12 Feb 2024

The Night the Chicagoan Died: “Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story,” at the Black Box Theatre through February 24

By Madeline Dudziak

Let it be known: I’m not a true crime kind of gal. As such, the opening night of Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story at the Black Box Theatre was perhaps the most unsettling theatrical experience I’ve had in recent memory. I couldn’t quite get past the fact this was a true story. While it has certainly been dramatized – and as a musical, for Pete’s sake! – I found this somber tale quite disturbing.

22 Jan 2024

Claws for Alarm: Haus of Ruckus’ “Punk Rock Lobster,” at the Black Box Theatre through January 28

By Madeline Dudziak

It’s actually difficult to know where to begin. What started as a fairly straightforward tale about rescuing a crustacean from an upscale restaurant tank evolved into an existentialist crisis for almost every character as they collectively grappled with their current realities. While that sounds potentially deeper than you’re perhaps expecting, please note that Haus of Ruckus' Punk Rock Lobster is a comedy, and never takes itself too seriously.

13 Nov 2023

Sex, Lies, and Videotaping: “Unnecessary Farce,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through November 19

By Madeline Dudziak

At Friday’s performance, the laughs were riotous ones, and while this might not be intellectual humor, funny is funny.

23 Oct 2023

Quoth the Ravenous “Evermore”: “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”

By Madeline Dudziak

Move over, Gilligan: There’s a new three-hour tour that’s more popular than yours.

23 Oct 2023

Those Venerable Venables: “Suddenly Last Summer,” at the Black Box Theatre through October 28

By Madeline Dudziak

If you find yourself at odds with gloomy October weather, walking into Moline's Black Box Theatre and its production of Suddenly Last Summer will brighten your spirits, given that you can’t help but be immediately impressed by the onstage greenery.

18 Sep 2023

Poll Vault: “The Outsider,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through October 29

By Madeline Dudziak

It’s always interesting when a season is rounded out with a previously unfamiliar title, and in the case of the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's season-ender, it’s Paul Slade Smith’s politically themed The Outsider.

11 Aug 2023

A Soprano and Her Base: “Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum,” at the Black Box Theatre through August 13

By Madeline Dudziak

Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall of a difficult conversation? Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum gives you that delicious opportunity.

03 Aug 2023

Benedick Shunned: The Prenzie Players’ “Much Ado About Nothing,” at the Village Theatre through August 6

By Madeline Dudziak

Don’t even read what I’m writing here if you haven’t yet made a reservation to see Much Ado About Nothing. There are only four shows left, tickets are going fast, and you do not want to miss it. If this were a text message, I’d have added about a million more explanation points. I'm serious. Secure your seat before you keep reading, or it might be too late.

24 Jul 2023

The Marches of Time: “Little Women,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through July 30

By Madeline Dudziak

Entering the Playcrafters Barn Theatre for Friday’s opening night of Little Women, I had a certain number of expectations. Like most people, I’m familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s story, so I was prepared for some joys, some sorrows, and the four March sisters. I wasn’t, however, anticipating Reader reviewer Roger Pavey Jr.’s scenic design to blow me out of the water before the show even began.

17 Jul 2023

Egos Trip: “A Penny for Your Thoughts,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through July 23

By Madeline Dudziak

It was a familiar sort of tale at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre on Thursday’s opening night. Girl dates boy. Boy is set to propose but girl overhears and misunderstands the situation. Hijinks ensue. And, though things inevitably turn out okay, there’s still a plot twist or two to be had. But instead of just seeing the action, we also get to hear the action that’s running through our main character’s head thanks to her five Egos.

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