Joliet museum names Rialto and Mavrich for DreamMakers Award
From Staff Reports February 11, 2013 5:00PM
Updated: March 15, 2013 12:09PM
The Joliet Area Historical Museum will honor the Rialto Square Theatre and Dorothy Mavrich with its annual DreamMakers award later this year.
Mavrich led an effort to save the Rialto in the 1970s when the vintage theater was closed and faced the prospect of demolition. The theater was built in 1926 and remains a venue for big-name talent to perform in Joliet.
The award will be given at the museum’s 12th Annual Gala/DreamMakers Ball on Oct. 5.
“In 1972, the dedicated efforts of Dorothy Mavrich and her many supporters saved the Rialto Square Theatre from demolition,” museum Executive Director Anthony Contos said in a news release announcing the award. “The happy ending of this story is that today the Rialto Square Theatre stands as Joliet’s performing arts center, living on with a new generation of supporters.”
Rialto General Manager Randy Green is quoted in the release saying, “I am especially pleased that Dorothy Mavrich’s efforts from decades ago are still being recognized for their importance in making sure the Rialto continued to have a place in the community.”
While the Joliet Area Historical Museum is holding its annual gala for the 12th year, the museum first began presenting the DreamMakers Award in 2009. The award recognizes historical and inspirational achievements.
