Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Getting to see “A Christmas Story” in a communal environment would’ve probably been enough to pack the landmark Rialto Square Theatre, but having lead actor Peter Billingsley on hand to speak after a screening made that much more of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Indeed, Joliet’s crown jewel was the place to catch all the holiday-focused laughs from not only the film about a young boy who’s only gift wish is a Red Ryder BB gun, but the funnyman playing Ralphie firsthand.

The revealing conversation began with a moderated interview where Billingsley gave the entire run down on almost everything relating to “A Christmas Story” imaginable, including thanking fans for keeping the momentum going, despite a modest start at the box office, by sharing VHS tapes, tuning in to the annual TBS marathons and buying the merchandise.

In fact, a leg lamp sat right besides him on stage, while several costumes could be spotted in the crowd, such as the ill-fated pink bunny suit Ralphie receives as an unwanted present, which believe it or not, is piece of memorabilia Peter still personally owns, along with the BB gun and corresponding cowboy costume.

Billingsley spoke quite warmly of his co-stars, who remain in touch to this very day, plus saluted late director and longtime mentor Bob Clark, especially since he helped the headliner break into the business behind the scenes.

Although he’s tackled numerous roles and racked up tons of credits beyond “A Christmas Stories,” it was understandable many audience members wanted to ask Peter about the latter during this particular evening and a few dozen got the lucky chance.

Rather than any specific inquiry or statement, perhaps the most interesting aspect to that portion was the vast range of ages stepping up to the microphone, spanning little kids to folks from the golden era represented by the movie’s narrator, Illinois’ own Jean Shepherd.

Given the free-flowing format, Billingsley could foreseeably continue this interactive journey indefinitely, though in the meantime, the Rialto got a chance to relive and even recite all the classic lines in the presence of the man who made them so memorable.

For additional information on Peter Billingsley, visit Instagram.com/OfficialPeterB.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Rialto Square Theatre include Lonestar (Dec. 22); Hairball (Dec. 27); Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood (Jan. 4); Mania: The ABBA Tribute (Jan. 5); Matt Fraser (Jan. 19); The Greatest Love Of All: A Tribute To Whitney Houston (Jan. 22); Scotty McCreery (Jan. 23); Marlon Wayans (Jan. 25); Face 2 Face: A Tribute To Billy Joel & Elton John (Feb. 7); Folsom Prison Experience (Feb. 8) and Get The Led Out (Feb. 22). For additional details, visit RialtoSquare.com.

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