The economy is in shambles. The world is a mess. Young people feel as if they have little to no hope to achieve the American dream they’ve been promised. And so, for many young people struggling with this realization, escapism is paramount to balancing out their lives and getting them through. Sound familiar? It should, because it certainly describes the world today, particularly for the millenial and Gen Z generations, and, as Circa ’21’s great and gritty musical adaptation of “Saturday Night Fever” displays, there’s a fine line between the blinding dazzle of... Read More

The stage musical “Saturday Night Fever” has a serious split personality. Adapted from the Oscar-nominated 1977 movie smash that catapulted the Bee Gees to international fame and made a household name of star John Travolta, the jukebox musical that makes its stunning area premiere at Circa ’21 wants to be a carefree disco dance party. But behind the sparkly glitter, multi-colored lights and comfortably familiar hits lies a dark, depressing story – full of anguish, conflict and dashed dreams. In a way, it’s the opposite vibe of “Mamma Mia!” (another show built on 1970s favorites, by... Read More

After an unanticipated, unwanted and uncontrollable delay of nearly 16 months, a disco-era sensation is finally stepping out at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, in the long-awaited debut of “Saturday Night Fever,” a 1998 musical that Broadway World called “a fast and fun night of musical theater” that’s “brimming with so many ‘wow’ moments.” This exhilarating musical was adapted from the Oscar-nominated 1977 movie smash that catapulted the Bee Gees to international fame and made a household name of star John Travolta, and will be presented at the beloved Rock Island venue by a cast... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, is seeking online submissions for upcoming shows. First, the theater is looking for two dancer/singer/actors for its summer production of “Saturday Night Fever.” Production dates, including rehearsal, are July 1 – Sept. 11, 2021. Online submissions are being accepted until May 15 to fill the following roles: Cesar/Ensemble: Male; Plays 19. Latinx. A Spanish dancer at the Odyssey 2001 Night Club; excellent dancer, with strong partnering skills and lift experience, who sings well and plays various ensemble characters. Maria/Ensemble: Plays... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, is seeking online submissions to fill open roles for their long-awaited summer production of “Saturday Night Fever.” The highly anticipated musical was in dress rehearsals when the theater at 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, had to shut down March 16, 2020, because of Covid-19. The musical has been rescheduled for summer 2021. Production dates, including rehearsal, for the stage adaptation of the hit 1977 John Travolta movie musical, are July 1 – Sept. 11, 2021. The directorial team for this musical featuring the hits of the Bee Gees are director/choreographer... Read More

I’ll drink to that – after nearly six months being shuttered, the mainstage at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse will again spring to life on Sept. 9, with the opening of the sprightly, saucy Southern comedy, “Savannah Sipping Society.” “What a thrill it is to be able to welcome our guests back to the theatre, for the first time since March 14,” owner/producer Denny Hitchcock said this week. “During the five months we’ve been closed, many of our guests have contacted us to be sure we are OK and will be able to open again. It’s been very heartwarming, and we are all so thankful... Read More

Circa ’21 is ready to get back to entertaining you, and the theater’s 44th season is filled with the laughs, the music, and the family moments we’ve all missed so much this crazy year! In 2021, the Circa ’21 will offer six amazing mainstage shows — four have never been on the Circa ’21 stage, one is being revived from their 19th season, and one the theater’s been trying to produce since the shutdown in March! Plus, there will be three delightful children’s shows and numerous concerts, including the Bootlegger Show in August 2021! There is something... Read More

Even though it’s been closed nearly three months, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse got a pretty great 43rd birthday present Thursday, June 11. Within a day of announcing it, the theater sold out all tables (totaling about 140 people) for its unique “Music on the Marquee” cabaret on Sunday, June 21. “The public is hungry to see activity in the arts,” Ron May, music director of Circa’s not-yet-produced “Saturday Night Fever,” said Thursday – which also happens to be the 43rd anniversary of his marriage to wife Cindy. Ironically, they wed (at Davenport’s Trinity Cathedral) the same... Read More

Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Theater has been hit hard by the covid-19 closures, but is looking forward to opening and is working diligently to make sure that when they do open, they’ll be providing the best and safest environment for their customers. To that direction, owner Denny Hitchcock released a letter to patrons of the venerable entertainment spot today. The missive addressed a number of questions and concerns of patrons. The letter read as follows: Dear Circa ’21 Valued Guests, I hope this email continues to find you safe & healthy. Although we still do not have... Read More

Are you ready for some live theater… online? Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Theater will be hosting a virtual cabaret on their Facebook page this Sunday night at 7 p.m. The cabaret will feature performances from a variety of Circa favorites, the bootleggers, cast members of “Saturday Night Fever,” and more! Check it out here, and mark your calendars!  Read More