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                                                                                   Contact: Annette Louch-Parker
                                                             Director of Marketing & Sales; Rialto Square Theatre

                                                                                          15 E. Van Buren Street
                                                                                                 Joliet, IL 60432
                                                                                      Telephone: (815) 726-7171
                                                                                            Fax: (815) 726-0352
                                                                                          www.rialtosquare.com
June 6, 2008

                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




                  Rialto Square Theatre Announces 2008-09 Season
                                    ON SALE FRIDAY 6/27 9AM!

Joliet, IL- The Rialto Square Theatre announces a thrilling 2008-09 season filled with many shows for the
entire family to enjoy. The variety of shows the Rialto offers is sure to entertain everyone! Scheduled
performances include comedians, Broadway musicals, and concerts by first class musicians and bands.
Tickets go on sale Fri., June 27 at 9am! Tickets may be purchased at the Rialto Box office located at 102
N. Chicago Street, or ordered by calling 815/726-6600 between 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday or
between 9am and 12 Noon on Saturdays. On performance days the box office remains open until the
completion of intermission. Tickets may also be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets or online at
www.rialtosquare.com.
         For a complete show description and ticket prices, please see below:         (More shows to be
added. Please keep checking www.rialtosquare.com for updates)



                                       2008-09 Season
                                      (* indicates shows already on sale)
*Merle Haggard                                                                           Saturday, June 28
AAA $75; AA $55; A $45; B $40; C $35                                                              8:00PM
Grammy Award-winner Merle Haggard has become one of the true giants of country music, as a
singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. With his hard-biting electric guitar, he almost
singlehandedly introduced the electric sound to country music. To date, Haggard has written
hundreds of songs, including the classics "Sing Me Back Home," "Okie From Muskogee" and
"Silver Wings" among others. Merle Haggard is classified as a living legend and is the single
most influential singer-songwriter in country music history. Haggard may well be the most well-
rounded country talent ever to take the stage in front of a microphone or an audience

*Gavin DeGraw                                                                           Wednesday, July 2
AAA $41; AA, A, B, C $31                                                                        7:30PM
Gavin DeGraw is a talent, who in just a few short years has become one of today's premier
singer-songwriters. He's done it the old-fashioned way, on the merits of his creative abilities,
perseverance and a healthy, homegrown perspective, establishing himself as a magnetic, new
voice in music. Now, Gavin DeGraw adds a new chapter to his celebrated narrative with the
release of his second studio album, the self-titled, Gavin DeGraw. DeGraw broke through in
2003, with the release of his debut album, Chariot, which awakened music fans across the
country to a charismatic, vibrant young artist who connected with audiences in a way other
contemporary musicians did not. Selling over a million copies and earning platinum certification,
Chariot yielded three hit singles - "I Don't Want To Be," "Follow Through," and the title-track,
"Chariot." In 2003, DeGraw would earn a big break when "One Tree Hill," would use his first
single, "I Don't Want To Be," as its theme song. Audiences around the country were soon
introduced to his affable charms and prodigious songwriting and singing talent.

*The Backyardigans Live! Tale Of The Mighty Knights         Tuesday, August 19, 7PM
                                                  Wednesday, August 20, 4PM & 7PM
Tickets: AAA $48.50; AA $38.50; A $25.50; B $18.50; C $15.50
Sponsored by STAR 96.7
Nickelodeon's backyard friends, The Backyardigans, come to life for preschoolers in their brand-
new live show, The Backyardigans Live! The Tale of the Mighty Knights! Join Knights Uniqua and
Tyrone as they embark on a quest to protect King Pablo's unpredictable egg. Along the way,
Grabbing Goblin Austin and Flighty Fairy Tasha join the medieval mayhem as the runaway egg
hatches feet and makes an unexpected dash all the way up to Dragon Mountain! The
Backyardigans will need the audience's help to face a mighty dragon and return the egg to the
king. The Backyardigans Live! will have the entire family singing, dancing and laughing along to
songs of courage, friendship and the power of imagination.

