11 Nov 2021

A Tragedy That Hits the (Damned) Spot: “Macbeth,” at Augustana College through November 14

By Madeline Dudziak

Make no mistake: Augustana College’s Macbeth doesn’t even try to skirt around the fact that it’s a tragedy. In fact, director Jennifer Popple’s production begins with a funeral. It’s an artistic funeral, certainly, in that it’s set to modern-dance movements (care of movement director Shelley Cooper), but this Scottish play is well prepared to heighten reality while remaining heartfelt in the midst of tragedy.

11 Oct 2021

Hue-dunit: “Clue: On Stage,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through October 17

By Madeline Dudziak

I love playing board games. I also love a good night at the theatre, which made Saturday night’s production of Clue: On Stage the perfect combination to bring a smile to my face. Luckily, director Dana Skiles’ Richmond Hill Barn Theatre production lived up to my expectations and provided the anticipated zany and farcical evening.

04 Oct 2021

Water, Water, Everywhere, Nor Any Drop You Should Drink: “An Enemy of the People,” at the Mockingbird on Main through October 9

By Madeline Dudziak

It was a fast-paced, immersive night of theatre on Saturday during the Mockingbird on Main’s production of An Enemy of the People.

23 Aug 2021

It's Not Easy Fleeing Green: “Murder in Green Meadows,” at the Black Box Theatre through August 28

By Madeline Dudziak

Spending Friday night at the Black Box Theatre was like joining a master class in manipulation with the venue's latest production Murder in Green Meadows. While I wish director Jacqueline Isaacson had been slightly less specific about the number of gunshots in the production during her pre-show announcement, as it became a bit of a spoiler as the night progressed, the evening overall was enjoyable.

16 Aug 2021

Clause for Concern: “The Whistleblower’s Dilemma,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through August 22

By Madeline Dudziak

Any time you have the chance to catch a brand-new script in performance, it’s bound to be interesting. Local playwright Jim Sederquist kicked us back to 2013 with his new dramedy The Whistleblower’s Dilemma, and, under the direction of Mike Turczynski, Saturday’s presentation at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre definitely lived up to “interesting.”

02 Aug 2021

One Strike, One Ball: Countryside Community Theatre’s “Newsies: The Musical,” at North Scott High School through August 8

By Madeline Dudziak

While Friday’s opening night for Countryside Community Theatre’s production of Newsies: The Musical didn’t completely change my mind about the plot points (why is “Santa Fe” now the opening number?!), director/choreographer Ashley Mills Becher’s version packed big punches of fun and personality that made the night undeniably exciting.

19 Jul 2021

Caught in a Bad Romance: Genesis Guild’s “Hippolytus” at Lincoln Park through July 25

By Madeline Dudziak

This past weekend, in all its masked glory, Genesius Guild’s Hippolytus featured gorgeous face coverings designed by Daitlyn Duffy and fitted by Bob Hanske, and these were certainly not your typical COVID-era face masks, either; they were works of art that amazingly kept mouths uncovered. When paired with Sara Wegner’s absolutely beautiful costumes, I was swept up in the story before anyone said a single word.

19 Jul 2021

Family Dis-chord: August Wilson's “The Piano Lesson,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through July 25

By Madeline Dudziak

Family history can often be synonymous with family drama. And anyone who has ever argued over ownership of a family heirloom with their sibling will probably appreciate the Playcrafters Barn Theatre's current production.

12 Jul 2021

How Swede It Is: Quad City Music Guild’s “Mamma Mia!”, at the Prospect Park Auditorium through July 18

By Madeline Dudziak

Once Mamma Mia!'s overture started and the curtains opened – my my – it was nothing short of theatre magic.

05 Jul 2021

Bard and Noble: Genesius Guild’s “Shakespeare’s Life in his Works,” at Lincoln Park through July 11

By Madeline Dudziak

Many questions were raised this last Fourth-of-July weekend, such as: Do you prefer hot dogs or hamburgers? Which summertime dessert should you bring to the barbeque? Most importantly: How much do you really know about Shakespeare? While the first two questions are a mere matter of opinion, Genesius Guild looks forward to helping you better answer that third question with the company's latest production Shakespeare’s Life in His Works.

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