September 2019
WALK THE LINE
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.
Find out more »NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND
With a refreshed lineup and newfound energy, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played their first gig in 1966 in Southern California as a jug band and by 1969 had become a cornerstone of the burgeoning country-rock community.
MEN ARE FROM MARS — WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!
The Off-Broadway hit comedy Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus LIVE!, is a one-man fusion of theatre and stand-up, and is a light-hearted theatrical comedy based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray.
October 2019
MASTERCHEF JUNIOR LIVE!
MasterChef Junior Live! is coming to Rialto Square Theatre on October 3rd. This all-new production brings the culinary hit TV show MasterChef Junior directly to you LIVE! Featuring head-to-head cooking competitions with past MasterChef Junior all-stars and fan favorites, Q&A sessions, and an overall immersive audience experience fun for all ages. Bring the whole family to see MasterChef Junior Live! It’s a recipe guaranteed for a good time!
HOME FREE: DIVE BAR SAINTS WORLD TOUR
Home Free is an American a cappella group of five vocalists, Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, and Adam Chance. Starting as a show group, they toured around 200 shows a year across the United States.
WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?
WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?, featuring the current cast of the Emmy nominated TV show, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage!
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
The Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical A Night With Janis Joplin is a journey celebrating Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences – trailblazers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, all of whom inspired Joplin to become one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest legends
RENT 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production.
PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE
In Peppa Pig’s Adventure, Peppa gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe.
LYLE LOVETT AND HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP
A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.
ABRACADABRA Live on Tour!
From the Co-Creator of Broadway’s “The Illusionists” franchise comes an all-new Illusionary Spectacular- ABRACADABRA Live On Tour. Featuring Five World-Class Magicians, Illusionists, Escape Artists, & Sleight- Of-Hand Specialists, along with a supporting cast of talented Dancers & Visual Artists – not to mention Five Magnificent Macaws and Cockatoos who will appear from nowhere and fly high and low directly above the audience, ABRACADABRA promises “Thrills and Skills” in an all-ages family-friendly format.
HOCUS POCUS
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.
Find out more »RICKIE LEE JONES
Rickie Lee Jones is an American vocalist, musician, songwriter, producer, actress and narrator. Over the course of a career that spans five decades, Jones has recorded in various musical styles including rock, R&B, blues, pop, soul, and jazz.
Find out more »November 2019
STARS OF THE SIXTIES
Stars of the Sixties are coming to Joliet for one night only! Jay & the Americans take the stage singing all their hits... “This Magic Moment”, “Cara Mia”, “Come a Little Bit Closer”, “Some Enchanted Evening”, “Walkin’ in the Rain”, “Only in America”, “She Cried”, “Let’s Lock the Door (And Throw Away the Key)” and more. With a staggering 18-charted hit and five Top 10 records, few bands ever reached the heights of Jay and the Americans.
NEWSBOYS UNITED
Taking the stage to perform such new United fan favorites as “Greatness Of Our God” and “Symphony,” the mega-group will also deliver hit after hit spanning Newsboys’ iconic three decade career, from recent chart-toppers “God’s Not Dead” and “We Believe,” to classics like “Shine” and “Entertaining Angels,” among many others.
CAT & NAT: #MOMTRUTHS LIVE
Hilarious best friends Cat and Nat created a massive online community of moms by sharing their ultra-real and just a bit R-rated dispatches from the mom trenches. From what not to eat a few days postpartum (chicken wings) to the most effective ways to avoid post-partum sex, Cat & Nat's newest book, Mom Truths is everything no one will tell you about having kids.
THERESA CAPUTO LIVE: THE EXPERIENCE
Theresa Caputo, star of the hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, will share personal stories about her life and explain how her gift works. She will deliver healing messages to audience members and give people comfort knowing that their loved ones who passed are still with them, just in a different way. Theresa has been a practicing medium for over 20 years. She helps individuals find closure by delivering healing messages.
THERESA CAPUTO LIVE: THE EXPERIENCE
Theresa Caputo, star of the hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, will share personal stories about her life and explain how her gift works. She will deliver healing messages to audience members and give people comfort knowing that their loved ones who passed are still with them, just in a different way.
LITTLE RIVER BAND
Through the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, LRB enjoyed huge chart success with multiplatinum albums and chart topping hits like: “Reminiscing”, “Cool Change”, “Lonesome Loser”, “The Night Owls”, “Take It Easy On Me”, “Help Is on Its Way”, “Happy Anniversary”, “We Two”, “Man On Your Mind”, “The Other Guy”, and It’s A Long Way There”.
JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING
After Led Zeppelin’s induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jason recorded a tribute album to his father, In the Name of My Father—The Zepest, which featured the songs of Led Zeppelin. Jason has dedicated his life to honoring the memory of his father and his contributions to rock music by traveling the country with Led Zeppelin Evening, the ultimate tribute show to one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
PROFESSOR WOW’S FUN-BELIEVABLE SCIENCE SHOW
WOW! Pow! How! When students see Professor Wow’s zany, high-energy FUN-Believable Science Show and experience the fantastic 12-foot tall “Foam Monster,” the impossible “Balloons in Orbit,” the uproariously funny “Bernoulli TP Wipe Out Challenge” and the “Super-Colossal Tornado Vortex Cannon,” they learn that nothing is impossible—as long as it obeys the laws of science!
Find out more »A VERY RIALTO CHRISTMAS: MAKING MERRY MUSIC!
