Joliet Residents Trying To Block New Digital Marquee At Rialto Theatre

JOLIET, Ill. (CBS) -- It is one of America's classic theatres admired for its beauty and history. But soon, a big change is coming to the Rialto Theatre in Joliet.

CBS 2's Jim Williams reports lots of people there are trying to stop it.

Since 1926, the Rialto Theatre has been Joliet's crown jewel.

"It's not only beautiful outside, but it's beautiful inside," said resident Sherry Lewandowski.

The Rialto once faced the wrecking ball, until Jim Dragatsis' father led the effort to renovate it in 1978.

"When they brought the Rialto back to its beauty, they restored the original sign," said Dragatsis.

But that understated marquee is about to be replaced by one that's gaudy and an inappropriate, many residents say.

"I just don't feel it's fitting for architecture of the building," Lewandowski said.

Marybeth Gannon, whose musician grandfather played there decades ago, has rallied hundreds of people to block it.

"How often does it happen you can get that many people to come together and agree on one thing and that one thing is save our marquee," she said.

The new marquee would include a dedication to Michael and Mary Czerkies. Their son Edward, an area businessman, donated $350,000 to the theatre.

"I don't care what you put out there, people will be opposed to it," he said.

Opponents insist they are grateful for Czerkies' donation and concede the old marquee does need work. They just want any change to reflect the theatre's classic design.

"It's my heritage and I'll do whatever I can to protect it," Gannon said.

The marquee is set to go up next spring. The Rialto board and protestors will be at the theatre at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Ed Czerkies promises if significant changes are made to the marquee, he'll withdraw his $350,000 donation.