Artists in Conversation is a weekly column running Wednesdays on QuadCities.com. It features a conversation with a local creator or creators going into their artistic process, projects and more. Get to know your local arts scene and local creators better on QuadCities.com with Artists In Conversation! If you’re a local creator and would like to be featured, please email us at Sean@QuadCities.com or Tristan@QuadCities.com! Jack Bevans is making audiences laugh nightly in Countryside’s production of The Music Man! Who is this rising star? Let’s find out! Who is Jack Bevans? Hello, I’m Jack... Read More

Author’s Note: The reactions noted below should not be attributed to the cast and crew of CCT’s production of “The Music Man.” These reactions existed mostly in the form of online responses from people not associated with the show. By Lou Hare Recently, a review of Countryside Community Theatre’s recent production of “The Music Man,” written by Tristan Tapscott, circulated online. Unlike your typical review of most Community Theatre productions, the review was pointed and, well, critical. And a lot of people lost their shit. The responses online range from the typical disagreement... Read More

There’s a moment when Countryside’s The Music Man sparks and crackles to life and it’s courtesy of tiny Grace Shinn (played by the sweet Mary Murphy). She single handedly puts the show in her pocket and runs away with it three different times. It’s heart-warming, downright adorable and makes you so happy theatre is back LIVE and off the SCREEN! It makes you wish more of the show was about HER. Unfortunately, it’s not and unfortunately, we rarely get that high from the rest of this production of The Music Man. The Music Man is a treasure. It is a tried and true old school chestnut that... Read More

Artists in Conversation is a weekly column running Wednesdays on QuadCities.com. It features a conversation with a local creator or creators going into their artistic process, projects and more. Get to know your local arts scene and local creators better on QuadCities.com with Artists In Conversation! If you’re a local creator and would like to be featured, please email us at Sean@QuadCities.com or Tristan@QuadCities.com! This week our Artists in Conversation from QuadCities.com features Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt! Tommy is a veteran Quad City performer but he makes his community theatre directorial... Read More

Pleasant Valley theater alum Laura Schutter always wanted to be Broadway star Rebecca Luker. After all, they both had clear, shining soprano singing voices, unpretentious warmth and profound decency. Schutter realized her dream over 10 years ago, as she understudied for Luker as Mrs. Banks in her Tony-nominated role in the musical “Mary Poppins,” and is among legions of theater fans mourning Luker’s death Dec. 23 at 59 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. “She was always a professional, a loving and compassionate woman. Such a talent, such a voice,” Schutter... 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

Wilson Middle School is proud to raise the curtain on Music Man Jr March 2 and 3. The show will be presented in the school’s auditorium at 7:00 both nights. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Doors open at 6:30. Music Man Junior tells the tale of fast-talking salesman Harold Hill and features many of the same iconic songs from its parent show: The Music Man. Hill cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a youth band, despite the fact he knows nothing about music. Hill’s plans to quickly skip town are foiled when he falls for Marion, the town’s... 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