One of America’s most popular children’s-book and comic-strip characters is set to come to life in a brand-new way, as the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse stages the area premiere of the family comedy BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL. Running through May 13, this charming, hilarious treat based on writer/illustrator Lincoln Peirce’s beloved creation is filled with songs and spirit, and boasts a sensational cast of professional talents. Circa ’21 will present BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL on scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings and afternoons through May 13. Morning performances,... Read More

Are you ready to find out firsthand if pimpin’ is or ain’t easy? Well, you can get some idea this weekend as the Speakeasy in downtown Rock Island is pleased to announce the return of Pimprov, one of the most popular adult improv shows in Chicago on April 8. The doors open at 7:00 and show a 8:00. Tickets for the show are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets may be reserved through the Circa ’21 ticket office located at 1828 3rd Avenue, Rock Island or by calling 309-786-7733, Extension 2 or online at www.thecirca21speakeasy.com. You’ve seen the flashy suits and jewelry so bright... Read More

Circa ‘21’s “The Music Man” is a triumphant success. It’s a magnificent show, brilliant on so many levels, and is easily the best show I’ve seen in 2017… so far. Now, anyone who has followed me over the years knows that I’m not especially a fan of some of the “classic” musicals. They tend to be anachronistic and ridiculous in parts and borderline offensive in others if you actually look beyond the catchy tunes and pay attention to what’s going on. “The Music Man” is a notable exception to this. It’s got its racist and sexist elements that are certainly of its time, and... Read More

Now into it’s third week at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in downtown Rock Island, THE MUSIC MAN is charming audiences and critics alike!  “We’ve had wonderful response to the show” said Brett Hitchcock – Director of Audience Development. Local critics have also enjoyed this delightful musical with such comments as “Music Man was Terrific” River Cities Reader; “The Music Man is a thrilling ride on board a veritable American (and Iowan) classic” Dispatch/Argus; and “Circa ‘21’s The Music Man is a triumphant success” quadcities.com. The... Read More

Those familiar with the iconic stage and screen show, THE MUSIC MAN, may remember that the very first song performed in the show is titled “Rock Island.” It’s consequently fitting that this Tony-winning classic can be found in Illinois’ actual Rock Island when THE MUSIC MAN runs at the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse now through May 13.  An endearing musical romance that has charmed generations of fans, this timeless hit boasts numerous songs that have become cherished favorites, and is being brought to life by a spectacular cast of returning talents and Circa ’21 newcomers. THE... Read More

If you loved the movie, you’ll love the show. That’s the question everyone is asking, right? Kinda figured. Heartfelt performances, excellent staging and great humor bring Circa’s “Ghost: The Musical” to life, and both fans of the film and non-fans are really going to enjoy it. I’m not exactly a big fan of the movie and I certainly recommend it. It was canny programming for Circa ’21 to grab “Ghost: The Musical.” It’s got everything Circa audiences would want in a show – heart, humor, romance, compelling music and a nostalgic hook. Based upon the mega-popular film, “Ghost:... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse,  1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, is holding auditions for adults and children for its next show, the classic “The Music Man.” The deets: CHILDREN’S AUDITIONS FOR THE MUSIC MAN When: Saturday, January 28 10:00 AM Sunday, January 29 10:00 AM ADULT AUDITIONS FOR THE MUSIC MAN When: Saturday, January 28 12:00 PM Sunday, January 29 12:00 PM Where: Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island. Rehearsals start March 2 and the show runs until May 13, 2017. Those auditioning should bring a resume, non-returnable photo, Dress comfortably. Be prepared to dance and... Read More

For its first production of 2017, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in downtown Rock Island is proud to present the Midwest Premiere of the Tony-nominated Broadway hit GHOST: THE MUSICAL, the stage version of 1990’s Oscar-winning smash.  Bringing to life all of the excitement, chills, and romance of the beloved movie, but with the addition of a sparkling musical score by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, GHOST: THE MUSICAL runs through March 11 and is sure to be one of the biggest crowd-pleasers in the theatre’s 40th-anniversary season. GHOST: THE MUSICAL will be performed at Circa ’21... Read More

Looking to Cher the music of one of your favorite performers? On the first Friday of each month since 2012, The Speakeasy in downtown Rock Island has presented the hottest drag show in the area – VIVA LA DIVAS to sold out houses.  This professional show features some of the best performers from across the Midwest has become a favorite of many Quad City residents. This month the theatre is offering a special Saturday evening show on January 14th featuring guest star and renowned “Cher” impersonator Miss Candi Stratton.  Stratton is a former Miss All American Goddess (National... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is thrilled to be hosting a special concert attraction on New Year’s Eve featuring the music of legends such as Roy Orbison, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins among others! GOOD ROCKIN’ LIVE: A Salute To Sun Records pays tribute to the birth of rock and roll and the music legends that Sun Records helped propel to stardom.  In 1952, Sun Records opened up shop in a small storefront in Memphis, TN, setting off a chain of events that would change the course of musical history. In a few short years, this... Read More