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Quad Cities USA - Guide to Davenport & Bettendorf Iowa and Rock Island & Moline Illinois
 

REVIEW: Spotlight Theatre Soars in Spectacular Production of “Sound of Music”

December 5th, 2021
REVIEW: Spotlight Theatre Soars in Spectacular Production of “Sound of Music”

“The Sound of Music” may seem like an overdone, ancient warhorse – with its 1938 Austrian setting and ruthless, invading Nazis – but classics are classics for a reason. Live theater presents the chance for actors to interpret iconic roles in their own way, putting their own spin on them, letting us see the familiar stories with fresh eyes, and absorb the messages and emotions in ways the original creators and performers could not have anticipated. The intolerance and hate speech reflected by the Third Reich in “Sound of Music” (which premiered in 1959) take on whole new meanings in... Read More

REVIEW: Energetic, Old-Fashioned “Holiday Inn” at Music Guild a True Gift to be Treasured

December 2nd, 2021
REVIEW: Energetic, Old-Fashioned “Holiday Inn” at Music Guild a True Gift to be Treasured

If you close your eyes during the terrific, open-hearted, snarky musical “Holiday Inn,” now at Music Guild in Moline, there is virtually no way to tell that the incredibly talented, dedicated volunteer performers are singing with cloth masks on. (Precise diction helps and those must be powerful body mics, thank God.) As we approach our third year of the interminable Covid pandemic, the Prospect Park theater is continuing to abide by the strict Illinois regulations that require everyone above age 2 to wear face masks while in indoor public places. That makes theater-going more safe and secure... Read More

Indian Cafe Is A Hidden Gem In East Moline, Doc Says

November 29th, 2021
Indian Cafe Is A Hidden Gem In East Moline, Doc Says

Over the last year I’ve learned a few tricks when going out to eat. Let me share the best one. City workers and garbage men know the best spots. Pulling into the parking lot of the World Market located just off the Avenue of the Cities in East Moline, if you venture inside you’ll find a little spot called Indian Cafe. On the day I went it was Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. The beginning of a new year and a celebration of new beginnings for many that follow the Hindu faith. So, I did what any red blooded American country boy would do. I ordered a cheeseburger. Okay that... Read More

REVIEW: Circa ’21’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ Is A Sweet Holiday Treat

November 18th, 2021
REVIEW: Circa '21's 'Winter Wonderland' Is A Sweet Holiday Treat

Circa ’21’s “Winter Wonderland” gave me everything I would want in a holiday special — it was lighthearted, cute, funny and full of snowflake fluffy holiday cheer. It’s what you want in a Christmas special, and I wholeheartedly recommend it as a perfect family gift for the holiday season. Expertly produced, director/choreographer Sean McCall, musical director Ron May, scenic designer Susan Holgersson, costume designer Greg Hiatt and lighting designer Heather Hauskins have created a winter wonderland of their own on the stage, a beautiful and cozy setting for... Read More

Playcrafters Offers Tremendous Heart and Talent in Zany “You Can’t Take It With You”

November 17th, 2021
Playcrafters Offers Tremendous Heart and Talent in Zany “You Can’t Take It With You”

There’s a heartfelt, inspiring story both on the Playcrafters stage and off in the wacky, wonderful “You Can’t Take It With You,” a classic American comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Due to factors beyond the control of director Vicki Deusinger and the great 18-member cast (I think the most I’ve seen in any one show at the Barn Theatre in Moline), the madcap production will be presented just one weekend — Thursday, Nov. 18th through Sunday, Nov. 21st. It should not be missed, for several reasons. Winner of the 1937 Pulitzer for drama, and adapted by Frank Capra for... Read More

REVIEW: Haus of Ruckus’ ‘Jacques Alope’ Is A Hilariously Bizarre And Inventive Romp

November 10th, 2021
REVIEW: Haus of Ruckus' 'Jacques Alope' Is A Hilariously Bizarre And Inventive Romp

I’ve always loved absurdist comedies. From the sketch comedies I’ve written and produced to stuff I watch over-and-over like “I Think You Should Leave” and “Mr. Show,” I’ve always gravitated towards humor that seems to continually come from the far reaches of the galaxy of the mind to offer unexpected laughs, and sometimes just complete and utter tangents into the bizarre. It’s no surprise then, that I loved “Jacques Alope,” the new show from Haus of Ruckus, playing at 7:34 p.m. (with doors open at 6:59 p.m.) Thursday through Saturday... Read More

REVIEW: Fun, Fantastic ‘Rocky Horror’ Is A Must-See At Rock Island Speakeasy

October 22nd, 2021
REVIEW: Fun, Fantastic 'Rocky Horror' Is A Must-See At Rock Island Speakeasy

The Rock Island Speakeasy’s latest incarnation of “Rocky Horror” to slink out of the lascivious basement of ill repute is an absolute must-see, a tongue in cheek, tongues in cheeks, ribald riot. Driven in particular by the wonderfully smarmy performance of narrator Doug “Dougie” Kutzli, the powerful and sexy belt of Kira Rangel as Janet, and the marvelously campy Anthony Hendricks as Frank N Furter, it’s an absolute blast, one of the most fun and funny “Rocky’s” I’ve ever seen — and I’ve seen quite a few. I’ve probably... Read More

Michael’s Game (Review: Halloween Kills)

October 20th, 2021
Michael’s Game (Review: Halloween Kills)

He was close. He thought he was ready, but at the last moment, he stepped away. Wait — let me back up and I’ll explain. To set the stage, last weekend I knew my upcoming review would be Halloween Kills, the latest entry in the extremely venerable franchise. The film picks up moments after the end of the 2018 Halloween, and as I had a little free time, rewatching Halloween felt like a good move. As my son Liam has gotten older, he’s been developing his own tastes when it comes to film. He has directors he likes* and films he’s been curious about.** The only genre he hasn’t leapt into is... Read More

REVIEW: Poignant, Boisterous, Fantastic “Company” is Great Company at Moline’s Black Box

October 11th, 2021
REVIEW: Poignant, Boisterous, Fantastic “Company” is Great Company at Moline’s Black Box

The Davenport church for which I play piano had a brief dedication of lovingly handmade quilts Sunday morning that really hit home. The wonderful, open-hearted pastor (Clark Olson-Smith) said these colorful quilts – to be donated around the world – are each so much more than just a piece of material, but are an expression of love. “There is no way for us to imagine the power and effect an act of love can have on a person’s life — how you can use something as small as a quilt to radiate your love from us to the world. May these be used in your service and become blessings for all those... Read More

The Bond Craigslist (Review: No Time to Die)

October 5th, 2021
The Bond Craigslist (Review: No Time to Die)

I once read that a person’s preferred 007 can be determined by when their father showed them their first Bond movie. This is not a concept that’s supported by any kind of rigorous scientific method, and I know that because of my own experiences. My father was a product of World War II and the Cold War. The exploits of a gentleman spy were right up his alley, and to the best of my knowledge, he never missed a Bond movie either theatrically or on television.* He loved Bond, and Roger Moore was his Bond. My first full Bond experience was us trooping to the theater to see A View to a Kill.** Dad... Read More