Joliet, IL (August 3, 2018) – Rialto Square Theatre and VenuWorks announced today the entire lineup for the annual holiday series at the Rialto Square Theatre, Home for the Holidays, generously sponsored by ComEd. This lineup of family-friendly shows includes classics titles, holiday traditions, well-known artists, and soon-to-be new holiday favorites. These shows will join the previously announced 98° at Christmas and The Tenors: Home for the Holidays. This exciting series begins on Monday, November 19th and concludes just a few days before Christmas, on December 20th.
A Very Rialto Christmas
A Family Concert Experience
Monday, November 19, 2018
Tree/Marquee Lighting 5:30 pm | Concert 7pm
Ticket prices: $15 adult | $10 children (12 and under) (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 10 @ 10am**
Kick off the holiday season with this very special family concert event that is sure to be one of your favorite holiday traditions. Former Rialto Idol Junior winner, Agne G returns to the Rialto Square stage where it all began to share her talents with the community.
Agne Giedraityte, known as Agne G, is a sixteen-year-old classical artist hailing from Chicago, Illinois. A rising talent in the classical community, Agne has performed across the United States and Europe, appeared on NBC Television, and even graced the stage of Carnegie Hall.
Agne has the pleasure to return to the Rialto Square Theatre in concert, just as in the past, where she appeared as a Rialto Idol contestant, as a guest artist on ‘The Ovation’ concert, and as well as a guest in 2015, joining the vocal group from Ireland, ‘The Priests’ in concert. Already an accomplished soprano at 16, Agne is recording her Christmas album Merry Christmas From My Heart which will be released in October 2018.
Opening the evening’s concert will be the angelic voices of the Cathedral Children’s Choir and Joliet All City Choir with special appearances by Michelle Gliottoni Rodriguez (soprano), Holly Keenon (violinist), and Kyle Minett (bass/baritone).
Don’t miss this official kick-off to the holiday season! Come early for the lighting of the marquee and the Rialto Square Christmas tree, sponsored by Busey Bank.
Hospice Lights of Love
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 | 5 pm
The Joliet Area Community Hospice Lights of Love tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, November 21 at 5 pm. The ceremony is a time to honor and remember family and friends during the holiday season. Contact Joliet Area Community Hospice for more information at 815.740.4104.
Teddy Bear Tea
Sponsored by ExxonMobil & Rialto Square Theatre Volunteers
Friday, November 23, 2018 | 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Ticket prices: $25 adults | $22.50 children (12 and under) (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 17 @ 10am**
The Rialto Square Theatre holiday tradition continues. Young and old alike will enjoy this special brunch featuring delicious food 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!
The Oak Ridge Boys
Christmas Celebration Tour
Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 7 pm
Ticket prices: $73.50 | $53.50 | $43.50 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 22 @ 10am**
A mixture of traditional and contemporary songs—including religious, romantic and fun holiday tunes—makes up the set list, which includes songs from the Oaks’ seven bestselling Christmas CDs. A highlight of the evening is the much-loved ‘rocking chair’ segment where each BOY rocks by the fireplace and shares personal thoughts about Christmas.
Oaks’ lead singer, Duane Allen, says, “Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the positive things about the season…. the joy, happiness, giving, sharing, time with family, and gifts. The beautiful lights and decorations, and Christmas music.”
Kenny G
The Miracle Holiday and Hits Tour
Sponsored by First Midwest Bank
Thursday, November 29, 2018 | 7:30 pm
Ticket prices: $69.50 | $54.50 | $44.50 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 10 @ 10am**
In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop, and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premiere artist in contemporary jazz. Since the early ‘80s, his combination of unparalleled instrumental chops and indelible melodies has resulted in sales of more than 75 million records worldwide (45 million in the U.S. alone) and more than a dozen climbs to the top of Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart.
Career highlights include Miracles, a 1994 holiday album that took him to the top of the Billboard chart for the first time and has since become the best-selling holiday album of all time. His two holiday albums since then – Faith in 1999 and Wishes in 2002 – have been similarly successful. Come hear these holiday hits live!
Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s production of
The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 2 | 2 pm
Ticket prices: $38.50 | $30.50 | $22.50 children 12 and under (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 17 at 10 am**
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 by ballet master, Kenneth von Heidecke. 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.
NOËL
A Breathtaking New Musical from the author of Artemis Fowl
Tuesday, December 4 | 7 pm
Ticket prices: $48.50 | $38.50 | $33.50 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, September 14 at 10 am**
NOËL is a stunning new holiday musical from top-selling children’s author Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl) and preeminent Irish film composer Liam Bates.
