15 Apr 2024

Fairytales from the Crypt: “The Secret in the Wings,” at St. Ambrose University through April 21

By Pamela Briggs

I've visited this little theatre, and knew it was in the mainstage's large green room, but o, my brothers and sisters – I'd never seen it like it is now.

15 Apr 2024

Little Orphan Anya: “Anastasia,” at the Spotlight Theatre through April 21

By Madeline Dudziak

Director Aaron Baker-Loo created a memorable musical production – though, admittedly, I found the whole saga more depressing than I remembered. Luckily for the Spotlight, their presentation is also an enchanting spectacle that is more than enough to keep even the youngest viewer interested.

15 Apr 2024

The Cremains of the Day: “Exit Laughing,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through April 21

By Pamela Briggs

2013's Exit Laughing is at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, and it is a damn good time. Director Mike Skiles and his cohorts have built an entertaining, satisfying production on the foundation of a solid script.

25 Mar 2024

Middle School Confidential: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical,” at the Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse through May 18

By Madeline Dudziak

Just a few performances in and I think it’s safe to say that the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse has a hit on its hands.

11 Mar 2024

Hot Dishing: “Church Basement Ladies,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through April 27

By Pamela Briggs

As faithful theatre-goers have proved their devotion to Church Basement Ladies (and its many offspring) since 2007, the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse has resurrected it for the third time. At Thursday's preview night, I saw everything they had made, and behold – it was very good. Yea, those lutefisk-loving Lutherans on the lowest level of the Lord's House have returned.

16 Apr 2024

River Cities' Reader Theatre Reviews: July 2000 to the Present

By Administrator

Reviews by Rochelle Arnold, Jeff Ashcraft, Patricia Baugh-Riechers, Audra Beals, Pamela Briggs, Dee Canfield, Madeline Dudziak, Kim Eastland, Emily Heninger, Heather Herkelman, Paula Jolly, Victoria Navarro, Roger Pavey Jr., Alexander Richardson, Mark Ruebling, Mike Schulz, Joy Thompson, Oz Torres, Brent Tubbs, Jill Pearson Walsh, and Thom White.

08 Apr 2024

Come Heels or High Water: Quad City Music Guild's “Kinky Boots,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through April 14

By Pamela Briggs

Kelsey Walljasper directed this slick, joyous production, with Mitch Carter as music director, and with a lovely balance of comedy and heart, it's inspiring, not too serious, and looks and sounds fabulous.

18 Mar 2024

By the Numbers: “Paint Night,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through March 24

By Alexander Richardson

The premise is simple enough. A group of five women are getting together to celebrate a bride-to-be. Their activity of choice is a paint night, where they'll all be guided through the created replication of a particular painting. Along the way, they’ll drink, gossip, and expel their deepest, darkest secrets. This isn't to imply that things here aren’t funny – they frequently are. It’s just that Paint Night's comedy feels more like light seasoning in a rather heavy stew. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

18 Mar 2024

Sing … Sing, Sweet Charlotte: “Jane Eyre,” at the Black Box Theatre through March 29

By Pamela Briggs

Plucky, abused orphans. English-language literature is full of 'em: Dickens' lads Oliver Twist and David Copperfield; Canada's Anne Shirley; America's optimistic Annie; prehistoric Europe's Ayl; contemporary Britain's Harry Potter. One 177-year-old orphan still going strong is Jane Eyre.

26 Feb 2024

Meh-na Mahna: Haus of Ruckus' “Spaceworms,” at St. Ambrose University through March 3

By Alexander Richardson

Spaceworms, now playing at the St. Ambrose University Studio Theatre, is Haus of Ruckus’s latest foray into exotic locales, obscure pop culture references, and puppetry. Directed by T. Green, the Haus’s newest is a delight for those obsessed with sci-fi pop culture and unfamiliar with the oeuvre of the company.

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