08 Dec 2025

I’ve Got 99 Problems, but a Grinch Ain’t One!: “Who's Holiday,” at the Circa '21 Speakeasy through December 19

By Mischa Hooker and Kitty Israel

M: It was an unmitigated pleasure to watch Sydney Richardson portray this part. She exuded the perfect mix of Midwestern charm and knowing experience to make it really come to life.

Kitty: Oh, absolutely. This show’s brisk run time of just over an hour could easily feel much longer if the script slipped into a singsong lull. But Richardson handles the verse like a pro.

08 Dec 2025

Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boon: “Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella,” at the Spotlight Theatre through December 14

By Pamela Briggs

The Spotlight Theatre’s current offering is the 2013 Cinderella, which has all the memorable songs and just the right amount of appealing humor. And I thoroughly enjoyed Friday’s opening-night performance, with director Sarah Greim, music director Christine Rogers, and choreographer Michelle Kabel wrangling a large, talented cast with terrific voices, and the show's crew contributing to the magic.

01 Dec 2025

Retirement Gnome: “Santa Claus: The Musical,” at the Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse through December 21

By Madeline Dudziak

Harry and Marv. The Grinch. Mr. Potter. Hans Gruber. All of the other reindeer. There is no shortage of Christmas villains, and most are memorable. Yet after seeing Friday’s performance of Santa Claus: The Musical at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, I’m ready to add the name Henchy to the list.

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.

08 Dec 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.

24 Nov 2025

Set Fire to the Reign: “The Lion in Winter,” at the Black Box Theatre through December 6

By Pamela Briggs

The Lion in Winter is considered a classic, and its current area production, directed by Noah Hill for Moline′s Black Box Theatre, is an enthralling, often hilarious feast, with the fine cast of seven doing full justice to the clever script.

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.

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.

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.

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