*Vince Gill                                                             Thursday, September 18
Tickets: AAA $95; AA, A $65; B $50; C $45                                              7:30PM
2008 GRAMMY WINNER ­ BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Vince Gill is a country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He made his national debut in
1979 in the country rock band Pure Prairie League before embarking on a solo career in 1983.
Between then and the present, Gill has recorded more than twenty studio albums, in addition to
charting more than forty singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. He has sold
more than 22 million albums and has 18 CMA Awards, including two Entertainer of the Year
awards and five Male Vocalist Awards. Gill has also earned 18 Grammy Awards, the most of any
male Country music artist. In 2007, Gill was inducted into the esteemed Country Music Hall of
Fame.

Gordon Lightfoot                                                          Sunday, September 28
Tickets: AAA $65; AA, A $55; B, C $45                                                  7:00PM
Gordon Lightfoot is a singer and songwriter who achieved international success in folk, country,
and popular music. As a singer-songwriter, he came to prominence in his native Canada in the
1960's, and broke through the international music charts in the 1970's with songs such as
"If You Could Read My Mind," "Sundown" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." His songs
have been recorded by some of the world's most successful recording artists, including Elvis
Presley, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. A modern day troubadour, Gordon Lightfoot's time-defying
style and legendary hits have made him one of Canada's most anticipated live performers. His
concerts continually fill to capacity with legions of fans eager to experience Lightfoot's melodic,
soulful voice and unmistakable sound.

BB King                                                                        Friday, October 3
Tickets: AAA $110; AA $85; A $65; B $55, C $45                                          8:00PM
The undisputed king of the blues, B.B. "Blues Boy" King will go down in history as one of the most
important electric guitarists and blues singers ever. King's vocals are smooth and rich as they
emote wailing cries and good-hearted humor, while every sound he plays on the guitar is instantly
recognizable by his distinct vibrato, vocal guitar style and authorship of hundreds of the most
classic blues riffs. Drawing on the single-note playing of T-Bone Walker, King's style has
influenced several of the greatest rock, blues and jazz artists of the latter half of the twentieth
century, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, among others. Most
incredibly is the fact that, with one note, B.B. King can tell a story that touches the deepest roots
of your soul.

Indigo Girls                                                                     Sunday, October 5
Tickets: AAA, AA, A $39; B, C $34                                                         6:00PM
Grammy Award winners, the Indigo girls are a folk rock duo consisting of Amy Ray and Emily
Saliers. While they came into prominence as part of the late 80's folksy singer / songwriter
revival, the Indigo Girls had staying power where other artists from the same era quickly faded.
Their two-women-with-guitars formula may not seem very revolutionary on paper, but the
combination of two distinct personalities and songwriting styles provided tension and an
interesting balance. Devoted environmental and social justice activists and lifelong music-
industry mavericks, the Girls have spent their entire career pushing boundaries on a variety of
fronts. Hear all your favorite hits including songs from their newest release Despite Our
Differences.

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood                                                   Friday, October 10
Tickets: AAA $53; AA, A $43; B $33; C $23                                                 8:00PM
An Evening with Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood is a fully improvised evening of comedy and
mayhem. If you are looking for a night out that'll keep you constantly laughing and in need of a
diaper, then this is the show for you. The show is all about audience participation. Everything in
the show is based on audience suggestions and many audience members are brought up on
stage to be a part of the craziness. The entire evening is completely improvised, and best of all,
the show is never the same twice.

Late Nite Catechism Dinner Theatre                                         Saturday, October 18
Tickets: AA, A $64; B, C $61                                    Dinner 6:00PM; Show Only 8PM
Show Only: AA, A $38; B, C $35
Late Nite Catechism makes a triumphant return to the Rialto for its eleventh season. This annual
sold-out performance begins with dinner in the Rotunda and Esplanade of the Rialto and then on
to the theatre for the interactive one-nun show. Catholic or not, it's time to enroll yourself in this
interactive adult catechism class that's been spreading dogma for the past 15 years and is still
going strong! Learn (and squirm) a little and laugh a lot as Sister imposes her own views on
everything from the Catholic church to appropriate behavior! Don't be late, sit up straight, and buy
your tickets today.

