I didn’t know much and didn’t really know what to expect going into Circa ’21’s latest show, the political comedy, “The Outsider.” The cast looked good, with Brad Hauskins, Bobby Becher, and a few others I enjoy. And director Dennis Hitchcock has helmed some great shows in the past. But I was unfamiliar with the script or the show. To be honest, the first few minutes didn’t do much to interest me. They were largely perfunctory plot points, where a charisma-free policy wonk, Ned (Hauskins), is reeling from a horrible public appearance after he’s unexpectedly... Read More

I laughed a lot during the wonderfully cast “Grumpy Old Men,” running through May 6 at Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, and I would bet you will too. Much like the movie it’s based upon, its charm is heavily dependent upon its cast. And much like the film starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon as the battlin’ oldsters duking it out over Ann Margret, Circa brings out the comedy heavy hitters with Brad Hauskins, Tom Walljasper and, particularly, Kim Vanderginst, in those three roles. That trio is likewise surrounded by a terrific comedic ensemble (most... Read More

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Circa ‘21’s own Brad Hauskins leads a talented cast of musicians and vocalists in this tribute to rock ‘n’ roll hall-of-famer NEIL DIAMOND! Hear all your favorite Diamond classics including “Cherry Cherry,” “Cracklin’ Rose,” “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Sweet Caroline” and many more! ​ Ticket price is $58.55 per person which includes dinner, show and tax. Doors open at 5:45, Dinner 6-7 p.m. and Show at 7:15 pm. Call the Circa ’21 ticket office at 309-786-7733, ext. 2 to reserve your seats!  Read More

Circa ’21’s signature event, MUSIC ON THE MARQUEE returns this June! In celebration of our 45th Anniversary, we return to this unique and popular concert experience atop our iconic marquee! Bring a lawn chair and join the Circa ’21 Bootleggers, the cast of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and a few special guests as they entertain you in this special live concert, held on the street in Downtown Rock Island. Hosted by veterans Brad Hauskins and Tristan Tapscott, this event will celebrate our history and feature a wide range of fabulous music. Chef Tony will be outside grilling, and drinks... Read More

Exploding with vibrant costuming and swirling with clever choreography, Circa ‘21’s enchanting “Seussical” is an absolutely wonderful show for the whole family. Full of energy and charged with a talented and exuberant cast, it nicely captures the spirit and buoyancy of Dr. Seuss’ work and briskly unspools a smart tale germane to today while avoiding a heavy hand. “Seussical” revolves around a little girl, JoJo (Ellerie Hurley), who lives a rather banal but generally pleasant life with her straight arrow parents in a grey town. However, JoJo dreams of bigger things, and wishes for... Read More

For the theatre’s holiday 2021 production in its spectacular 44th season of live entertainment,  Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is treating family audiences to a special holiday gift: the yuletide musical revue WINTER WONDERLAND. This charmingly festive stage delight will charm audiences with its magical blend of laughs, sentiment and beloved songs from the past, and it’s being brought to life by a marvelous team of professional talents. WINTER WONDERAND will be presented at Circa ’21 through December 29, with performances on Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays evenings at 7:45 p.m.,... Read More

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

The economy is in shambles. The world is a mess. Young people feel as if they have little to no hope to achieve the American dream they’ve been promised. And so, for many young people struggling with this realization, escapism is paramount to balancing out their lives and getting them through. Sound familiar? It should, because it certainly describes the world today, particularly for the millenial and Gen Z generations, and, as Circa ’21’s great and gritty musical adaptation of “Saturday Night Fever” displays, there’s a fine line between the blinding dazzle of... 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

A Covid-inspired success from 2020 will return on Tuesday, Aug. 10, as Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse will be back on its marquee for an outdoor show, at 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island. You can join the Circa ’21 Bootleggers, the cast of “Saturday Night Fever” and a few special guests as they entertain patrons in a live concert from atop the iconic marquee. Hosted by Circa veterans Brad Hauskins and Tristan Tapscott, the concert will celebrate Circa ’21, its history and feature tunes from the ‘70s disco era and beyond. It will also include a special 2022 announcement you won’t want to miss. Circa’s... Read More