A little over a dozen comedians competed in the Laugh Hard Challenge at Rock Island’s Speakeasy, but in the end, after three weekends of competition, the winner was Mike Lucas from Iowa City.  He takes home $1000 and will headline the stand up showcase on November 12 at the Speakeasy, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island. In addition to Lucas, the comedians who attempted the challenge that began Aug. 6 at the Speakeasy in Rock Island were Todd Willhite of Sherrard, Illinois; Mike Adrales of Davenport; Ty Wilson of Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada; Brandon Gale of Rock Island; David Terrell Green of Omaha,... Read More

If you’re thinking about going to see Circa ‘21’s “Menopause: The Musical,” or if you’ve already bought tickets to it, you’re definitely going to enjoy it. “Menopause” knows its audience, very well, and has done an excellent job at satisfying that audience. On the opening weekend night I saw the show, the crowd was pretty much filled with middle-aged and above women, with a few middle-aged men as well, and they loved it. I mean LOVED it. They laughed uproariously, they hooted and hollered at some of the jokes and jibes and at the end of the night they quickly rose to give it a... Read More

When that change arrives, you can get unusual hot flashes, fiery mood swings and unusual ideas and cravings. And by “that change,” of course I’m talking about a theater changing shows from one to the next. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is going to be transitioning into that more mature era as they closed down “Sister Act” last weekend and this weekend welcome the return of “Menopause: The Musical,” running through Aug. 27. The show will be performed at Circa ’21 on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays evenings at 7:45 p.m., Sundays at 5:45 p.m., and Wednesday matinées at 1:30 p.m.... Read More

One of America’s most popular children’s-book characters is ready to jump-start the summer in the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse presentation “Lyle The Crocodile,” opening this week and running through July 23 at the Rock Island dinner theatre. A delightful musical adapted from Bernard Waber’s kids’-lit series, this magical family entertainment is filled with laughter, songs, and happiness, and boasts a first-rate cast of professional talents. Circa ’21 will present “Lyle” on scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings and afternoons through July 23.... Read More

Circa ’21 is getting ready to celebrate its 40th  birthday next June, but the Rock Island dinner theater has already announced its 40th anniversary season beginning in November. It’s an action-packed lineup boasting six marvelous musicals – among them a Tony-nominated musical based on an Oscar-winning movie, and two of the most beloved Broadway titles in the history of American theatre. The season begins with the return of a delightful holiday revue last produced in 2009 — Circa ’21’s “Holly Jolly Christmas” (rated G), running Nov. 9 through Dec. 29. Featuring more... Read More

The Return are living up to their name, at least in the case of Circa ’21. The Beatles tribute act are RETURN-ing to the Rock Island dinner theater for a show Thursday, June 16. Doors are at 6, show is at 7. Tickets are $27.50 in advance and $35.00 at the door. It’s a show only gig, but the theatre will offer snacks and sandwich baskets for purchase as well as a full bar. Tickets may be reserved at the Circa ’21 ticket office located at 1828 3rd Avenue in Rock Island or by calling (309) 786-7733, ext. 2. The Return began its series of returns in 1995 when four young friends got together... Read More

Antoinette Holman has always been a star, she just needed a vehicle to show it, and I can’t think of a better way for her to debut than as the lead of Circa’s new “Sister Act.” With its combination of sass, singing and humor, Holman is perfect for the part, and it’s her brilliant talent that’s the biggest factor in leading the show to such a triumph. It’s not just Holman that highlights the show. It’s a terrific production in many ways I’ll get into shortly. But when you’ve got to cast a character that is in almost every scene, in a musical in which she sings the majority of... Read More

Is it Shop Small Business Week? I never pay attention. Because for me, and thousands of other Quad-Citians, every week is shop small business week. And honestly, that should always be the case. Local businesses aren’t just the economic and entrepreneurial life blood of an area, they offer you a world of new adventures you’re never going to find anywhere else. And if variety is the spice of life, the Quad-Cities offers you a pretty ample spice rack that’s full of delicious flavors for you to enjoy. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I see your eyes rolling, “ANOTHER damn patronizing editorial about... Read More

Heavenly humor and music is going to be shining down on the congregation of Circa ’21 Dinner Theater this summer as the Rock Island venue opens up its pearly gates to “Sister Act.” The Broadway musical-comedy smash hit opens May 6 and runs through July 2. Based on 1992’s wildly popular film comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg, and nominated for five 2011 Tony Awards including  Best Musical, this hilarious, endearing, and high-energy production will have you riding a wave of pure musical-comedy exhilaration, and is being brought to life by a magnificent cast of professional talents. “Sister... Read More

It may be hard out here for a pimp, as they say, but it’s much easier within the confines of the Rock Island Speakeasy for a pimproviser. The downtown venue at 1828 3rd Ave. is opening its doors once again to “Pimprov,” one of the most popular adult improv shows in Chicago on April 30. The doors open at 7 with the show at 8 p.m. Tickets for the show are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and may be reserved through the Circa ’21 ticket office, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, calling (309) 786-7733, ext. 2, or online at www.thecirca21speakeasy.com. “Pimprov” has been a hugely successful... Read More