Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse first opened its doors (with the musical “I Do, I Do”) in June 1977, transforming the historic former Fort Armstrong Theatre (which dates from 1921) at 1828 3^rd Ave., Rock Island. So it will celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2027, and its next season begins with a holiday classic this fall.

The former Fort Armstrong movie house opened on January 19, 1921 at the height of the silent movie era. The six shows for the 50^th Circa ’21 season will be:

A Christmas Carol (G)
November 11 – December 29

“A Christmas Carol” — the Charles Dickens’ classic that has been captivating audiences for generations — has been given new life by Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Newsies) and Lynn Ahrens (Seussical, Ragtime). Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summarizes his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. This reimagined holiday classic is filled with fantastic music and sentimental holiday cheer!

Million Dollar Quartet (PG)
January 20 – March 13

This Tony Award-nominated musical takes you inside the legendary jam session that took place on December 4, 1956, when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis for an unforgettable night of music. This incredible true story brings to life the magic of that fateful evening, filled with broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and unforgettable celebrations, all wrapped in a mix of poignant and humorous moments. Relive the era with a score of smash-hits that blend gospel, R&B, country, and, of course, rock ‘n’ roll. Ideally suited for actor-musicians, “Million Dollar Quartet” features iconic hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more. This thrilling musical is an exhilarating celebration of the music that shaped a generation and the infamous night when four legends made history.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (PG)
March 17 – May 15

The groundbreaking musical that set the stage for all that followed — Rodgers & Hammerstein’s exuberant classic is a lively, tuneful musical full of cowboys, farmers, romance and fearless optimism. “Oklahoma!” launched a new era in the American musical. In 1943, it also began the most successful songwriting partnership in Broadway history. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.

Mamma Mia (PG-13)
May 19 – July 17

A Circa ’21 fan favorite returns next summer. Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make “Mamma Mia!” the ultimate feel-good show. ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show!

Annie (G)
July 21 – September 11

The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage as it also celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027. Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, “Annie” has become one of the world’s best-loved musicals and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.” With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations. She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Pretty Woman: The Musical (PG-13)
September 15 – November 6

Fall in love all over again with one of the most beloved romances of all time – the popular film starring Julia Roberts is now a hit musical, which premiered in 2018. “Pretty Woman: The Musical” features an original score by Grammy Award-winner Bryan Adams (“Summer of ’69,” “Everything I Do”) and his longtime songwriting partner Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton. Once upon a time in the late ’80s, unlikely soulmates Vivian and Edward overcame all odds to find each other… and themselves. Experience the moments you love from the movie – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages. “Pretty Woman” will lift your spirits and light up your heart.

In August of 1976, the theater (which opened originally with 1,566 seats) was purchased by Denny Hitchcock (who remains today as owner and producer) and after extensive remodeling, Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse opened in June 1977 as the newest Quad Cities’ professional theatre. The interior was remodeled into Las Vegas-styled seating and currently seats 334 on the main floor. In 1978, following the opening of Circa ‘21, the theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For tickets and more information, visit circa21.com.

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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.