15 Apr 2024

Fairytales from the Crypt: “The Secret in the Wings,” at St. Ambrose University through April 21

By Pamela Briggs

I've visited this little theatre, and knew it was in the mainstage's large green room, but o, my brothers and sisters – I'd never seen it like it is now.

15 Apr 2024

The Cremains of the Day: “Exit Laughing,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through April 21

By Pamela Briggs

2013's Exit Laughing is at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, and it is a damn good time. Director Mike Skiles and his cohorts have built an entertaining, satisfying production on the foundation of a solid script.

08 Apr 2024

Come Heels or High Water: Quad City Music Guild's “Kinky Boots,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through April 14

By Pamela Briggs

Kelsey Walljasper directed this slick, joyous production, with Mitch Carter as music director, and with a lovely balance of comedy and heart, it's inspiring, not too serious, and looks and sounds fabulous.

18 Mar 2024

Sing … Sing, Sweet Charlotte: “Jane Eyre,” at the Black Box Theatre through March 29

By Pamela Briggs

Plucky, abused orphans. English-language literature is full of 'em: Dickens' lads Oliver Twist and David Copperfield; Canada's Anne Shirley; America's optimistic Annie; prehistoric Europe's Ayl; contemporary Britain's Harry Potter. One 177-year-old orphan still going strong is Jane Eyre.

11 Mar 2024

Hot Dishing: “Church Basement Ladies,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through April 27

By Pamela Briggs

As faithful theatre-goers have proved their devotion to Church Basement Ladies (and its many offspring) since 2007, the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse has resurrected it for the third time. At Thursday's preview night, I saw everything they had made, and behold – it was very good. Yea, those lutefisk-loving Lutherans on the lowest level of the Lord's House have returned.

22 Feb 2024

The Wonder as I Wandered: “The Stacks: An Immersive Mystery,” at the Sound Conservatory through March 2

By Pamela Briggs

You're invisible to the characters; there's no interaction between performers and audience, and no talking between spectators. But you can prowl and eavesdrop at will. Everyone witnesses the happenings differently.

19 Feb 2024

Elle-ated: “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” at the Spotlight Theatre through February 25

By Pamela Briggs

Director Rebecca Casad and musical director Christine Rogers have wrangled a large, impressive cast, crew, and staff into an energetic singing, dancing, overall good time.

22 Jan 2024

Choo-choo-dunit: “Murder on the Orient Express,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through March 2

By Pamela Briggs

Mysteries should surprise you. Murder on the Orient Express, the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's current offering, did so for me in … well, surprising ways.

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.

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