Who’s not afraid of seeing “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Well, anyone who fits into that category will want to know that District Theater in Rock Island is presenting the show April 1-16 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2 p.m. at District Theatre in the former Rock Island Argus Building, 1724 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201. Tickets are $20 and you can get them at the theater and at www.districttheatre.com. Directed by Tristan Layne Tapscott, “Woolf” is a “two-fisted thriller,” a tight blend of unforgettable characters and fast-paced comedy. The story centers... Read More

District Theater’s “Moon Over Buffalo” is a charming trifle, a comedy of errors and misunderstandings and ensuing hijinks made most entertaining by the goofy performances of its cast, particularly its leads. It’s infectious fun, a “Three’s Company” episode writ large, fluffy and ephemeral but a sweet escapism. Written by Ken Ludwig, “Moon” rises with the setting suns of two fading stars of stage, Charlotte (Nancy Sheesley Teerlinck) and George (Michael Kelly), who are attempting to keep up with the rising medium of film and failing miserably. Distressed and salty over being passed... Read More

Anyone who has been involved in a play knows that the story backstage is sometimes more compelling than the one being presented on. In the case of “Moon Over Buffalo,” the lines are blurred to hilarious effect. The District Theatre opens its 2016 season with Ken Ludwig’s popular backstage farce, and District owner and creative director Tristan Tapscott is chuffed with the choice. “This has been one of my favorites for years. I’m always obsessed with what happens behind the scenes and this is two hours of it!” Tapscott said. “It’s hysterical but also full of heart! We all... Read More

Bad dates. Horrible relationships. Awkward moments in online dating. We’ve all been through them, and known others who have as well. Now, Sean Leary and My Verona Productions is offering you the chance to laugh your way through others’ romantic miseries – and on the perfect day to shoot an arrow at Cupid, Valentine’s Day. “Shots 2 The Heart: Terrible Tales of Dating Disasters,” a new, original show, will debut Feb. 14 at Rock Island’s Establishment Theater, 201 19th St., Rock Island. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7. Tickets ($10 in advance, $12 at the door) are available... Read More

We’re barely a month into the local theater season, but already the bar has been set pretty high for best show of the year with “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” The rock musical, produced masterfully by Tristan Tapscott (best known for his work as impresario of District Theater) and brilliantly acted by titular star Anthony Jade Natarelli, is a bravura production, doing the award-winning source material proud and presenting a show of rare entertainment and exquisite humanity. For those who haven’t seen it or heard of it, “Hedwig,” which is making its area stage debut at Rock Island’s... Read More

Rick Davis has long been known as an improvisational master of many hats and voices, and in his latest one-man show, “ChaRICKatures,” he’ll get the chance to use as many of both as he can in a show that finds the veteran local comedian presenting a show that even Establishment owner Patrick Adamson says is “really performing without a net.” Davis will eschew the usual practice of improvisation with other partners and instead will partner up with the crowd, playing an interesting game of presenting a handful of celebrities he’ll be impersonating and then having the audience suggestions... Read More

From David Bowie to Boy George to Caitlin Jenner, gender blurring and androgyny has made for provocative entertainment and social commentary, and perhaps no production has been more bombastic or incisive in recent years than “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” which makes its area stage debut this weekend at Rock Island’s Speakeasy theater. The show, an unrepentantly over-the-top musical and dramatic extravaganza about a transgender singer that explores themes of love, freedom, gender identity and social politics, was critically acclaimed, showered by awards and a box office smash since its 1998... Read More