With Chicago Theatre Review praising its "beautiful, heartfelt score" and "gentle reminder of how it's still important to be loving, kind, and supportive of one another," the musical version of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women serves as the final stage production in St. Ambrose University's 2021-22 theatre season, the show's April 29 through May 1 also the final presentation to be directed by the university's beloved, retiring professor Corinne Johnson.

Nearly a dozen arresting vignettes about addiction, desire, and caffeine will be staged in Scott Community College's Student Life Center during the April 24 through 24 run of Fresh Brewed: Tales from the Coffee Bar, a contemporary collection of 11 short plays that finds its student cast of nine assuming numerous roles under the direction of professor and frequent area actor Kevin Babbitt.

You've got playwright Ira Levin, and you've got the Black Box Theatre's talented staff and crew, so with Veronica's Room, you're already pretty much guaranteed a satisfying experience. But with the gifted cast Lora Adams has assembled, it's actually an outstanding one.

Overall, Murder at Mistwell Manor offered gorgeous production design that, paired with the period costumes, perfectly fit the intimate Mockingbird venue.

With the latest touring production at the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center described by the Boston Globe as “uproariously entertaining,” musical-theatre fans will definitely want to be in “the room where it happens” on April 19 when the venue hosts the area premiere of Spamilton: An American Parody, the latest stage satire by the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway.

Based on the beloved children's book by Kelly S. DiPucchio, the educational yet hilarious family musical Grace for President runs at Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse April 19 through May 14, this ode to civic duty and the excitement of politics lauded by the Columbia Star as "an entertaining hit for all ages and audiences."

The Spotlight Theatre's Peter & the Starcatcher, directed by Whitney Fahner with music direction by Katie Griswold, is yet another of the venue's slick and stylish productions of a lively libretto, this one loaded with big on- and off-stage talent and clever staging.

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.

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