There’s big news at the big auditorium at North Scott High School, Eldridge, as a big cast and crew have come together to break out their new production of the big, boisterous musical “Disney’s Newsies.” The Countryside Community Theatre performances – by a predominantly young cast of 33, led by director and choreographer Ashley Becher – will be this weekend and next, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. “Newsies” was done in early 2019 at Circa ’21 and just this past May by Double Threat Studios, and is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader... Read More

When your dreams disappear, sometimes you’ve got to create your own. That seems to be the inspiring, organizing principle behind Mockingbird on Main, a planned theater/cabaret space taking shape at 320 Main St., Davenport. “New Beginnings” – a tantalizing teaser online cabaret – was released this past weekend to give us a glimpse behind that dream, led by Quad-Cities actor Tristan Tapscott and his girlfriend, Savannah Bay Strandin. Fittingly, they close out the wonderfully entertaining 76-minte video by singing “A Million Dreams” (from “The Greatest Showman”) and sharing scenes... Read More

In a dark, uncertain time, Circa ’21 offers light and unadulterated joy in its latest online entertainment, the fun bluegrass musical “Big Rock Candy Mountain.” Fans of the film “O Brother Where Art Thou” and the Circa ’21 favorite “Southern Crossroads” should love this original musical – written and directed by Tristan Tapscott — that features such classic hits as “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “Keep on the Sunny Side of Life” and many more. In the story set in 1932, a merry band of misfits sneaks into a theater hoping to stay out of... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is thrilled to be working with the talented Bobby and Ashley Becher and their company “Rising Stars” to announce all new Winter classes.  All classes will take place at Circa ’21 or it’s secondary theater, The Speakeasy. “We are thrilled to be working with Ashley and Bobby again” said Denny Hitchcock Circa ’21’s owner/producer.  “They have done a wonderful job with their classes over the last year and we get such positive feedback from all the students who have taking the classes and their parents.  I encourage you to consider this for you child! ... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, has only been open for two months since March 14, yet it has creatively, persistently found alternate ways to offer local entertainment for people like me who are desperate for it. Far from a luxury or a frill that can be easily excised, arts and culture have proven to be a vital lifeline during the devastating Covid-19 pandemic. As I’ve said before, the arts – at any time – help define who we are; they tell the story of us through a staggeringly diverse number of forms and genres. They lift us up, comfort us, inspire us, express what we may not... Read More

Imagine rehearsing for a musical you won’t get to perform for another year. That’s what the 10 members of the cast of “Winter Wonderland” did last week for Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, at their scene shop, even days after the venerable Rock Island venue announced it would close for the rest of November and December to comply with Illinois’ indoor dining ban, which took effect Nov. 4. “It was so very strange,” actress Savannah Bay Strandin said Monday of rehearsing through Nov. 6, including recording a video of the show for Circa to have for late 2021 when they reunite. “It was... Read More