in the Basement takes us back to 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. In the midst of holiday preparations and sprinklings of love in the air, the ladies in their witty, down-to-earth style are creating their own memories from Christmases past and present. Content to do things the way they have always been done yet pondering new ideas, the reality of everyday life hits home as they plan the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse up in the sanctuary, several of the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the treat bags filled with apples, peanuts and ribbon candy while the others put the final touches on the nativity pieces. As they mend old bathrobe costumes, discuss the politics of who’s going to play the various roles, little do the ladies know what surprises are in store for them. Known for their hilarious antics and subtle charm, they are once again called upon to step in and save the day!

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Friday, December 8 | 7 pm
Ticket prices: $25 | $20 | $15

An annual holiday tradition returns to Rialto Square Theatre– join WJOL for an evening you won’t forget, as local radio talents perform the Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life live from the Rialto Stage, as it broadcasts on WJOL simultaneously. This is always a highlight of the holiday season! All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Rialto Square Theatre’s mission to bring the biggest and brightest talents to the Rialto Square stage.

Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas
Saturday, December 9 | 7:30 PM
Ticket prices: $56 | $46 | $36
Steven Curtis Chapman has spent the last 35 years writing and performing genre-defining songs that shaped a generation. With a staggering 50 No. 1 singles in his catalog, he is the most awarded artist in Christian music history, winning 59 GMA Dove Awards, five GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award, and selling more than sixteen million albums with ten RIAA-Certified Gold or Platinum albums. In short, Steven Curtis Chapman is synonymous with contemporary Christian music. After so much success, some might think recording a new album would be second nature.

American Legion Band Concert
Sunday, December 10 | 2 pm
Free (with generous donation of non-perishable food items)

The Joliet American Legion Band will bring the sounds of the season to life on the Rialto Square Theatre stage. Enriched in tradition, military sharpness and musical integrity, these musicians are delighted to bring you an unforgettable performance with their tremendously rousing musical spirit. A ticket is free in exchange for a generous food/non-perishable donation, donation exchange dates and times to be announced.

Merry Little Soiree featuring Nova Soul Quartet
Monday, December 11 | 6:15 pm
Tuesday, December 12 | 6:15 pm
Wednesday, December 13 | 6:15 pm
Cocktail Hour: 6 pm | Performance: 7 pm
Ticket prices: $65 (additional fees may apply)
Enjoy a swanky Christmas party with local favorite, Nova Soul. Start the evening with cocktail hour (Cash Bar) and then be escorted to your table of two in the Esplanade where you will be served a charcuterie board by Bella Cucina and a bottle of wine from the local winery Bishops Hill while Nova Soul performs holiday music. You will also receive a keepsake Rialto Square Theatre wine stopper.
Please enter at 15 E. Van Buren St. Reservations are required. Holiday or Business Casual dress code. Cash bar available. Tickets are available at the Box Office only. Reserve red or white wine for your table.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Thursday, December 21 | 7:30 PM
Ticket prices: $79 | $64 | $51

Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS.

2023 Holiday Movies
All tickets $5. Movie tickets must be purchased at the box office. They are not available online.

Bring the entire family to these classic holiday movies and enjoy the beauty of the Rialto Square Theatre at Christmas, while spending time with your family watching these holiday favorites.

The Polar Express | Rated G
Saturday, November 25 | 6 pm

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Elf | Rated PG
Sunday, December 17 | 2 pm

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

Home Alone | PG
Friday, December 22 | 6 pm

When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O’Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallister’s mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.

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Just Announced: YES will be at Rialto Square Theatre

Jul 18, 2023 | Just Added, Rialto News

It was just announced that YES will be at Rialto Square Theatre on Sunday, October 22 at 7 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 21 at 10 AM.

Formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and the late, and much-missed, Chris Squire, YES have been one of the most innovative, influential and best-loved bands in rock music history. Their 1970s albums The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, Yessongs (a triple live album set), Tales From Topographic Oceans, Relayer and Going For The One were ground-breaking in musical style and content. Their music also became synonymous with artist Roger Dean whose distinctive YES logo design and artwork adorned the lavish gatefold presentation sleeves of many YES albums.

With sales of over 50 million records, the Grammy-award winning YES were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017 where they performed Roundabout from the album Fragile and the FM radio-friendly Owner Of A Lonely Heart from the 1985 album 90125.

YES released their 22nd studio album in 2021, The Quest, produced by Steve Howe and which went to No. 1 in the UK Rock Albums Chart and entered the Official UK Album Chart at No. 20. In 2022 came the sad news that drummer Alan White, ever-present in the YES line-up for 50 years, had passed away. The news came shortly before the band embarked on their classic, genre-defining album Close To The Edge 50th Anniversary Tour which they dedicated to Alan.

In February 2023, ahead of the news of the new studio album Mirror To The Sky, YES confirmed Jay Schellen as the new permanent drummer with YES,hand-picked to step into his mentor and friend Alan White’s role. “I had done the 2016 tour on my own for Alan,” says Jay. “From late 2017 onwards, we had a beautiful partnership. I learned and discovered so much about Alan’s style.His passion and creativity was phenomenal. The new album has Alan’s presence all over it. It is inside of us. So, this is still, in my heart, Alan just being present and with us, and with me, in a big way.”

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Three Dog Night will be at Rialto Square Theatre

Jul 17, 2023 | Just Added, Rialto News

The legendary Three Dog Night will take the Rialto Square Theatre stage on Sunday, October 1 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 21 at 10 AM.

Legendary band, Three Dog Night, now in its 5th decade, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets than Three Dog Night.

Three Dog Night hits weave through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures — songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize Three Dog Night’s continuing popularity.

Boasting chart and sales records that remain virtually unmatched in popular music, Three Dog Night had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 3 #1 singles, 11 Top 10’s, 18 straight Top 20’s, 7 million-selling singles and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs. The hits appeared on best selling charts in all genres (pop, rock and country). Its records continue to sell around the world, reaching beyond the borders of the U.S. into Japan, Canada, Holland, England, Germany, Spain and elsewhere. Tens of millions of Three Dog Night records have been sold through the years.

Created in 1968 by Danny Hutton, Three Dog Night maintains an aggressive, yearround touring schedule of over 90 dates a year, performing their hit filled concerts for multi-generational audiences. The band’s now-famous name refers to native Australian hunters in the outback who huddled with their dogs for warmth on cold nights; the coldest being a “three dog night”.

The band recorded songs of the best and largely undiscovered new songwriters of its time including Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Elton John, Laura Nyro, Paul Williams and Hoyt Axton among many others. The group’s eclectic taste, combined with its ability to recognize and record hits in a unique, distinctive, and appealing style, resulted in Three Dog Night dominating the charts for years. The band’s music transcends time, bringing together both new and longtime audiences alike.

Three Dog Night demonstrates its eclectic song choices once again with the new material being recorded for an upcoming album release. One of the new tracks, “Prayer of the Children” was discovered by Hutton who created an a cappella arrangement, so that for the first time in the history of Three Dog Night, the vocals of all six members of the band are featured. The song is currently part of their live concert set and quickly becoming an audience favorite.

Marking over 50 years on the road, Three Dog Night continues to grow its fan base by keeping up a full schedule of concerts at theatres, performing arts centers, fairs, festivals, corporate events, and casinos. Since 1986, the band has performed nearly 3,000 shows including two Super Bowls.

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