"This Beautiful Room"
By Catherine A. Carr
HLN Today reporter
Sunday, November 23, 2003. The Rialto Square Theatre, described as "A Palace for the People," is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Patrons who arrived early were treated to organ music. The Grande BARTON theater pipe organ, installed when the theater was built in 1926, elevated to stage level from beneath the orchestra pit prior to the opening comedian's performance. Mike Toomie, who has appeared on Comedy Central and HBO, took the stage at 6PM.
As the temperature dropped outside, the show heated up inside. The grand drape was raised, revealing the band as they began with "The Heart of Rock and Roll." Followed by "Thank You #19" and "The Power of Love." At this time Huey admitted to playing 'this beautiful room' for the first time -- that he can remember, but it won't be the last time.
The horn section consisting of Ron Stallings, Rob Sudduth and Marvin McFadden were introduced during "Plan B." Next, the band performed "My Other Woman" and "Jacob's Ladder."
Huey asked the audience if they were still with him. He also asked the crowd as to who had seen the band before. Half the venue cheered. To the other half he quipped, "They were a boy band ONCE. Now they are pretty close to being an old man band."
He also prepared them for the a cappella set. First the band was introduced then they sang "60 Minute Man" followed by "Pretty Girls Everywhere."
The second part of the show began with "I Want a New Drug" which transitioned to "Small World part 2." The band also performed "He Don't Know." The crowd got on their feet for "Heart and Soul." The set finished with "(But) It's Alright" and "We're Not Here For A Long Time."
For the encore, the audience helped sing "Do You Believe In Love." Huey acknowledged all the fans' support, the road crew, the stage crew and everyone involved with the tour, as the show in Joliet was their last American stop for the year.
The show ended with "I Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do" and an extended version of "Workin' For A Living." Not a single person was still sitting in their seat by the time Huey Lewis and The News left the stage.
