Hailed by StageLeft.nyc as "taut and lively" and by Theatre Scene as "a compelling play on important and topical themes," playwright Lauren Gunderson's unique and unpredictable dramatic comedy Natural Shocks makes its Quad Cities debut at Moline's Black Box Theatre from February 2 through 12, with DC Metro Theatre Arts adding its praise by deeming it a work that "raises important points about the need to take action in times of crises."

Lauded by New Play Exchange as "deep and delicate and darkly heartbreaking," as well as a play that "should be read and produced as much and as often as possible," author Jennifer Fawcett's one-woman showcase Apples in Winter enjoys its area premiere at Davenport's Mockingbird on Main from January 20 through 28, with One-Off Theatrical Productions' alternately humorous and devastating piece a work that, according to Iowa City's Little Village magazine, "everyone needs to see."

Exploring themes of social justice, activism, technology and empowered youth within a riveting and entertaining stage production, TheatreWorks USA's touring presentation of Warriors Don't Cry lands at the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on January 23, the work described by Broadway World as "a universal story of faith and redemption," as well as "good triumphing over the forces of evil."

Although the long-running stage sensation will close in New York on January 8 after more than 28 years and 11,472 performances, the gifted percussionists of STOMP are taking their thunderous stage success on the road, with the show's January 19 appearance at Davenport's Adler Theatre to demonstrate why the Boston Globe raved, "If you haven’t seen STOMP, go! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!”