24 Aug 2026

Fin and Bear It: “The Mermaids,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through August 30

By Mike Schulz

I can only imagine how honored Andy Bro would be to see his name attached to annual presentations of world premieres – shows boasting the exceptional talent, on- and off-stage, continually lured to his theatre in the woods. That being said, and having nothing but admiration and gratitude for Timber Lake's series, I think The Mermaids may have broken my brain.

24 Aug 2026

A Theoretical Physicist and a Painter Walk into a Bar …: “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through August 30

By Pamela Briggs

Self-referential meta-theatre ploys wage stealth attacks on the audience like mosquitoes. By the time you notice the tiny, piercing strike, it’s gone.

24 Aug 2026

Attention Must Be Paid: The Mockingbird at Black Hawk's “Death of a Salesman,” at Black Hawk College through August 29

By Alexander Richardson

There are some scripts that can be like pulling teeth when not done right. Thankfully, no orthodontist is needed for director Tristan Tapscott's powerful production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.

13 Jul 2026

A Lion, a Witch, and Their Wardrobe: “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through September 5

By Kitty Hooker

Nostalgia has a funny way of raising the stakes. A mediocre presentation wouldn’t just be disappointing; it would feel like someone had replaced my ruby slippers with muddy boots and then trounced all over my childhood memories. Thankfully, director Tony Parise’s production bursts to life with color, imagination, and obvious affection for the material.

10 Aug 2026

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, Kitty (née Israel) Hooker, Mischa Hooker, 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.

10 Aug 2026

Spellbound: Quad City Music Guild's “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through August 16

By Kitty Hooker

Yes, there is a competition with eliminations and a winner to be determined. But the real fun comes from watching these kids interact. The show is carried by character moments, and this cast delivers plenty of them.

10 Aug 2026

Raven Ravin': “Murder by Poe,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through August 16

By Pamela Briggs

Director Pam Cantrell, her cast, and her crew served this entertaining concoction (yes, there are funny bits) with seven of Poe’s stories as ingredients.

10 Aug 2026

Should I Stay or Should I Snow?: “Disney's Frozen,” at the Spotlight Theatre through August 16

By Madeline Dudziak

Right from the top, the Spotlight Theatre becomes immersive with the citizens of Arendelle positioned throughout the house. Music Director Randin Letendre keeps the sound pure and exactly what audiences expect with some lovely harmonies.

10 Aug 2026

Texas Hold ’Em: “Hands on a Hardbody,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through August 16

By Mischa and Kitty Hooker

Kitty: Before the show started, Tommy Ranieri, the Timber Lake Playhouse's artistic director, asked the audience for a show of hands: Who had seen Hands on a Hardbody on stage before?

Mischa: And no one had. He was clearly making the point that this show is not so well known to the general public. And really, the premise seems a little dubious for a stage musical.

10 Aug 2026

Kids Spell the Darnedest Things: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through August 16

By Mike Schulz

Under the music direction of Rachel Young (who also conducts and plays keys in the superb five-person orchestra), and with the performers' individual vocal prowess unmistakable, the Showboat's acting ensemble sounds tremendous – easily matching, and occasionally bettering, the vocals of the Broadway cast.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Theatre Calendars

Submit your event listings to calendar@rcreader.com