Chicago                                                                      Thursday, October 23

Tickets: Subscription Packages Available ­ Platinum $250 - $215; Classic $207 - $177
Come on babe ­ experience it live and in person! The one, the only, CHICAGO. It's Broadway's
most popular musical ­ a razzle dazzle tale of sin and celebrity. And now, you can see it LIVE.
The recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing
ovations, CHICAGO is the sensation that just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Irving Berlin's I Love A Piano                                                  Sunday, October 26
Tickets: AAA $53; AA, A $43; B $33; $C $23                                                3:00PM
I LOVE A PIANO is an enchanting new musical journey spanning seven decades of American history as
seen through the perceptive and hopeful eyes of Irving Berlin ­ a man whom Jerome Kern described by
saying "Irving Berlin has no place in American music...He is American Music!" Using 64 of Berlin's enduring
and popular favorites, I LOVE A PIANO captures the spirit of America from the Ragtime rhythms of the early
20th century through the swinging sophistication of the 1920's and 30's. From the sentimental songs that
inspired a nation during two World Wars to the innocent optimism of the 1950's. Timeless classics, such as
"White Christmas," "God Bless America," "Puttin' On The Ritz," and "There's No Business Like Show
Business," do more than define the music of a generation, they define the music of our country.
"The strutting, cajoling, embracing songs are newly revealed to an audience that has somehow
escaped the wizardry of Berlin's achievements over much of the 20th century...rousing and toe
tapping!"                                                                                  Variety

Paul Rodriguez                                                                          Sunday, November 2
Tickets: AAA $53; AA, A $38; B $33; C $28                                                          6:00PM
Paul Rodriguez' career has spanned more than two decades and includes starring roles and
featured appearances in over 30 films and countless television series and specials. As a well-
rounded stand-up comedian, having honed his craft over the past twenty-five years, it is
estimated that Paul has performed live to well over one million concert goers from coast to coast
building a solid fan base. Within Hispanic communities, Rodriguez is considered to be the
Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin when it comes to original comedy. Hands down,
he has become the Original Latin King of Comedy.

Drew Hastings                                                                            Friday, November 7
Tickets: AAA $39.75; AA, A $29.75                                                                   8:00PM
Sponsored by WRXQ
He's intelligent, edgy, politically incorrect and he's funny. Very funny. Drew Hastings is a raconteur with a lot of
stories to tell. Classic standup mixed with stories, anecdotes, and material from his life. He's one of the only
comics to get a standing ovation on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He's done five TV pilots, for all the
networks, including NBC, Fox, CBS, & HBO. Drew has written and performed three One Man shows in the
last six years, including, "The Business of Living", "Commencement Speech", and "Life & Other Short
Stories". Drew is a regular guest on The Bob & Tom Show, regaling listeners with his stories, questioning his
life and everyone else's, and giving his comedic opinions on just about any topic that comes up.
For Mature Audiences

Terry Fator                                                    Friday, November 14
Tickets: AAA $99.50 Includes Meet & Greet; AA $49.50; A $39.50; B $34.50; C $24.50
8:00PM
It took ventriloquist, singer, comedian and celebrity impressionist Terry Fator 32 years to become
an overnight sensation when he won the hearts of America and was selected to the 2007
"America's Got Talent" $1 million dollar prize winner on NBC-TV. He recently performed on THE
OPRAH WINFREY SHOW and guest Simon Cowell exclaimed that Fator was one of the best
entertainers in the world. The multi-talented Fator believes that he is an illusionist with his cast of
seven original puppet characters. Terry Fator is perhaps the first entertainer to combine the art of
ventriloquism with celebrity impressions including Tony Bennett, Elvis, Maroon Five, Garth
Brooks, Nat King and Natalie Cole, Roy Orbison, Marvin Gaye, Gnarls Barkley, James Blunt,
Brooks & Dunn,members of The Rat Pack, Louis Armstrong and even Kermit The Frog.

Vicki Lawrence & Mama ­ A Two Woman Show                                             Saturday, November 15
Tickets: AAA $60; AA, A $50; B $40; C $30                                                          8:00PM
Emmy Award winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence is one of the most beloved television
personalities of her generation. In the seventh season of The Carol Burnett Show and hundreds
of hilarious sketches later, Vicki created her most endearing character to date, Thelma Harper, or
"Mama" as she is better known to her fans. Ms. Lawrence will take the stage first as herself. "My
new show will not be a retrospective," she explains. "We are designing a show that is a mixture of
stand-up comedy, music and my observations about real life."
For Mature Audiences


Sing-A-Long Messiah                                                           Saturday, November 29
Tickets: General Admission $15                                                              8:00PM
The Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, along with members of the Orchestra, perform their
annual Sing-Along version of Handel's Messiah, so dust off your copy (or borrow one from a
friend) and start practicing. Not up to singing? There's definitely a place for those who just want to
listen and be immersed in the glorious sound. What an exhilarating way to begin the Holiday
season!

Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet ­ The Nutcracker                           Sunday, November 30
Tickets: AA, A $38; B, C $30; Children 12 & under $20.50                                     2:00PM
The holiday tradition continues as The Nutcracker returns to the Rialto Square Theatre. This
holiday favorite fairytale is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish
costumes, a growing Christmas tree, a battle between mice and soldiers, a journey through the
land of whirling snowflakes and a joyous visit to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Keep
the holiday spirit alive and enjoy this breathtaking performance.

Movin' Out                                                                       Friday, December 5

Tickets: Subscription Packages Available ­ Platinum $250 - $215; Classic $207 - $177
5-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined
forces to create the spectacular new musical Time Magazine declares "The #1 show of the year!"
The New York Times calls MOVIN' OUT "a shimmering portrait of an American generation. These
tornado driven dancers and rock musicians propel the audience into delirious ovations." MOVIN'
OUT brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends
over two turbulent decades. It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical.

Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show                                Thursday, December 11
Tickets: AAA $59.50; AA $49.50; A $43.50; B $37.50; C $32.50               7:00PM
The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music
industry. The fourpart harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oaks have spawned dozens of
country hits and earned them Grammy, Dove, Country Music Association and Academy of
Country Music awards and garnered a host of industry and fan accolades. To this day, The Oak
Ridge Boys are still going strong. They have topped the charts with hits including, "Elvira,"
"Bobbie Sue," and "American Made." The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas show features classic
Oak Ridge Boys hits and holiday favorites. There may even be a visit from a special guest from
the North Pole.

It's A Wonderful Life ­ Live Radio Broadcast                                    Friday, December 19
Tickets: AA, A, B, C $10                                                                    7:00PM
Sponsored by Star 96.7; 1340 WJOL; 98.3 WCCQ; 100.7 WRXQ
Be taken back in time as NextMedia presents a live radio broadcast and theatre performance of
It's A Wonderful Life. Tickets will benefit the Rialto Square Theatre's capital campaign ­ To Polish
the Jewel of Joliet. Take the kids and grandkids to this multi-generational nostalgic performance.
Experience first-hand how live radio broadcasts used to be made, while watching one of your
favorite Christmas classics come to life on stage. The performance will be broadcast live on 1340
WJOL.

Vienna Boys' Choir                                                                Sunday, February 8
Tickets: AAA $45; AA, A $33; B $25; C $20                                                   3:00PM
The world's most beloved choir has been thrilling audiences young and old for over 500 years.
For five centuries the Vienna Boys' Choir have enchanted millions with their unique charm and
exceptionally beautiful singing. The choir's repertoire includes everything from medieval to
contemporary and experimental music. In concert, they present superbly entertaining programs
that feature short operettas (in costume), sacred works and a broad range of secular and folk
music.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band                                                      Thursday, February 19
Tickets: AAA $45; AA, A $35; B $25; C $20                                                     7:30PM
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall, the venerable music
venue located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. The band has traveled worldwide
spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Whether
performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, for British Royalty or the King of Thailand, this
music embodies a joyful, timeless spirit. Under the auspices of current director, Ben Jaffe, the son
of founders Allan and Sandra, Preservation Hall continues with a deep reverence and
consciousness of its greatest attributes in the modern day as a venue, band and record label.

Nitty Grittty Dirt Band                                                                  Friday, March 6
Tickets: AAA $60; AA, A $48; B $38; C $28                                                        8:00PM
Grammy Award winning the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was founded in California during 1965, and has
lasted longer than virtually any other country-based rock group of their era. During their 30-plus
year career, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has released over 30 albums. Younger contemporaries of
the Byrds, they played an almost equally important role in the transformation from folk-rock into
country-rock, and were an influence on such bands as the Eagles and Alabama. Hear favorites
Mr.Bojangles; Bless The Broken Road; Long Hard Road and more!

