Circa ‘21’s “Million Dollar Quartet” is a million dollar show. It’s expertly presented, from the set to the costumes to the casting to the sound, capturing a fascinating and colorful moment in time in the history of rock ‘n’ roll and doing so with such great energy and reverence that it earned a well-deserved standing ovation at its opening show. “Million Dollar” is inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time on Dec. 4, 1956. On that date,... Read More

Playcrafters Barn Theater is unwinding a devious “Deathtrap” this weekend, rolling out the classic thriller September 9,10,11 & 16,17,18 at its 4950 35th Ave., Moline venue. Directed by Patti Flaherty, and starring Jason Platt, Adam Cerny, Nancy Teelink and Pamela Briggs, “Deathtrap” involves Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, who is struggling to overcome a dry spell which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. His luck changes when he receives a script from a student – a thriller with the potential to be a Broadway hit. Sidney and... Read More

Auditions for the annual holiday spectacle of “The Nutcracker” are being held Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sept. 13 at Ballet Quad Cities Studios, 613 17th Street, Rock Island. Ages 8-13 (or BQC Level 4 and 5; younger ages by invitation only) are Saturday, Sept. 10. Registration is at 10 a.m., 10:30-11:30 audition. Ages 14-18 (or BQC level 6 and 7) will audition Tuesday, Sept. 13, with a 5 p.m. registration, 5:30-7:00 audition. Before auditioning make sure to read all of the information below: Ballet Quad Cities’ “The Nutcracker” is a professional production. Casting is determined by costume... Read More

Friday, August 26, I was invited by a couple of old high school girlfriends to the Circa 21 theatre in the District of Rock Island, IL to see the musical, “Menopause.” I was very excited to see this since I am coming of age, so to speak. And especially since I was to be seeing it with two girls I have known for 30 years. This would promise to be a life-changing performance for myself and every other woman in attendance. Before I go any further, let me say that this theatre is the most beautiful building I have ever had the pleasure of viewing in our Quad-Cities. The grand state of the... Read More

The Quad City Theatre Workshop is home to some of the most amazing local actors I have come across and a wonderful theater area and experience and that amazing experience is embodied in their latest show, “The Inheritors.” From the cozy seating area that places you practically within the set, to the people involved, one finds themselves completely submerged in their world. There is real feeling in every player. I felt every character in this play because their connection with their parts were so intense. I was humbled by this amazing performance. I was captivated and stunned by the impact of... Read More

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

For the first production in its fifth season of stage entertainment, the QC Theatre Workshop will turn back the clock for its dramatic presentation Inheritors, running August 19 through September 4. Written by Davenport native Susan Glaspell, whose Alison’s House won the 1931 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Inheritors’ original New York Times review called it a work that “stands firm and skillfully distinguishes the false from the true social values,” and Glaspell’s 1921 play proves just as relevant in 2016 as it must have been nearly a century ago. Inheritors will be presented... Read More

The summer is passing quickly and the Genesius guild finishes their summer schedule with “the Birds” by Aristophanes. This play was written 2430 years ago in Athens. In this play, two protagonists are fed up with the media-driven ways of human life and society. They tire of politics. They grow weary of the rules and struggles for power. They desire a whole entire new life. As as result of this want, the two men decide that they are finished with the ground and shall forever live among the birds. Ironically, they introduce these very human behaviors and beliefs to the sky. The play has... Read More

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