13 Jul 2026

Bros Before Woes: “Heaven Help Me,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through July 19

By Pamela Briggs

Though the show is billed as a comedy, I only laughed a few times. I was much more invested in its dramatic scenes.

13 Jul 2026

He Is an Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Tyke Who's from Bikini: Quad City Music Guild's “The SpongeBob Musical,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through July 19

By Pamela Briggs

While many children attended on opening night, I hardly heard a peep from them during the show – it was the over-25 crowd who were clapping and screaming upon each first entrance of these beloved characters from the underwater city of Bikini Bottom.

06 Jul 2026

I Got the Show Right Here, Its Charms Are Crystal Clear: Countryside Community Theatre's “Guys & Dolls,” at the North Scott High School Fine Arts Auditorium through July 12

By Pamela Briggs

Before Friday night at Eldridge's North Scott High School Fine Arts Auditorium, I hadn’t seen Guys & Dolls. Go on and clutch those poils, doll. I do not know the show. So sue me. But I had a swell time. In spades!

06 Jul 2026

JoJo a Go Go: “Seussical,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through July 12

By Pamela Briggs

Seussical, now playing at Omar – I mean, the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre – features an exuberant mash-up of plots from about a third of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s lifetime output of 60-plus children’s books. (And yeah, there were more Dr. Seuss books after he died. Peculiar thing, that.)

15 Jun 2026

They the People, in Order to Form a More Perfect Union … : Quad City Music Guild's “1776,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through June 21

By Pamela Briggs

Magic is on display in Quad City Music Guild's and director Kathryn Weber's current, spirited presentation of 1776, its music direction by Claire Schaecher and choreography by Beth Marsoun. (And I hear the intermission hot dogs are terrific.)

15 Jun 2026

“Something's Coming Somewhere Tonight, Maria.” “Cool!”: “West Side Story,” at the Spotlight Theatre through June 21

By Pamela Briggs

Adam Sanders' production has some of the most intricate, varied, prolonged, high-density, high-energy choreography I’ve yet seen.

08 Jun 2026

Water, Water, Nowhere, but Perhaps a Drop to Drink: “The Rainmaker,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through June 14

By Pamela Briggs

The perfectly suited look and demeanor of each person, and their consistent Southern lilts throughout, made this experience particularly magical.

25 May 2026

This Dragon Slays: “The Tales of Custard the Dragon,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through June 20

By Pamela Briggs

I enjoy experiencing new-to-me talent, but it’s cozy and comforting to see familiar faces at the theatre.

09 May 2026

Trials of the Centuries: “The Skin of Our Teeth,” at Augustana College through May 10

By Pamela Briggs

You should see the groundbreaking comedy classic The Skin of Our Teeth at Augustana College. I’ll explain why in a moment, while also trying not to ruin your experience with too many details. But just by reviewing director Jeff Coussens' perfectly cast production, I will be spoiling it a bit.

27 Apr 2026

Loads of Fun, and I Ain't 'Phibian: “A Year with Frog & Toad,” at St. Ambrose University through May 3

By Pamela Briggs

A Year with Frog & Toad is overflowing with cheer and color, boasts splendid production values and an energetic cast, and I declare it delightful for all ages.

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