Circa ‘21’s “Shear Madness” is “sheerly” hilarious, a wild, raucous romp that lives up to its name. With a terrifically talented cast that exudes a goofy sense of fun every moment they’re onstage, it’s a must-see for anyone looking for a funny night out. As the longest-running non-musical theatrical production worldwide, the snappy show has been cutting up audiences for decades around the globe, including Circa, and for good reason, it’s a wonderful showcase for talented improvisational performers while retaining the outline of an entertaining premise that promises laughs. “Shear,”... Read More

Treating audiences to the stage version of a beloved movie musical, the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse’s latest presentation is the area debut of a Tony-nominated Broadway hit – HOLIDAY INN. Running through July 20, and boasting unforgettable songs by legendary composer Irving Berlin, this theatrical delight for all ages is being enacted by a wonderful cast of professional talents, many of them making return appearances at Circa ’21. Irving Berlin’s HOLIDAY INN will be staged at Circa ’21 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:45 p.m., Sundays at 5:45 p.m., and... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is pleased to welcome back the world renowned Beatles tribute band, THE RETURN, for one show on Thursday, June 20th.  Doors open at 6 and the show begins at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the show.  This is a show-only performances, however, the theatre will offer sandwich baskets and appetizers for purchase. Tickets may be reserved at the Circa ’21 ticket office located at 1828 3rd Ave. in Rock Island or by calling 309-786-7733, Ext. 2. THE RETURN got its start back in 1995 when four young friends got together to... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in downtown Rock Island is thrilled to welcome back The Rave Ons in THAT’LL BE THE DAY: A TRIBUTE TO BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETS on May 30.  Circa ’21 audiences might recognize the leader of the Rave Ons, Todd Meredith.  Todd played Buddy in our first production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in 2008. The theater will be offering two shows on May 30. For the matinee performance doors open at 11:45, lunch is served from 12-12:45 and show at 1 pm.  Tickets are $46.73 per person. For the evening performance, doors open at 6 and the show begins at... Read More

Circa ‘21’s “Grumpy Old Men” will make you anything but grumpy. It’s a hilarious, ribald, dirty romp, roughly based on the beloved movie of the same name and sporting the same qualities. Prudish types may blush and bluster, but the rest of us will find it quite amusing. “Grumpy” is set in the small northern town of Wabasha, Wisc., where ice fishing rules and a feud on-and-off-the-ice has been chilly for decades between cranky geezers John Gustafson (Luther Chakurian) and Max Goldman (Tom Walljasper). It started in high school, over a girl, and shows no signs of lightening up even... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is pleased to announce local auditions for their Spring children’s show JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK. Auditions will be held at the theater on 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30. Quad-City favorite Kimberly Kurtenbach is directing the show.  Kimberly has directed many children’s shows and has been seen on stages across the Quad Cities, as well with the Curtainbox Theatre Company in Davenport, which she founded. Kurtenbach is seeking seven adults, four male and four female actors 18 and older. Those auditioning will be asked to read from the... Read More

Anyone read that article sweeping the web about Terry Tilka? He’s celebrating his 30th year of busting his ass as the owner of the coolest bar in the Quad-Cities, one that’s outlived almost every other and fought its way through countless trends, several recessions and umpteen financial curves in the Quad-Cities. Terry started off young, when he was in college, owning bars around the area, and busted his ass most frequently as the owner of O’Meara’s (named after his Mom’s maiden name), before putting his money and his life on the table to buy a little spot called RIBCO when there was... Read More

The music of legendary singer/songwriter John Denver will fill Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse on March 21, as Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon return to the stage! Chris Collins looks and sounds just like the legendary singer/songwriter, and Circa ’21 is happy to welcome him back for the third time. “The audiences loved Chris each time he been here” said Brett Hitchcock director of audience development. “He looks like John, he sounds like John…it’s just amazing!” The Rock Island theater will offer a matinee and an evening performance on March 21. Doors... Read More

You won’t knock this wood — for its first family musical of the 2018-19 season, the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse brings a beloved fairytale figure and his many friends and foes to life in the family treat PINOCCHIO. Running through December 29, this enchanting tale of a wooden puppet who longs to be a real live boy will charm audiences of all ages with its wonderful score, hilarious antics, and memorable characters, and is being brought to life by a fantastic cast of professional talents. Circa ’21 will present show-only performances of PINOCCHIO on November 24 and... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in downtown Rock Island is thrilled to announce local auditions for their upcoming productions of ANNIE and NEWSIES on August 11, 18 and 19th.  Those auditioning must be available for all rehearsals and performances as scheduled and must prepare a verse and chorus or 16 bars of a Broadway song. Music from the show is acceptable. They should bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided.  Young performers should dress comfortably (please no costumes, wigs or makeup for Annie) and provide a non-returnable photo, as well as a brief résumé.... Read More