10 May 2025

Solutions of Grandeur: “Proof,” at Augustana College through May 11

By Pamela Briggs

The final production of Augustana College's 2024-25 season is David Auburn's Proof, directed by Jennifer Popple, the college's assistant professor of theatre arts, and this professional-caliber production both impressed and moved me. It's sometimes disturbing, sometimes funny, and although heartbreaking, still left me hopeful.

05 May 2025

Boys Weakened: “Girls' Weekend,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through May 11

By Pamela Briggs

To my joy, Girls' Weekend, now making its area debut at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre, is delightful. I laughed more than I have in a year of theatre.

28 Apr 2025

Name That Toon: Haus of Ruckus' “Zooted Suits,” at the Black Box Theatre through May 4

By Pamela Briggs

Has it really been only three-and-a-half years since they won my heart with their first production "Jacques"alope? (Answer: Yes.) The founders of this comedic theatrical ensemble, T Green and Calvin Vo, are serving their latest smörgåsbord – Zooted Suits, a merrie medley of classic-cartoon parodies – at the Black Box Theatre. I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready!

28 Apr 2025

Pirates of Pizzazz: “The Pirates of Penzance,” at St. Ambrose University through May 4

By Mischa Hooker and Kitty Israel

K: Taking pleasure in the ridiculous is key to making this show work, and Zach Ulmer was clearly having a great time. The audience couldn’t help but follow suit!

M: Absolutely. I’d agree that Ulmer was the highlight of the show’s comedy, including some fun ad-libbed asides – and he has a strong singing voice, to boot.

07 Apr 2025

When Life Gives You Limes, Make Margaritas: Quad City Music Guild's “Escape to Margaritaville,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through April 13

By Mischa Hooker and Kitty Israel

M: No one's here for the story, are they?

K: No, we’re in it for the escapism! And fortunately, that’s exactly what this show is all about.

07 Apr 2025

1912 Overtures: “Titanic: The Musical,” at the Spotlight Theatre through April 13

By Pamela Briggs

Titanic received five 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Book, and Score, and Spotlight director Noah Hill and musical director Amy Trimble had a boatload of logistics, decisions, and inspirations to sort out. Their staging of this intricate, visually stunning spectacle is exemplary.

07 Apr 2025

Poe Boy: “The Tell-Tale Farce,” at Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through April 13

By Madeline Dudziak

Defined as a comedic work that employs buffoonery and horseplay, farce typically includes crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations. And on opening night, director Elizabeth Shaffer hit the nail on the head, because her production isn’t trying to be anything else.

31 Mar 2025

The Buccaneers Stop Here: “How I Became a Pirate,” at the Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse through April 19

By Madeline Dudziak

Based on the kids’ picture book written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon, this upbeat little musical will leave you practicing your pirate vernacul-arrr and perhaps even wishing to sail the seven seas in pursuit of doubloons.

17 Mar 2025

Agatha, All Along: “The Stranger,” at the Black Box Theatre through March 23

By Madeline Dudziak

The art-deco ties for the gentlemen and lovely dresses on the ladies made the whole evening feel like a true blast from the past.

17 Mar 2025

One for the Money, Two for the Show: “Heartbreak Hotel,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through May 3

By Mischa Hooker and Kitty Israel

M: Corey McKinney inhabited the lead role very effectively throughout, but was especially convincing in portraying Elvis’ halting yet ever-more-confident steps developing his breakthrough sound and achieving popularity.

K: I agree! McKinney did a great job of showing the progression of Elvis’ style.

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