The latest sketch comedy show in the Quad-Cities, “The Lunchbox: Live,” opens up its bag of goodies this weekend, offering short hits of comedic takes on various subjects from superheroes to politics to vaping – although perhaps all three could be included in one sketch if you see Hillary in a cape dipping to vape. You never know. You’ll have to show up to find out! “The Lunchbox: Live,” was created by local actor and comedian Anthony Natarelli. Natarelli has been a regular on The District Theatre and Speakeasy stages. He was last seen there as the transgender rocker, Hedwig, in “Hedwig... Read More

When I was first asked to take on the job writing about the local comedy scene for Quadcities.com I knew immediately what my first article would have to be about. I wanted to look back at where I personally got my start in comedy but because nearly every opportunity to do comedy in the Quad Cities stems from one organization’s timeline in our hometown; ComedySportz Quad Cities. If you’re reading this but have no idea who or what ComedySportz is, I will tell you what you are in for if you attend a show. The style of comedy performed is improv comedy. Meaning everything you see and hear... Read More

It’s not often I say a performer steals a show in an ensemble piece, but I feel confident in saying that Tom Walljasper definitely steals the show in “Shear Madness.” Walljasper is so flamboyant and over-the-top funny, grabbing every scene he’s in with some brazen move or line, that it’s impossible to ignore him, not that you’d want to. “Shear” is a very funny, entertaining show. It was on the night I saw it. On the night you see it, it might be even funnier. I say that because it changes from night to night. Not just in the nuances, but in the big strokes. “Shear” is a malleable... Read More

There’s a lot happening at Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Theater over the next few months! The venerable institution is bringing in a huge array of shows, showcases and concerts for a variety of audiences. Here’s the rundown: Mainstage Shows: SHEAR MADNESS – Through April 30: Audiences are loving this absolutely hilarious comedy which is the longest running comedy in U.S. history. SISTER ACT (Quad City Premiere) May 4 – July 2: The hit 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg comes to the Circa ’21 stage. MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL – July 6 – August 27: A musical celebration... Read More

Circa ’21 is hoping to cut up audiences in their latest show, “Shear Madness.” The dinner playhouse is presenting the local debut of the longest running comedy in U.S. history. Running through April 30, this slapstick whodunit has played for over 30 consecutive years in Boston and nearly as long at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Arts, and Rock Island’s beloved dinner theatre is proud to host both the show and its cast of sterling professional talents. “Shear” will be performed at Circa ’21 on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays evenings at 7:45 p.m., Sundays at... Read More

There’s something fun, relaxed, goofy and familiar about the Quad Cities Lip Sync battles that’s utterly charming, which is why, if you haven’t done so already, you really should check one of them out. This weekend, the regular gigs at the Rock Island Speakeasy turn their spotlight on songs from Disney, so if you’re a fan of the house of the mouse and its signature showtunes, you can get on board Saturday night. But if not, make sure you make time at some point in the future to include these unique events on your planner. I checked out the last Lip Sync event the first week in February... Read More

Ever wanted to be on stage? Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is holding auditions for the area premiere of “Junie B. Jones, The Musical,” an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s hugely popular, best-selling children’s books brought to life in a genuinely comical and “not strictly-for-kids” musical. Auditions will be held Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at the theatre, 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island. “Junie” is the third different show produced at the Rock Island theatre, based on Barbara Park’s children’s books. Helming the spring children’s musical is director Kim Furness, popular... Read More

Don’t be sad this St. Patrick’s Day, don’t be sullen, don’t be disappointed you can’t find a good time and some great Irish music, because the Don’t Be Brothers are ready to turn those don’t’s into do’s. The Don’t Be Brothers, an Irish American Folksingers and Merrymakers Band, roll into Circa on Tuesday, March 15.  Tickets are $50.16 per person.  The doors open at 5:45, buffet (with Irish themed options) from 6-7:00 and the concert beginning at 7:15. The Don’t Bes are a couple of old Irish pub singers — Larry Kernagis and Larry Diemer — and three of their musically... Read More

The Show Us Your Pokeballs crew is going back, and forth, in time for their latest show, an homage to everyone’s favorite Gallifreyan time lord, Dr. Who. “I’m really excited for this one, it’s not just Dr. Who, there are lot of geek culture references, but fans of Dr. Who will especially love it,” said writer, director and actor Josh Kahn. “These shows are always so much fun. They’re geek humor done by geeks for geeks, and I say that with all love possible. There are jokes for all different kinds of fandoms in here, and if you are passionate about anything related to geek culture,... Read More

We’re barely a month into the local theater season, but already the bar has been set pretty high for best show of the year with “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” The rock musical, produced masterfully by Tristan Tapscott (best known for his work as impresario of District Theater) and brilliantly acted by titular star Anthony Jade Natarelli, is a bravura production, doing the award-winning source material proud and presenting a show of rare entertainment and exquisite humanity. For those who haven’t seen it or heard of it, “Hedwig,” which is making its area stage debut at Rock Island’s... Read More