At the Rialto

I recently participated in a Christmas music program at the Rialto Theater in Joliet, Illinois. The Rialto has a rich history of performances over the past century. The marble lobby and beautiful chandeliers transport one back in time to a more elegant age.

And then there is the pipe organ!

This magnificent instrument once provided the musical background for silent movies. Today, it is still providing wonderful entertainment. I think of it as  Liberace meets a cathedral. Like so many other of the old theater organs, this organ is situated on a platform that will rise up from beneath the stage and then be lowered back down out of sight after a performance. Very...um...theatrical.

The Rialto is a joy!