Holy. Moly. That’s about all I can say about the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre's latest production Drinking Habits, directed by Mike Skiles. But alas, likely you’re wanting more details than a simple exclamation, so let me spell it out for you: This was the most ridiculous piece of theatre I believe I’ve ever seen. Which isn’t to say that Skiles’ production isn’t good.

Lauded by Chicago Critic as “a finely crafted suspense mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat,” Veronica's Room written by acclaimed Deathtrap playwright Ira Levin – enjoys an April 7 through 16 run at the Black Box Theatre in Moline, this crafty entertainment also praised by the Oklahoman as “a disturbing psychological thriller” that “takes the audience on a demented road trip.”

A world-premiering mystery comedy by one of the founders of the venue it's being performed in, Murder at Mistwell Manor will enjoy an April 8 through 16 run at Davenport venue the Mockingbird on Main, with the theatre's new stage production the latest debuting work by writer/director Tristan Tapscott.

A modern adaptation of one of the most notorious-for-its-time works in theatre history – and one boasting music and choreography created specifically for its area debut – the student-produced The Captive will enjoy an April 7 through 10 run at Augustana College, this 1926 Édouard Bourdel melodrama a critically acclaimed work whose original New York run prompted the adoption of a state law dealing with obscenity.

A 2016 Tony Award nominee and a tune-filled farce that the New York Daily News named one of its year's top-10 must-see musicals, the heady and hysterical Disaster! opens Quad City Music Guild's 2022 season with an April 1 through 10 run at Moline's Prospect Park Auditorium, this jukebox delight inspiring Time Out New York's Adam Feldman to rave, "I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud at the theatre as often as I did at Disaster!"

Winner of five 2012 Tony Awards and lauded by the New York Times as a comedy that “never stops flying,” the rib-tickling family adventure Peter & the Starcatcher runs at Moline's Spotlight Theatre April 1 through 10, the show a ticklishly original Peter Pan origin story that employs clever stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring its J.M. Barrie-inspired tale to life.

Praised by the Las Cruces Sun-News as "a delightful comedy with a touch of silliness" and "a zany and funny story with plot twists galore," the stage riot Drinking Habits enjoys a March 31 through April 10 at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, this first show in the Geneseo venue's 2022 season inspiring Willits News to rave that "those in need of a good laugh ... can rest assured that's what they'll get."

While Rabbit Hole did have some moments that were quite tense and sad, these weren't the constant moods, and the playwright’s script and the Playcrafters company built a narrative that was human – not overdoing the tragedy, not overdoing the comedy, but existing in a way that was approachable, simple, and touching.

I won’t lie to you: I consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to televised baking shows. If you’ve ever opted into watching one yourself, you can rightly assume that you’re in for a treat with the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's latest offering Just Desserts, its book and lyrics by Barbara Campbell and its music by Brad Ross.

What a treat it was to enjoy this fresh story, with rousing music, performed by some of the most passionate, committed actors I've recently seen – and to know that it was powered by local minds and hearts. So much work went into this treasure.

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