The outstanding “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” at Playcrafters shows us the essence of excellent live theater. Just two actors – with lots of costume changes, a varied musical soundtrack and dance styles – responsible for drawing and holding our attention for an entire story of two very different, colorful, strong-willed characters. With Playcrafters veterans Stephanie Naab and Adam Cerny playing (respectively) Lily, an aging but formidable retiree, and Michael, an acerbic and blunt dance instructor, we’re in the best possible hands. And with the meticulous, energetic dances choreographed... Read More

When I heard that the prolific, amazing Alex Richardson was updating the 1882 Henrik Ibsen play “An Enemy of the People” to a tighter, slimmer, modern version – addressing science, disease, truth, corruption, adultery and journalism – I briefly wondered if there would be a spin on one of Donald Trump’s endlessly repeated lies, the press as the real enemy of the people. That phrase is surprisingly not uttered in the utterly absorbing, thought-provoking “Enemy of the People” at the new Mockingbird on Main in downtown Davenport, but Richardson has made the taut drama (with good doses... Read More

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a trend-setter, and it’s kind of amazing considering the risks taken. Consider the lead of Iron Man was a troubled actor with a notable drug problem. Consider that the vast majority of people had no earthly idea who Iron Man even was. Consider that the idea of an interconnected multi-film franchise was looked at as, to be charitable, raging insanity. The irony is that, despite the huge chances taken by the MCU, Marvel Comics originally followed numerous trends instead of inspiring them. The creation of the Fantastic Four was a response to DC Comics’ creation... Read More

“Disenchanted” is the name of an upcoming 2022 Disney+ live-action/animated musical fantasy film, a sequel to the 2007 “Enchanted,” with Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel reprising their roles. But that title was taken years before, first in a 2009 New York workshop (in its own way a sequel), as Dennis T. Giacino wrote the snarky book, lyrics and music to “Disenchanted!” – which pops a good-natured (and often bitingly accurate) pin in the inflated, unrealistic images of 10 Disney princesses. The fun-filled, energetic musical revue is given its winningly... Read More

Kinetic is the word that comes to mind when speaking with Chef Laken. It’s a Wednesday night and I am sitting down to share a meal and a conversation with another incredible Chef. The restaurant, The Kitchen Brigade, 210 E. River Drive, Davenport. The food, Wings and Cakes (Double fried chicken wings, sticky honey chow chow with Alabama white sauce and lattice corn cakes) and Chicken & Grits (Pan seared thigh, green chile grits, chorizo cream, cilantro salad, with roasted tomatoes) Quite possibly the best grits I’ve ever had. These Chef made meals by the QC and maybe world famous... Read More

I did something terrible last night. Once my wife finds out, I don’t know what happens to my marriage. I’m sorry Mimi’s Tres Leches Cakes, people need to know. There you were though. Sitting behind that glass door. You were looking like more than a snack, maybe not the whole cake just a piece. My God, it’s been so long since I’ve had a piece though. I know I’m a sick man, and you’re nothing but trouble for me. That look you gave me though, those dinner table eyes I had to have you. Those sitting in the parking lot, in a dark area with some Careless Whisper... Read More

In 1888 Vincent Van Gogh painted quite possibly my favorite work of art. Cafe De Terrace. It was part one in a series of three. Fast forward to 2021, and Chef Keys from Cooks and Cuffs has cooked for me her Cafe De Keys. This New York born and raised Chef found her way here, to our bustling little metropolitan area, looking to start a new life with her husband. What’s she brought with her is a style of cooking all her own. To call what Chef Keys does in the kitchen is cook, is an insult. If Pavarotti hummed a diddy next to you, would you call it humming or listening to a musical master?... Read More

There’s a foreboding line early in the excellent “Murder in Green Meadows” (which concludes its run Saturday at the Black Box Theatre) – “Everything is perfect. What could be wrong?” Well, as we’ll soon learn, quite a lot. The new production at the Black Box Theatre, 1623 5th Ave., Moline, features a quartet of the Quad-Cities’ most talented, experienced actors in a tense, psychological thriller, and it’s helmed by an enthusiastic, dedicated student director. Even before a line is uttered, the upscale, sophisticated living room set is impressive to behold. I’d love to live there... Read More

Twenty-four years ago I stood at the entrance of Bent River Brewing Company , with my old man’s ID in my hand. My thumb covering the photo. I wasn’t wise to the world, that world including bartenders being able to tell I wasn’t a 72 year old man. But, this week I made my triumphant return to sit down, enjoy a flight of some incredible brews and even better some amazing food. BRBC has been host to folks not only from around the country, but around the world in search of the signature beers brewed in house such as Undercurrent IPA, Mississippi Blonde, Jingle Java and my personal favorite, Uncommon... Read More

To know Tacobar is to know Chef Toby. To know Chef Toby is to know the deranged, angry, passionate, frustrated, loving man. Who refuses to give up, give in, or go “mainstream.” He pushes the boundaries of what most Chef’s will do, then he breaks those boundaries, and smashes through the walls of your expectations like a drunken Kool-Aid man high fiving everyone in the room screaming “Ohhhh Yeah” while pelvic thrusting inappropriately to 90s alt rock. Our dinner tonight felt like a celebration of not only us, but a celebration of knowing and befriending Toby almost one year... Read More