NOËL, set in modern day London, tells a heartwarming tale of a little girl (Noël), who is preparing for her starring role in a school Christmas play when her mother suddenly disappears. To avoid being taken into care, Noël keeps her mother’s disappearance a secret and embarks alone on a quest to find her. Along the way, she befriends a diverse group of characters that accompany on her journey. Noël’s bright innocence and unwavering belief in finding her mother, inspires her new friends to embrace life, find love and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Holiday Luncheon & Organ Concert
Wednesday, December 5 | 11 am
Ticket prices: $15 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 24 at 10 am**
Enjoy the sounds of the season and a delicious catered lunch in the Rialto Square Theatre rotunda while the Troy Middle School Choir serenades you. Then move into the theatre where members of the Joliet Area Theatre Organ Enthusiast Society will play your favorite holiday carols on the famous Barton Grand Theatre Pipe Organ.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Sponsored by First Midwest Bank
Friday, December 7 | 8 pm
Ticket prices: $148.50 (VIP stage seating) | $73.50 | $53.50 | 43.50 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 31 at 10 am**
A holiday entertainment blockbuster set to dazzle audiences of all ages. Featuring the best talent from around the globe, A Magical Cirque Christmas has it all – jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, and the most angelic voices singing your favorite Christmas carols with incredible live musicians on stage. Be transported to the golden age of entertainment by the mind-blowing talents, stunning costumes, comedy and more.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Live Radio Broadcast
Saturday, December 8 | 7 pm
Ticket prices: $10 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 31 at 10 am**
An annual holiday tradition at the 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. Year in and year out, 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.
American Legion Band Concert
Sunday, December 9 | 2 pm
Free (One ticket per one non-perishable food item donation)
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 one non-perishable food item. Food donation/ticket exchange will be at time/dates to be determined.
The Tenors
Home for the Holidays: Christmas Classics & the Hits
Sponsored by First Midwest Bank
Friday, December 14 | 8 pm
Ticket prices: $200 (VIP) | $175 (VIP) | $73.50 | $53.50 | $43.50 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, August 10 at 10am**
Multi-platinum, JUNO Award-winning vocal supergroup, The Tenors, comprised of Clifton Murray, Fraser Walters, and Victor Micallef, blend classical music and contemporary pop to deliver powerful performances and outstanding harmonies for audiences around the world. Since 2008, The Tenors have sold over 1 million albums worldwide, performed more than 1,000 shows on five continents and made over 200 television appearances.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s
Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party!
Friday, December 15 | 8 pm
Ticket prices: $48.50 | $33.50 | $28.50 (additional fees may apply)
**Tickets On Sale Friday, September 7 @ 10am**
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY! is a jumpin’ and jivin’ extravaganza featuring one-of-a-kind originals and reworked Yuletide classics in true BBVD style, with an energetic performance to be enjoyed by all ages. In addition to seasonal favorites, the show will include fan favorites from the band’s rich catalogue.
Holiday selections include: “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer,” “All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth),” “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty The Snowman,” “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “We Three Kings,” “Walking In A Winter Wonderland,” “Mr. Heatmiser,” “Blue Christmas,” “Is Zat You Santa Claus?” and others.
98° at Christmas
Thursday, December 20 | 7:30 pm
Ticket prices: $69.50 | $54.50 | $44.50 (additional fees may apply)
Tickets On Sale Now
Their four-million-selling album, 98° and Rising (1998, Motown), spawned the top-5 favorites “Because of You,” “I Do,” and “The Hardest Thing,” while 2000’s Revelation (Universal Records), which sold two million copies, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and yielded a trio of hits, “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche),” “My Everything” and “The Way You Want Me To.”
Last year’s Christmas tour was in support of their first full-length Christmas album in 18 years, Let It Snow. The album received glowing reviews from both fans and critics alike. The album featured the group’s signature R&B-tinged, four-part harmonies and was a natural follow up to their 1999 multi-platinum selling This Christmas. In addition to their tour, they also performed on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Disney’s Magic Holiday Celebration, Good Morning America, Today Show, Kelly & Ryan and more.
2018 Holiday Movies
All tickets $5 | On Sale Friday, August 10th or at the door
The Polar Express | Rated G
Saturday, November 24 | 1 pm
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.
Miracle on 34th Street | Not Rated
Friday, November 30 | 7 pm
In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.
The Muppet Christmas Carol | Rated G
Sunday, December 16 | 3 pm
The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Other Muppets — Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle — weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases — past, present, and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be passed any hope of redemption and happiness.
To learn more about the entire Home for the Holidays Season, visit www.rialtosquare.com/holidays