Racine & Me: Beyond the Mainstage at RTG & 50 Years on Northwestern Avenue

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) — The Signature Spotlight Concert Series returns to the Racine Theatre Guild with “Queens and Kings of Soul” on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at 2 and 7 p.m. at RTG, 2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine.

The iconic pioneers of soul music, legendary figures like Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Gladys Knight, shaped the sound of rhythm and blues through powerful vocals and timeless records for artists today like Alicia Keys and Olivia Dean.

From Motown to hip-hop, these influential artists created music that changed America and continues to inspire generations. Experience the rich history, soaring vocals and unforgettable live performances that celebrate the voices and songs that continue to move audiences today.

Songs include “Chain of Fools,” “Be Happy” and “Put Your Records On.”

Directed by Monica Fegans, soloists include Riley Jaymes, Vanetta Powell, Cedrina Washington, Kiana Perry, Diana Barber and Nicole Calix.

The Signature Spotlight Concert Series features musical revue concerts with musicians and singers from throughout the Racine area. With varying themes and song styles, each performance has something for everyone.

Tickets for the first three shows are available for $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older and $15 for students 21 and younger. Flex passes are also available to save across the series and allow audiences to pick the days and times that work for their schedules.

Tickets can be purchased from the Racine Theatre Guild. Call (262) 633-4218, visit racinetheatre.org or stop by the box office weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. and 90 minutes before each performance.

The Signature Spotlight 2026-27 season includes:

“Queens & Kings of Soul” — Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at 2 and 7 p.m.

“It Feels Like Christmas” — Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Christmas is a time of many emotions, from joy to melancholy and glorious awe to hectic freneticism. The music of the season seems to fit every moment and memory, from holiday classics to new festive hits. Join a concert tradition packed with vocal talent, touching warmth and hearty laughter. Deck the halls one week before Christmas Eve as the show explores these different moods — because whatever you’re feeling, it feels like Christmas.

“10 Years in the Spotlight” — Saturday, June 19, 2027, at 2 and 7 p.m.

In 2017, the Signature Spotlight Concert Series came to life under the direction of Robert Kroes. Since then, nearly 500 choir members, ensemble members, solo singers and Spotlight Stars have been part of the series.

Genres have covered Broadway classics, animated fairy tales, patriotic salutes, Christmas favorites and much more. Looking back over the past decade, some show-stopping moments will be revisited and twists on familiar melodies will be explored.

The Racine Children’s Theatre's 94th season opens with “The Princess and the Pea,” running from Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine.

The overbearing queen has already determined whom her precious sonny boy, Prince Handsome, will marry — a princess, and only a princess. So when a muddy and very dirty supposed Princess Jasmine unexpectedly catches the prince’s eye, the queen insists she pass the “pea under the mattress” test to prove she really is a princess.

Only it’s not one thin mattress we’re talking about here. It’s 13 mattresses, four feather comforters and eight queen-size pillows.

The comic jester tries to help her while an absent-minded king and cheeky announcer add to the merriment as the prince and princess try to find their happily ever after.

Sponsored by SC Johnson, the RCT series’ elephant mascot, Packy, will greet the audience at each performance.

Plays and musicals are based on many classic and timeless children’s stories and include audience interaction, hands-on learning and imaginative play. Performances are around an hour in length and are great ways to introduce children to theater and the arts while inspiring creative memories.

“The Princess and the Pea” will be performed by Spark Productions. Shows take place Friday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

Recommended for ages 4 and older, season tickets are available for $25, Packy passes for $28 and individual tickets are $8 each for all ages, with general seating for each performance.

The Racine Children’s Theatre 2026-27 season also includes “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.” from Nov. 20-22, 2026, “Dinosaur Dimensions” from Feb. 5-7, 2027, and “Toy Camp” from March 19-21, 2027.

The RTG Limited Edition series opens with the return of the WhiskeyBelles on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Racine Theatre Guild.

Last season, the WhiskeyBelles sold out RTG with their Hank Williams passion and Carter Family harmonies, with a little “Hee Haw” mixed in for good measure.

The WhiskeyBelles are an all-female traditional country and Americana trio featuring pitch-perfect three-part harmonies and their own fiddle, guitar and bass playing.

The Belles are widely known for captivating shows featuring their own take on classic and obscure vintage country, Americana, folk revival and roots country tunes, with their witty originals sprinkled in.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older and $15 for students 21 and younger. Flex passes are also available.

The RTG Limited Edition 2026-27 season also includes “Legends of the Country Road: Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, and More” on Thursday, Dec. 31, “The Golden Girls: 10th Anniversary Special” on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027, “Moms Unhinged” on Saturday, Feb. 6, and ComedySportz on Saturday, March 20.

RTG will also celebrate finding, building and growing a dream during “50 Years on Northwestern Avenue” on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. at the Racine Theatre Guild.

In October 1976, the Racine Theatre Guild opened its “new” theater on Northwestern Avenue.

Through the resourcefulness of volunteers, the support of the community and the desire to create a gathering space, the dream became a reality and has allowed RTG to continue to thrive as it enters its 89th season.

The foundation laid years before by people who truly loved theater made the home a reality, and it has continued to grow in community and programming ever since.

Attendees can hear stories and anecdotes from the past, along with readings and songs from shows over the past five decades.

The event is free and open to the public, with tickets available at the Racine Theatre Guild. Call (262) 633-4218, visit racinetheatre.org or stop by the box office weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. and 90 minutes before the event.