Gillioz Theatre presents Route 66 Centennial Series with free admission
For over ninety years, the Gillioz Theatre has been a beloved spot for both locals and travelers alike. In collaboration with the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, the Gillioz Route 66 Centennial Series is a celebration of the three main entertainment forms that have captivated Route 66 travelers since 1926: Film, Comedy, and Music. This series serves as a prelude to the Gillioz Centennial Celebration in October 2026.
The Gillioz Route 66 Centennial Series offers three exciting FREE events:
1. Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra: This event, scheduled for May 8, 2026, at 8:00 P.M., recreates the historic atmosphere of the Gillioz’s opening night in 1926. The Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra uses original musical scores and period instruments to provide a live musical accompaniment to silent films. The audience actively participates in this interactive experience, responding to the conductor’s cues. The evening features the showing of Harold Lloyd’s “Safety Last!” and the short film “Get Under and Get Out.”
2. The Mystery Hour – Mother Road Edition: On June 12, 2026, at 8:00 P.M., The Mystery Hour returns for this special Route 66 edition. Hosted by Jeff Houghton, this Emmy Award-winning late-night talk show promises sketch comedy, music, and interviews filled with surprises at every turn, living up to its “The Mystery Hour” title.
3. Pet Sounds Live: Taking place on July 10, 2026, at 8:00 P.M., this event offers more than just a concert. Celebrating Brian Wilson’s renowned album “Pet Sounds,” considered a rock ‘n’ roll classic, the immersive experience presents live performances of songs from the album and other Beach Boys hits, intertwined with historical facts and video production for a night filled with good vibrations.
To reserve tickets for these FREE events, guests can contact the Gillioz Box Office via phone (417-863-9491) or in person during office hours. Fans must redeem reserved tickets at least 15 minutes before showtime, with e-tickets being the sole form of reservation. Upon arrival at the event, commemorative tickets will be issued to all attendees.
Participants in any of the Gillioz Route 66 Centennial Events are entitled to a free Gillioz History Tour. Interested individuals can secure their spot by calling 417-863-9491.
These events pay homage to nearly one hundred years of cultural heritage, harking back to the theatrical roots established by the Gillioz Theatre when it debuted in 1926.
Back in the spring of 1926, the announcement of Route 66 took place right across the street from the current location of the Gillioz Theatre. In those early days, cars were still evolving and not optimized for long-distance travel, leading to the emergence of theaters along the route to cater to the growing number of travelers. M.E. Gillioz, determined to be part of this scene, secured a prime spot for his theater just a block away from Route 66. On October 11, 1926, the Gillioz Theatre opened its doors, solidifying its connection to Route 66 right from the start.
From its inception, the Gillioz Theatre has been known as a “transition house,” showcasing a variety of live performances, vaudeville acts, silent films, and more. The programming ranged from cartoons to comedians, dancers to singers, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience for visitors.
As the Gillioz Theatre continues to honor its legacy and the spirit of Route 66, patrons are invited to immerse themselves in a series of events that capture the essence of entertainment along this historic road.