17 Nov 2025

Holmes for the Holidays: “A Sherlock Carol,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through November 23

By Mischa and Kitty Hooker

Mischa: I thought it was a fun mash-up of these two classic fictional worlds, and appreciated the cleverness with which they were combined.

Kitty: Maybe I’m a Scrooge, but I kept thinking, “Okay, so it’s A Christmas Carol starring Sherlock Holmes. But … why?”

17 Nov 2025

Parydice: “Eurydice,” at St. Ambrose University through November 23

By Alexander Richardson

Directed by Daniel Hale and beautifully written by Sarah Ruhl, Eurydice is now playing in the studio theatre at St. Ambrose University. and this production offers a theatrical treat to warm your heart.

17 Nov 2025

The Parents Trapp: Quad City Music Guild's “The Sound of Music,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through November 23

By Madeline Dudziak

A handful of transitions land a little differently on stage, which can take a moment to adjust to if the classic film is your primary Sound of Music reference point. Luckily, if you’re willing to be a little flexible, director David Blakely’s production is most enjoyable overall.

10 Nov 2025

Holiday Chestnut: “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through December 28

By Madeline Dudziak

It’s a long-running joke at our house that I get Irving Berlin’s Christmas-y shows confused, as both feature his music and plots about saving a small-town lodging facility from financial dire straits. So to be clear: The Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse is not currently staging Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn, but rather Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, directed and choreographed by Ashley Becher. And if you’re in the mood for a little holiday fun, you will not be disappointed.

17 Nov 2025

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.

15 Nov 2025

Manor of Death: “The Mousetrap,” at Augustana College through November 16

By Pamela Briggs

I was immediately drawn into the little world of this slightly run-down manor owned by Giles and Mollie Ralston. Both are on edge about the launch, and with no staff, the guest services and upkeep of the entire place is on their shoulders. They don't know that matters are about to get much worse.

27 Oct 2025

Wife After Death: “Blithe Spirit,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through November 2

By Mischa and Kitty Hooker

Mischa: The first thing we should note is that this production was forced by last-minute illness to shuffle some roles around mere days ahead of opening night, so the show could go on.

Kitty: Because of the last-minute casting adjustment, both actresses (understandably) had scripts in hand. But they were very natural in their deliveries and clearly familiar enough with the lines to be at least partly off-book, which is impressive.

20 Oct 2025

PilgrImage: “The Thanksgiving Play,” at the Black Box Theatre through November 1

By Madeline Dudziak

The Black Box Theatre's The Thanksgiving Play isn’t really about Thanksgiving at all. It's not a story of stuffed birds, mashed potatoes, and raucous family dinners. Instead, it focuses on the people who are trying to make sense of how to tell the first-Thanksgiving story, and in doing so, revealing just how tangled and hilarious the process of “getting it right” can be.

06 Oct 2025

Pardon Me, Boy – Is This the Transylvania Sensation?: “Young Frankenstein,” at the Spotlight Theatre through October 12

By Pamela Briggs

Talented folks at the Spotlight Theatre, led by director Aaron Baker-Loo and music director Laura Hammes, are giving Young Franknstein's seasonally apropos, demanding script an electrifyingly exuberant treatment.

06 Oct 2025

Dressed to Kill: “The Woman In Black,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through October 12

By Alexander Richardson

As I drove through the waning dusk of a scorching hot fall evening, I wondered what was in store with the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre’s production of The Woman in Black, directed and designed by Dana Skiles. Turns out, a frighteningly good time. With a wealth of talent on stage and off, this production is not one to miss for fans of horror or damn good theatre.

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