Kick off your holiday season with the Rialto Square Theatre and a special concert from Nick Thomas and guests. Join us starting at 5:20 PM as we light the marquee, officially kicking off the holiday season, with Home for the Holidays sponsor, ComEd. At 5:30 PM they’ll be a pre-show reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by a holiday concert for the entire family featuring a 75-member chorus directed by Nick Thomas. Special guest appearances include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Suzy Snowflake and more.
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA: METTAVOLUTION TOUR
Five years since their last album, Mexican acoustic rock guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela are ready to embark on the next chapter of their remarkable story, with the release of the most ambitious music of their twenty year career together.
TEDDY BEAR TEA
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!
Find out more »HOLIDAY MOVIE: THE POLAR EXPRESS
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.
Find out more »December 2019
CHICAGO FESTIVAL BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER
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.
Find out more »HOLIDAY LUNCHEON & ORGAN CONCERT
Enjoy the sounds of the season and a delicious catered lunch in the Rialto Square Theatre rotunda while local school choirs serenade 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.
Find out more »CEELO GREEN HOLIDAY HITS TOUR
Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter-producer, CeeLo Green is putting his creative spin on your favorite Christmas songs in the Holiday Hits Tour. His 2011 hit song, “Forget You,” received 5 Grammy nominations and won “Best Urban/Alternative Performance.” In 2012, he released his first Christmas album, “CeeLo’s Magic Moment,” featuring the single “All I Need is Love” with The Muppets. The album was nominated for a Grammy in 2014.
PURE YANNI: PIANO & INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS
YANNI, one of the most celebrated composers and multi-gold and platinum-selling artists of our time is thrilled to bring audiences the opportunity to talk with him directly and experience his music in its purest form, on the piano.
LARRY THE CABLE GUY- 5 PM SHOW
Larry’s road to stardom included the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, which grossed more than 15 million dollars. The ensemble cast of comedians included Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall. The tour’s success led to Blue Collar Comedy Tour, The Movie, which premiered on Comedy Central in November of 2003 and at the time, was the highest rated movie in the channel’s history.
LARRY THE CABLE GUY- 8 PM SHOW
Larry’s road to stardom included the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, which grossed more than 15 million dollars. The ensemble cast of comedians included Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall. The tour’s success led to Blue Collar Comedy Tour, The Movie, which premiered on Comedy Central in November of 2003 and at the time, was the highest rated movie in the channel’s history.
AMERICAN LEGION BAND CONCERT
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.
Find out more »MICHAEL LONDRA’S CELTIC YULETIDE
Emmy® nominee, Michael Londra, the Irish singer best known as the voice of Riverdance on Broadway and for his own US TV special, "Beyond Celtic", presents an evening, bringing you “Christmas from Ireland” told in song, dance and the festive stories of his youth.
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL.
HOLIDAY MOVIE: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947 VERSION)
In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) 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.
Find out more »IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE RADIO BROADCAST
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.
Find out more »MARTINA MCBRIDE: THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS 2019
Martina McBride is a multiple Grammy® nominated country icon, whose incomparable vocals have kept her at the top of the charts garnering six No. 1 hits and twenty top 10 singles. Selling more than 18 million albums to date, McBride has earned fourteen Gold, nine Platinum, three Double Platinum and two Triple Platinum certifications.
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS: DOWN HOME CHRISTMAS
The Boys are back in town! Join fan favorites, The Oak Ridge Boys, as they return to the Rialto Square stage with their latest holiday concert tour, Down Home Christmas, in support of their newest holiday album, releasing October 25, 2019.
HOLIDAY MOVIE: ELF
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.
Find out more »February 2020
DOG LOVES BOOKS
Louise Yates’ New York Times bestseller comes to life in ArtsPower’s newest musical about the irresistible Dog who loves everything about books. In fact, he loves books SO much that he decides to open his own bookstore. Dog decides that the best way to sell books is to act out all kinds of fun stories for his customers – everything from dancing dinosaurs to funny fairy tales. His customers can’t help but get into the act, too! How could Dog’s bookstore not be a huge success?
Find out more »FINDING NEVERLAND
The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, “It’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!” Originally directed by visionary Tony®-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan
FOUR SCORE AND SEVEN YEARS AGO
To young Lemuel, who has escaped slavery in Georgia, life in Gettysburg is everything he had dreamed it would be. His ideas about the North and the South, as well as what it means to be a free man, are challenged, however, when he unexpectedly befriends Jacob, a young Confederate soldier.
Find out more »March 2020
JUDY MOODY & STINK
In this new musical, Judy Moody and Stink, this dynamic sister and brother duo take audiences on a hilarious adventure. As usual, Judy is in a mood. After seeing her classmate’s picture on the front page of the newspaper, Judy wants to be famous and sets off to find fame and happiness. All the while, Stink and his foul-smelling sneakers become a real distraction as he vies for the coveted Golden Clothespin Award. Judy Moody and Stink are the perfect pair for their imperfect capers that lead to fun, mystery, sibling rivalry, and, in the end, true friendship.
Find out more »April 2020
SHAUN BOOTHE PRESENTS THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY SERIES
Told through a Hamilton-style performance, The Unauthorized Biography Series is a musical project that celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical hip hop songs. Each chapter of the series captures the legacy of a positive and influential iconic figure in a documentary-style music video. Shaun Boothe is an award winning hip hop artist, TEDx speaker and creator of ‘The Unauthorized Biography Series’. Each chapter of the series captures the legacy of an influential iconic figure in a documentary-style music video.
Find out more »