08 Jun 2026

The Perils of Being a Wallflower: Genesius Guild’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost" through June 14

By Madeline Dudziak

I admit that at Saturday’s opening-night performance, I was initially confused when Genesius Guild's Andy Shearouse explained both the entire plot of William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost and that the set was designed to represent the inner workings of a broken cuckoo clock. One might think both concepts would be self-explanatory. But alas, they were not. In the end, I was grateful for the introductory explanation.

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.

05 May 2026

From Russia, with Love: “Fiddler on the Roof,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through June 27

By Madeline Dudziak

Fiddler on the Roof is often considered one of the final entries in the Golden Age of Broadway era, a period defined by sweeping scores, big ensembles, and stories rooted deeply in character and community. Director Georgette Kleier’s production checks nearly every one of those boxes handily.

09 Jun 2026

River Cities' Reader Theatre Reviews: July 2000 to the Present

By Administrator

Reviews by Rochelle Arnold, Jeff Ashcraft, Patricia Baugh-Riechers, Audra Beals, Pamela Briggs, Dee Canfield, Madeline Dudziak, Kim Eastland, Emily Heninger, Heather Herkelman, Kitty (née Israel) Hooker, Mischa Hooker, Paula Jolly, Victoria Navarro, Roger Pavey Jr., Alexander Richardson, Mark Ruebling, Mike Schulz, Joy Thompson, Oz Torres, Brent Tubbs, Jill Pearson Walsh, and Thom White.

01 Jun 2026

Good News in Jesus Camp: “Godspell,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through June 7

By Mischa and Kitty Hooker

Kitty: I think that Godspell is a highly underrated musical. It’s the secret, more heartfelt version of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Mischa: And without Andrew Lloyd Webber’s malevolent influence!

18 May 2026

Joie de Diva: “Master Class,” at the Black Box Theatre through May 24

By Madeline Dudziak

Pairing up with Opera Quad Cities proves to be a recipe for greatness at the Black Box Theatre, because make no mistake: There's something truly special about Master Class.

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.

27 Apr 2026

Prejudicial Inquiry: “A Soldier's Play,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through May 3

By Mischa and Kitty Hooker

Kitty: Jeramie Coleman’s charm was a wonderful contrast to Antonio Stone’s severity. Watching the two of them clash so fiercely was riveting.

Mischa: For sure. And there was a third actor, Dwayne Hodges, who provided a big contrast to both Stone and Coleman, but delivered an equally compelling performance.

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 Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

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.

 
 

Theatre Calendars

Submit your event listings to calendar@rcreader.com