If you want to trek to a land of hilarious, oddball fun, hit the trails to “Nocturne Falls” tomorrow night at the Establishment Theater. The show is one of Comedy Sportz’ regular after-hours studio series gigs, a slate of shorter performances with an R-rated slant that hit different distinct audiences, but have one thing in common – they’re all unique, hilarious and improvisational fun. “Nocturne” is part “Twin Peaks,” part Mayberry, part Weekly World News. It’s set in the town of the same name, and the show involves a group of its residents, each chatting, in monologues and... 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

The Show Us Your Pokeballs crew is going back, and forth, in time for their latest show, an homage to everyone’s favorite Gallifreyan time lord, Dr. Who. “I’m really excited for this one, it’s not just Dr. Who, there are lot of geek culture references, but fans of Dr. Who will especially love it,” said writer, director and actor Josh Kahn. “These shows are always so much fun. They’re geek humor done by geeks for geeks, and I say that with all love possible. There are jokes for all different kinds of fandoms in here, and if you are passionate about anything related to geek culture,... Read More

Three Quad Cities-area Toastmasters clubs are hosting an open house to give people an opportunity to learn more about how the organization can help hone communication and leadership skills. Quad Cities Advanced Toastmasters, Quad Cities Executive Toastmasters, and Moline Toastmasters are co-sponsoring the event, which starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at Newcomb Presbyterian Church in Davenport. The event will feature all the components of a typical Toastmasters meeting, including 5-7 minute speeches, evaluations, and exercises in extemporaneous speaking, known in most Toastmasters clubs as... Read More

On Saturday, March 5, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., the Family Museum will host “The Kids’ Table: A Grown-Up Helping,” an exclusive, one-night fundraising event for grown-ups featuring gourmet twists on classic kid food composed and prepared by local chefs and businesses. This event will offer guests a chance to take a trip down memory lane through food, games, and entertainment. The purpose of the event is to raise money for the Family Museum Foundation and to remind guests of a time when play was a priority and that sitting at The Kids’ Table wasn’t so bad after all. Tickets are $50 each and... 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

At this year’s Super Bowl parties, one of the hottest food items is going to be a “souper bowl.” “What’s really hot this year is multiple soups, with people bringing different soups, one person brings a lobster bisque, another brings a chicken noodle, and so on, and the host provides the bowls and the extras,” said Chef Bradley Scott, Director of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program at Scott Community College. “That’s one of the most popular trends I’m seeing this year.” At any Super Bowl party, regardless of which team on TV hoists the championship trophy, the real winners... Read More

It’s midnight somewhere on a Wednesday night in a near-empty downtown Rock Island bar and Billy Peiffer is celebrating the induction of Lynn Allen into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having a beer and attempting to talk Spanish to the bartender. “Was that right, was that even close?” he says, as she shrugs and nods. He laughs heartily. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep tryin’, I’ll get it right eventually!” That attitude of dogged perseverance and good humor has been the engine that’s driven the Quad-Cities band since its inception in 1982. The group – then consisting of Peiffer... 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