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul                                                         Saturday, March 7
Tickets: AAA $50; AA, A $40; B $30; C $20                                                       8:00PM
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, nine time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, will change the way you
think about the violin. She's been called a "sensation" by Billboard Magazine and "the Jimi
Hendrix of the violin" by The New York Times. Ivers' recording credits include over 100
contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul
is a mix of African and Latin percussion and bass, Irish instrumentalists, and American soulful
vocals.
 "Eileen is to Irish music as Michael Flatley is to Irish dance ­ a pioneer, an innovator, a universalist..."
­Frank McCourt.

An Evening of Groucho starring Frank Ferrante Dinner Theatre Saturday, March 14
Tickets: AA $64; A $61                            Dinner 6:00PM; Show Only 8PM
Show Only: AA $38; A $35
The New York Times summed up the comedy genius as "America's most gifted funny man."
Straight from the streets of New York's upper Eastside, Groucho was thrust onstage at age 15.
Eventually, brothers Harpo, Chico, Gummo and Zeppo evolved into the world's funniest
vaudeville act known as the Marx Brothers. Frank Ferrante (Groucho) is an actor, director, and
producer described by The New York Times as "the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx's
material." Frank originated the off-Broadway title role in Groucho: A Life in Revue portraying the
comedian from age 15 to 85. For this role, Frank won 1987's Theatre World Award and was
nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award. In 2001, Frank starred in, directed and produced the
national PBS television program Groucho: A Life in Revue.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee                                             Sunday, March 15
Tickets: Subscription Packages Available ­ Platinum $250 - $215; Classic $207 - $177
In the Tony-Award winning new musical comedy THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY
SPELLING BEE, six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely
managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing
doesn't necessarily make you a loser. SPELLING BEE has been hailed by the Wall Street
Journal as "perfect in every possible way ­ that rarity of rarities, a super-smart musical that is also
a bona fide crowd pleaser." This tuneful, offbeat and at times heartwarming show offers audience
members the opportunity (strictly voluntary) to become part of the action as on-stage spellers.
The New York Times calls SPELLING BEE, "irresistible, riotously funny and remarkably
ingenious ­ gold stars all around."

Annie                                                                             Thursday, April 9

Tickets: Subscription Packages Available ­ Platinum $250 - $215; Classic $207 - $177
Leapin' lizards! Annie is coming to Joliet! The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving
a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up
hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including "It's the Hard-Knock Life,"
"Easy Street," "N.Y.C." and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow," Annie is a delightful theatrical
experience for the entire family. Don't miss this all-new production that Variety calls "a winner!"

Keyboard Pops Concert                                                            Saturday, April 25
Tickets: AA, A, B, C $38                                                                   7:00PM
The theme to the 13th annual Rialto Keyboard Pops Concert will be "A Change of Seasons." The
show will feature well known songs and medleys written for the year's seasons and holidays. The
fan favorite Joliet American Legion Band will return along with world famous keyboard artists on
the Barton Grande Theatre Pipe Organ. The artists this year will be the Trio Con Brio (Donna
Parker, Martin Ellis & Jonas Nordwall) with specially prepared group arrangements on the show's
theme. Also returning will be Walt Disney concert artist Rob Richards and pianist Alex Zsolt. At 26
years old, Zsolt is a magnificent popular and gospel keyboard artist, who will be preparing a
special Patriotic medley as part of the seasonal offerings. The Keyboard Pops Concert originated
as the Pipe Organ Extravaganza in 1995 and has continued to be widely popular with residents of
Joliet and the surrounding communities.

Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight                                                 Friday, May 8

Tickets: Subscription Packages Available ­ Platinum $250 - $215; Classic $207 - $177
Mark Twain Tonight! continues to enthrall audiences, with Holbrook performing 20-25 shows a
year. By Holbrook's estimation, he has now performed the show well over 2,000 times. Just as
Mark Twain brought his wit and humor to far-flung places a half-century before, Holbrook-as-
Twain has also performed around the world, from Saudi Arabia and Warsaw, to Edinburgh and
New Delhi. Holbrook is not simply an impersonator of Mark Twain, he is an authority on the writer
about whom Hemingway said, "American literature began."