Rialto Square Theater marks 100th anniversary with public celebration in Joliet

Community leaders, volunteers and Joliet residents gathered at the Rialto Square Theater for a public reception celebrating the theater’s 100th anniversary.

"We are celebrating with a public reception, our 100th anniversary of the theater being open," said Jane Condon, a liaison on the foundation board, introducing the day’s activities including self-guided tours, an artist exhibit and events in the Green Room showcasing performers’ signatures.

Organizers said four local artists were invited to present paintings of the Rialto, with exhibits in the Rotunda, Esplanade, theater and balcony. Condon said the event opened at 1:00 p.m. and that a kids zone scheduled for 2:00 p.m. included a magician, a balloonist and children’s art activities. She said organizers hoped for roughly 500 attendees and noted earlier centennial events in March and April.

Steve Randich, president of the Rialto Square Theater Foundation, said the foundation planned four events this year and that "all of the proceeds from all of these events that we raise will go towards the preservation and upkeep of this wonderful, wonderful theater." He described the foundation as a volunteer board that raises funds and awareness to support the theater’s maintenance.

Local author Jim Ridings said he wrote the centennial book documenting the theater’s history and performers and that copies were available via a QR code. "It has a lot of photographs in full color to show off the beauty of this theater," Ridings said.

Leanne Hoffridge, manager of event services at the theater, described the volunteer corps known as the "Penguins" and their duties, and encouraged interested people to sign up via the theater website. "Our volunteers do everything from scanning tickets to working the 50/50 to ushering," she said.

Tim Broderick, who identified himself as a board member of the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority, welcomed attendees and noted the board’s support for Rialto initiatives alongside volunteers and the foundation.

Condon acknowledged the city of Joliet, Will County and the state of Illinois for investments that have supported the theater’s preservation, thanked staff and volunteers by name and introduced a 94-year-old third-generation stagehand, Mr. Kelly, who was invited to cut the ribbon.

Barb Bolick, a descendant of Adolf Friedrich Macher, spoke about her great-grandfather’s work as a master cabinet maker and woodcarver on the Rialto and showed the tools he used. The program also cited corporate and in-kind supporters, including Darcy Buick GMC and donations from Milano bakery and Dan’s Candy.

Organizers said the centennial will conclude with a gala on May 16 expected to host several hundred guests; proceeds from the series of events are earmarked for the Rialto’s preservation and upkeep.