Barely There Theatre invites audiences to step into a world of possibility with “What Might Have Been,” a trio of brand-new one-act plays making their world premiere in the Quad Cities.

Written by prolific local playwright Alexander Richardson, these stories explore the roads not taken: the choices, chances, and curiosities that shape our lives. The plays are:

• “Narrator Needed” (Directed by Sydney Richardson)
  Miss Jo Doe has everything: a steady job, a family, even a cat that tolerates her. But something’s gone wrong. She doesn’t know it yet, but the narrator of her life has quit. Each night, a new voice from the audience will step in, giving her life meaning once more.
  Featuring Elane Edwards, Adrienne Evans, and Jo Vasquez.
• “Coin Toss” (Directed by Noel Huntley)
  Kelsey and Margaret are barely holding it together, and their friend’s relationship isn’t faring much better. When the three collide one ill‑fated evening, cracks widen, loyalties shift, and truths blur. Two versions of the story exist—equally convincing, equally impossible to ignore. Which one unfolds depends on chance: a single coin flipped by an audience member decides the truth you’ll see.
  Featuring Emmalee Hilburn, Celeaciya Olvera, Esteban Lopez, and Elizabeth Melville.
• “Yellow for Home” (Directed by Kara Taghon)
  Sara’s shop has a customer unlike any other. Every morning, before the doors even open, she’s already there, waiting with a smile. Day after day, her routine becomes the sweetest mystery of all. Is it love? Habit? Or something else entirely? This heart‑warming tale reveals how the stories we share can transform everyday moments into something magical.
  Featuring Kassidy Holdridge, Ivy Browne, Jaina Gliva, and Elissa Dynes.

Alexander Richardson and his wife Sydney at Black Box Theatre, Moline. (Photo by Jonathan Turner).

The creative team behind the scenes of the new one-acts is comprised of playwright and producer Alexander Richardson, directors Sydney Richardson, Noel Huntley, and Kara Taghon, choreographer Taghon, stage manager and assistant director Kori Ralston, assistant stage manager and assistant director Dale Huntley, lighting designer Luke Vermeire, intimacy director Adrienne Evans, and executive producer Traci Davis.

Performances will be at Black Box Theatre, 1623 5th Ave., Moline, at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, 30, 31, Feb. 5, 6, and 7, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The plays total about 90 minutes with no intermission, and contain strong language.

Barely There Theatre continues its commitment to accessibility with a “Pay What It’s Worth” ticket model. Admission is free at the door, and audience members contribute at the end of the evening—based on what they believe the performance deserved. Seating is limited, and advanced reservations are strongly encouraged through Ticket Source.

For details and reservations, visit Barely There Theatre on Facebook (@BarelyThereTheatreQC) and Instagram (@barelytheretheatre).

Jo Vasquez (left) and Adrienne Evans rehearse “Narrator Needed” (directed by Sydney Richardson) at Black Box Theatre.

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Jonathan Turner

Jonathan Turner -- who has called the Quad Cities home since 1995 -- has decades of experience as a professional journalist and pianist. His experience writing for daily newspapers, public radio and local TV encompasses a wide range of subjects, including the arts, politics, education, economic development, historic preservation, business, and tourism.

Jonathan most loves writing about music and the arts (which he now does as a freelancer for the River Cities Reader and Visit Quad Cities). He has a passion for accompanying musicals, singers, choirs and instrumentalists, including playing for QC Music Guild's 2023 productions of RENT and SWEENEY TODD. He is assistant music director and accompanist for the spring 2025 Music Guild show, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. He wrote an original musical based on The Book of Job, which premiered at Playcrafters in 2010. Jonathan penned a 175-page history book about downtown Davenport, that was published by The History Press in 2016, and a travel guide about the QC published by Reedy Press in 2022.