Cedar Grove, Illinois
After two years of restoration, the 1924 Rialto Theater reopened this fall to sold-out crowds, glowing chandeliers, and something else entirely—new sightings of a shadowy figure appearing in Box Row A. Locals say the renovations may have awakened memories… or the ghosts who never left.
Theater Reborn, Legend Rekindled
Originally built as a vaudeville stage and silent-film palace, the Rialto stood for decades as the town’s brightest landmark. But after shuttering in 1998 due to structural decay, the once-grand venue fell into silence. This year’s multimillion-dollar restoration restored its marble lobby, red velvet seats, and carved balcony railings—bringing back the theater’s beauty but also, according to witnesses, its hauntings.
During the reopening gala in late October, an usher reported seeing “a man in a long coat” seated alone in Box Row A, overlooking the stage. When she approached to check his ticket, the box was empty. Several performers later claimed they glimpsed the same silhouette watching rehearsals from the upper balcony.
Backstage workers also describe cold spots drifting near the wings, soft footsteps crossing the stage after hours, and a faint humming—like someone warming up for a song—that echoes through the dressing-room corridor.
A Haunting Rooted in History
The Rialto’s most persistent legend centers on Edward “Eddie” Marlowe, a vaudeville performer who collapsed during a 1931 matinee and died before reaching the hospital. Some say his spirit lingers in the theater, still seeking the applause he never finished earning.
Restoration crews reported unusual activity long before opening night. Tools vanished and reappeared in odd places. A chandelier in the upper lobby flickered wildly whenever cold drafts swept through—despite sealed windows and updated wiring. “It was like someone was walking past it,” one electrician recalled.
Now that the Rialto is open once more, paranormal investigators expect the activity to continue—and possibly intensify—as crowds return, lights rise, and the building comes alive again.
Visitor Information
Location: Rialto Theater, 118 East Main Street, Cedar Grove, IL
Status: Open for shows, tours, and community events
Ghost Tours: Monthly candlelight tours begin December 2025 (tickets required)
Note: The balcony and box seats are active performance areas—remain respectful, follow staff instructions, and no private investigations without permission.
