I wanted to like the African-American drama “The Piano Lesson” at Playcrafters Barn Theatre much more than I did. It truly has all the ingredients to make something special, but Saturday night’s version appeared undercooked and not quite ready to serve as a fully satisfying meal. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson (1945-2005), who died of liver cancer at age 60, is part of the playwright’s epic “American Century Cycle” that documents the Black experience. Each of the 10 works reflects a different decade of the 20th century, and “The Piano Lesson” is set in 1936, as... Read More

No Sudden Move is streaming on HBO MAX I adore crime movies, though some flavors more than others. About half of Quentin Tarantino’s filmography focuses on crime, and Pulp Fiction alone birthed legions of imitators. For years, there were scores of films involving loquacious scumbags holding forth on pop culture and committing unexpected (but completely expected) acts of violence. Some of these movies were even good. Tarantino’s crime movies are like a cheeseburger ordered at the trendiest restaurant you can imagine, cooked by the biggest celebrity chef out there. You’ll enjoy that burger,... Read More

As I smash my face between these tasty juicy breasts, I realize why I love Double Ds. Sorry, that is a little vague. I realize why I love the Buffalo Chicken breast sandwich from the Double D Diner and why I order two at a time. With all of our differences between us cant we all agree that Double Ds is what this country needs to heal? Even my wife agrees with me though her lower back hurts, and she hasn’t really enjoyed them since she was in college. She does loves a good pair though. Sorry, Buffalo chicken breast sandwiches, got distracted again which is easy to do with Double Ds…Diner.... Read More

The stage musical “Saturday Night Fever” has a serious split personality. Adapted from the Oscar-nominated 1977 movie smash that catapulted the Bee Gees to international fame and made a household name of star John Travolta, the jukebox musical that makes its stunning area premiere at Circa ’21 wants to be a carefree disco dance party. But behind the sparkly glitter, multi-colored lights and comfortably familiar hits lies a dark, depressing story – full of anguish, conflict and dashed dreams. In a way, it’s the opposite vibe of “Mamma Mia!” (another show built on 1970s favorites, by... Read More

No fancy plates here just damn good pizza. It’s so freaking good. Why doesn’t it look like your average slice? Because it’s cauliflower crust. And I can assure you it’s packed full of flavor. I don’t understand it either. But that’s why it’s a company secret. The Quad City Pizza Company secret. Maybe it isn’t a secret, I don’t ask a lot of questions. What I do ask is for my kids to leave this alone and eat their regular human pizza. This is first time in a week I haven’t cried over my “healthy diabetic friendly” meal.... Read More

For three hours on a Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stevieseatz to chew the fat. (Pun intended). Across the nation there is a movement known in some circles as the “Ghost Kitchen.” A Ghost Kitchen, for those of you not in the know, is a professional kitchen with a time share where several businesses or chefs stir up their creativity and desperately try to fill your plates. Stephen Dearborn is one of these up and coming Ghost Chefs if you will, providing tasty dishes on a time share and sharing them with appreciative diners. The dream is lofty, the goal... Read More

Today’s breakfast was an impromptu stop at Meli’s Pancake House, 1320 5th Ave., Moline. I didn’t expect to find a classic diner when I went in, however I’m always up for surprises. This isn’t your usual Mom and Pop breakfast place, it’s something more. While the menu is full of the regular staple items, it offers a comfort in knowing anything you choose will be amazing and fit for your needs. Whether a giant stack of fluffier than life pancakes or a perfectly cooked steak and eggs, the staff is there to make sure you’re happy. The decor and feel gives tribute... Read More

QuadCities.com apologizes for the previous version of this review which had a few glitches in it due to a technical error in translating the text between systems. The error has been fixed and here is the review in its entirety. Thank you. Mississippi Bend has managed to go three-for-three this season with stellar productions of Red and Mary and Ethel: How I Learned to Sing preceding the incredible No Child…, which debuted this weekend. It’s hard to put into words what Jalyn Greene accomplishes in Mississippi Bend’s latest triumph, No Child… In the span of 65 minutes, Greene successfully... Read More

For someone like me, who hadn’t seen a big musical with a big cast – live and in person – in 18 months, getting back to Quad City Music Guild Thursday night for the last dress rehearsal of the new “Mamma Mia!” (after nabbing next to the last spot in the parking lot) was a terrific treat. My son Josh and I wore masks and sat in the back row – but every one of the 535 seats in the Prospect Park theater is great, because you’re at Music Guild, seeing immensely talented people pursuing their passion: putting on the best possible entertainment and faithfully reflecting some of the greatest... Read More

False Positive is streaming on Hulu In 2016, the World Health Organization estimated that around 830 women die on a daily basis due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. If you read that number and were floored by the lethal math on display, it’s probably because you’re a man. The fact of the matter is, the process of pregnancy has always been tied up with risk. Three hundred years ago, along with the distressingly normal dangers associated with birth, a pregnant woman had to contend with barbaric practices that barely met the definition of medical, as well as an insanely misogynistic... Read More