13 Nov 2023

Flock to This Shepherd: “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through December 30

By Pamela Briggs

Director/choreographer Ashley Becher, her performers, and her crew have whipped up one merry and delicious fudging indulgence. You don't need to know the movie to love this show.

13 Nov 2023

Baby, It's Cold Outside: “Almost, Maine,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through December 2

By Pamela Briggs

If you're one of those folks excitedly looking forward to snow, and this week's forecasted highs in the 60s are bringing you down, you can step into a cold New England night this weekend and bask (sort of) in that chilly atmosphere – plus get a warm, bountiful evening of entertainment – at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre.

12 Oct 2023

Down for the Count: “Dracula: a feminist revenge fantasy,” through October 15

By Pamela Briggs

Bram Stoker sucked the life force from the works of Transylvanian folklore scholar Emily Gerard for his 1897 novel Dracula. His immensely popular book, in turn, has been drained of its essence by many adapters. Playwright Kate Hamill's version is Dracula: a feminist revenge fantasy, currently running at Augustana College. But this show is probably not what you think it is.

09 Oct 2023

Red-Hot Poker: “The Seafarer,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through October 15

By Pamela Briggs

The world seems to be rampant with disappointments, disasters, and persistent obstacles. Conflict drives drama, but does real life have to be so hard so often? Sometimes, theatre can provide answers, comfort the life-weary, or entertain so thoroughly that you forget your problems. The Richmond Hill Barn Theatre's production of The Seafarer does all three.

02 Oct 2023

Dewey's Decibel System: “School of Rock: The Musical,” through October 8

By Pamela Briggs

School of Rock: The Musical was directed by the theatre's co-owner (and set, lighting, and sound designer) Brent Tubbs, aided here by musical director Laura Hammes and choreographer Becca Johnson. Onstage, we have 30 actor/singer/musicians, plus seven musicians in the pit, and they and the crew have staged an ambitious, complex production that runs smoothly, sounds great, and will leave you grinning.

01 Sep 2023

Judge, Jury, and Executioner: “Witness for the Prosecution,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through September 4

By Pamela Briggs

The Playcrafters Barn Theatre has kept us in suspense for months since postponing Witness for the Prosecution in March due to cast illnesses. Now the play is on its feet at last, with most of the original cast.

21 Aug 2023

The Actors Prepare: “Circle Mirror Transformation,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through August 27

By Pamela Briggs

The Playcrafters Barn Theatre's current production Circle Mirror Transformation sounds très à l'avant-garde. However, though it's unconventionally staged, it's one of the most authentic theatrical slices of life I've ever tucked into.

21 Aug 2023

Valli High May Call You: “Jersey Boys,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through August 27

By Pamela Briggs

On Thursday, I made my third trek in three weeks to the Timber Lake Playhouse – this time to see Jersey Boys, which is about Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons' fascinating rise to fame. The show, boasting music by these early rock-and-roll legends, ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2017, winning four Tonys. I haven't seen the 2014 movie, but even if you have, see this. Seriously.

07 Aug 2023

Blue Ridge Mountain High: “Bright Star,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through August 13

By Pamela Briggs

Steve Martin got famous as a stand-up comic, but in truth, he's a Renaissance man.

24 Jul 2023

Stingers: Genesius Guild's “The Wasps,” at Lincoln Park through July 30

By Pamela Briggs

I can't believe it's the end of July already. Part of the proof is Genesius Guild's production of The Wasps, now invading Lincoln Park, so prepare to be stung – by laughter! (Yes, I'm ashamed now.) The Wasps is one of the rewritten-for-modern-audiences Greek comedies that traditionally cap the Guild's summer schedule. And this year, as in last, the season-ender was adapted and directed by Calvin Vo and T Green, otherwise known as Haus of Ruckus.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.