13 May 2026

“The Tales of Custard the Dragon,” May 19 through June 20

By Reader Staff

A joyous family musical and off-Broadway smash that, as Kennedy Center Vice-President of Education Derek Gordon raved, "will delight both the young and the young at heart," The Tales of Custard the Dragon will enchant audiences in Rock Island from May 19 through June 20, this Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse debut adapted from the whimsical children's stories of Ogden Nash.

12 May 2026

“Godspell,” May 29 through June 7

By Reader Staff

One of the most beloved stage musicals in American history, as well as a Tony Award nominee for Best Original Score, composer Stephen Schwartz's timeless Godspell opens the mainstage season at Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse, the show's May 29 through June 7 run treating audiences to what NewCity Stage called "a terrific show – fresh, inventive, timeless, and rich."

05 May 2026

“Master Class,” May 15 through 24

By Reader Staff

Hailed by the New York Times as "rich, vivid, satisfying theatre," Terrence McNally's Tony Award-winning Master Class makes its long-awaited area debut at Moline's Black Box Theatre May 15 through 24, this opera-themed comedy a show that, according to The Hollywood Reporter, "will be talked about for years to come whenever people point to theatre experiences that genuinely deserve to be labeled by the overused word ‘great.’”

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.

14 May 2026

Local Theatre Auditions/Calls for Entry

By Administrator
Local Theatre Auditions/Calls for Entry

Updated: Thursday, May 14

14 May 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.

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.

29 Apr 2026

“For the Love of Peter,” May 8 and 9

By Mike Schulz

As part of the Playcrafters Barn Theatre's third-annual Pride Celebration, the Moline venue will host the debut of local actor/playwright Don Faust's comedy For the Love of Peter, an original one-act being presented on May 8 and 9.

28 Apr 2026

“Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change,'” May 12

By Reader Staff

Lauded by the Los Angeles Times as “fresh, funny, and simply terrific” and by the Boston Globe as “a rollicking girls' night out,” the song-filled stage sequel Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through “The Change” brings its tour to the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on May 12, the Las Vegas Review Journal adding that “dollar for dollar … it's the best show in town!”

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.

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