Just uphill from a friendly little pond at Prospect Park in Moline, IL, lies an auditorium which is home to the Quad City Music Guild. As I arrived on the scene, I duly noted that the crowd gathering was a bit more distinguished and the staff was both friendly and professional. I made my way to my seat readied my writing utensils for what may come. Having known nothing of the play, I was unusually eager. “Children of Eden” is a play written originally played on stage at a religious high school. In ACT I, it tells both the stories of Adam and Eve and then Cain and Abel. In Act II, the story... Read More

A new production of “Children of Eden” is coming to life at Quad City Music Guild this weekend. Based on the story of Genesis, the age-old conflict of parents and children takes the stage in this epic, heartfelt Stephen Schwartz musical which is family oriented and kid friendly. Critics have called it a joyous, foot-stomping and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith… not to mention centuries of unresolved family business! An expansive and ambitious musical, Adam, Eve, Noah and the “Father” who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective... Read More

With the warming weather comes the season of romance and with it, Genesius Guild and their amazing performance of the 400 year old romantic comedy, William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” under the stars in Rock Island’s Lincoln Park. Their outside theatre is both charming and comfortable. I attended their performance on July 23 and it was one of the greatest experiences of local culture I have ever had since moving to the Quad-Cities 23 years ago. Romance is a thing some humans not only obsess over, but some say we have a requirement to partake in. Love is the one true... Read More

If you’re thinking about going to see Circa ‘21’s “Menopause: The Musical,” or if you’ve already bought tickets to it, you’re definitely going to enjoy it. “Menopause” knows its audience, very well, and has done an excellent job at satisfying that audience. On the opening weekend night I saw the show, the crowd was pretty much filled with middle-aged and above women, with a few middle-aged men as well, and they loved it. I mean LOVED it. They laughed uproariously, they hooted and hollered at some of the jokes and jibes and at the end of the night they quickly rose to give it a... Read More

When that change arrives, you can get unusual hot flashes, fiery mood swings and unusual ideas and cravings. And by “that change,” of course I’m talking about a theater changing shows from one to the next. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is going to be transitioning into that more mature era as they closed down “Sister Act” last weekend and this weekend welcome the return of “Menopause: The Musical,” running through Aug. 27. The show will be performed at Circa ’21 on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays evenings at 7:45 p.m., Sundays at 5:45 p.m., and Wednesday matinées at 1:30 p.m.... Read More

Have you ever wondered if Countryside Community Theater was ever going to produce the off-Broadway show featuring such hits as “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Lollipop?” Well, Wonderette no more. All dumb puns aside, Countryside will be debuting “The Marvelous Wonderettes” July 8-9 and 15-16 at 7PM and July 10 & 17 at 2PM at The Village Theatre in the Village of East Davenport. The smash off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. As we learn about their... Read More

Circa ’21 is getting ready to celebrate its 40th  birthday next June, but the Rock Island dinner theater has already announced its 40th anniversary season beginning in November. It’s an action-packed lineup boasting six marvelous musicals – among them a Tony-nominated musical based on an Oscar-winning movie, and two of the most beloved Broadway titles in the history of American theatre. The season begins with the return of a delightful holiday revue last produced in 2009 — Circa ’21’s “Holly Jolly Christmas” (rated G), running Nov. 9 through Dec. 29. Featuring more... Read More

Tristan Tapscott has always welcomed new creative ventures into his life, and with last week’s closing of District Theater after nine seasons, the former artistic director of that venue is sentimental about the past and proud of his accomplishments at that bastion while looking forward to the future. Recently, Tapscott sat down to talk about the District Theater, his performing and producing career, upcoming paths and more. Q: What was it like when you closed the theater? A: It was a very surreal moment for me. I spent the last nine years sacrificing everything for that place. I can’t yet... Read More

Antoinette Holman has always been a star, she just needed a vehicle to show it, and I can’t think of a better way for her to debut than as the lead of Circa’s new “Sister Act.” With its combination of sass, singing and humor, Holman is perfect for the part, and it’s her brilliant talent that’s the biggest factor in leading the show to such a triumph. It’s not just Holman that highlights the show. It’s a terrific production in many ways I’ll get into shortly. But when you’ve got to cast a character that is in almost every scene, in a musical in which she sings the majority of... Read More

District Theater’s “Behanding in Spokane” is an absolute joy to experience, a dark, wonderful array of literary and theatrical twists and turns that’s exhilarating and fun. I very highly recommend it. Martin McDonagh is one of the most original voices in theater to emerge over the last 15 years. The closest comparison overall is Quentin Tarantino, in that McDonagh has a brilliant talent for dark, often violently dark, comedy and breaking barriers in regard to aggressive language in a way that’s both primal and intellectual. McDonagh’s closest comparison  stage-wise is David Mamet,... Read More