MOVIE PREMIERE: “THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA – THE DICK BIONDI STORY”

March 29 @ 5:00 pm -- Des Plaines theatre

The spotlight will shine brightly on legendary radio icon Dick Biondi as the historic Des Plaines Theatre rolls out the red carpet for the premiere of The Voice That Rocked America – The Dick Biondi Story, a powerful new documentary celebrating the man who helped define rock ’n’ roll radio in America. Biondi—famously the first DJ to play a Beatles record in the United States and a champion of countless music legends—is honored in this long-awaited film directed, filmed, and narrated by acclaimed Chicago filmmaker Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice, founder of Reel Stories Productions. The documentary recently captured the “Best of Fest” award at the Route 66 International Film Festival (November 2025) and will be released nationally via streaming and DVD in 2026. Entertainment industry powerhouse Ron Onesti, in partnership with the iconic Des Plaines Theatre, will host the Red Carpet Premiere on Sunday, March 29, at 5:00 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., inviting guests to walk the red carpet, pose for photos and enjoy a lively Meet & Greet with the cast, celebrity look-alikes, and fellow rock ’n’ roll fans. Food and beverages will be available, including a signature “Biondi Style ‘On Top of a Pizza,” featuring Ron Onesti’s famous meatball.

Onesti, who played a key role in the documentary’s production and fundraising, appears in the film and serves as a co-sponsor of the award-winning project. A mini-concert by The Stingrays will kick off the celebration at 5:00 p.m., followed by the premiere screening at 6:00 p.m., a filmmaker Q&A, and an auction featuring an autographed guitar. Black Tie Attire Encouraged — It’s a night of music, memories, and movie magic, so bring your premiere-night sparkle and rock ’n’ roll style!

From Filmmaker Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice: “Dick Biondi gave the 60’s generation a voice we desperately needed,” said Pulice. “At age 13, I felt alone until I heard Dick on my transistor radio. His sense of humor—and the music he played—truly saved me. To show my appreciation, I started the West Suburban Dick Biondi Fan Club in 1961 at my junior high school in Villa Park, Illinois. “I followed his many appearances throughout the Chicago area, and over time, Dick and I became friends. Dick generously allowed me to film him along with his legendary musician and media friends, and I am incredibly proud toshare this important piece of radio history with the world.”

In addition to Pulice’s personal story, the documentary features interviews with music and entertainment legends including Beach Boys co-founders Brian Wilson and Al Jardine; Paul Shaffer; Frankie Valli; Frankie Avalon; Bobby Rydell; Tony Orlando; comedian Tom Dreesen; Grammy-winning songwriter Jim Peterik; and Carl Giammarese and Dennis Tufano of The Buckinghams. The film also includes reflections from respected media voices Bob Sirott, Robert Feder, John Landecker and Scott Childers.

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