25 Jun 2018

A Finn Time Had by All: The Mississippi Bend Players' “Big River,” at Augustana College through July 1

By Rochelle Arnold

Bravo to the Mississippi Bend Players for magnificently transporting patrons back in time – back to when Huckleberry Finn (Quinn Rigg) and his humble slave companion Jim (LaRon Grant) traveled along the banks of the Mississippi River on a meager log raft – in the powerful musical Big River. Friday's opening-night performance at Augustana College's Brunner Theatre Center was simply stunning, with the entire cast reminding me why I love the fine arts.

11 Jun 2018

Compassion Play: “Jesus Christ Superstar,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through June 17

By Rochelle Arnold

What's the buzz? I'll tell you what's happening over at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre – the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. And from the outstanding choreography by Katie Johannigman to the stellar vocals by Jesus portrayer Ben Cherington, I was thoroughly entertained.

11 Jun 2018

Luxury Croons: Quad City Music Guild's “Mame,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through June 17

By Rochelle Arnold

Big-band music and huge dance numbers filled with sequin gowns and big-city lights are what I experienced at Quad City Music Guild's latest production Mame. With a multitude of cast members to fill the ensemble, Saturday's June 9 performance was packed with comedy, fantastic singing, and extravagant sets.

28 May 2018

Oh, There's Nothing Halfway About the Iowa Way to Treat You: "The Bridges of Madison County," at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through July 14

By Rochelle Arnold

Fate and destiny: Are they real? Is love at first sight possible? So asks the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's The Bridges of Madison County, the romantic story of two strangers who, by chance, run into one another in rural Winterset, Iowa, in 1965. And the May 24 preview performance left me captivated, delivering beautiful ballads, impressive vocals, and stunning scenic design by Eric Luchen complete with a large backdrop screen that projected fantastic images of the Roseman covered bridge, simple farmhouses, and green pastures.

30 Apr 2018

Old Hat, New Hat, Red Hat, Blue Hat: “Crowns: A Gospel Musical,” at the Black Box Theatre through May 6

By Rochelle Arnold

This past Friday, on a lovely spring night, we had church over at the Black Box Theatre. Powerful, soulful, and believable, the April 27 performance of Crowns: A Gospel Musical was also both entertaining and engaging – a truly spiritual experience that left me with goosebumps and a better understanding of African-American head adornments.

23 Apr 2018

Jungle Jam: “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through May 12

By Rochelle Arnold

You've got to move it, move it over to the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse for the children's-theatre production of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure. It's showtime at the Central Park Zoo, and these animals are on the prowl.

02 Apr 2018

Roosters in the Henhouse: “The Church Basement Ladies in Rise Up, O Men!,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through May 12

By Rochelle Arnold

Faith, hope, and brotherly love wrapped up in comic genius and superb writing was what I witnessed this past Good Friday. I must admit, I had never heard of the Church Basement Ladies series until recently, and was not sure what to expect. But the theatre's current The Church Basement Ladies in Rise Up, O Men was one of the best shows I've ever seen at the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse.

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