Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Serving Up ‘Just Desserts’
Praised by Connecticut’s Patch magazine as “a delightfully sweet musical with some savory elements,” Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse opens its exciting 45th season of live entertainment with the delectable new musical comedy JUST DESSERTS. This uplifting musical comedy is making its area stage debut and is being brought to life by a marvelous team of professional talents.
JUST DESSERTS will be presented at Circa ’21 through May 14, with performances on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday matinées at 1:30 p.m. Pre-show entertainment featuring the theatre’s wait staff, the Bootleggers also will precede all performances. Ticket prices are $58.55 per person for the evening dinner-and-show productions and $51.73 for the matinées.
Reservations are available through the Circa ’21 ticket office. For reservations, contact the theatre at 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island or by calling 309-786-7733 ext. 2.
In JUST DESSERTS, five strangers put their hearts, reputations and baking skills on the line to become the crème de la crème of bakers at a county fair. The heat is on to create three different types of desserts during the finals. Among the competition’s eccentric contestants is a determined young woman dreaming of opening her own bakery. There’s also a sexy nail technician who wants to fit in. Plus, a shy school nurse who doesn’t want to be there at all, a mysterious man from Brooklyn who arouses suspicion about his past and the reigning champion who is confident that she’ll garner yet another victory this year.
They’re all sure to get their “JUST DESSERTS” at the Jefferson County Bake-Off in this hilarious theatrical experience that boasts a little mystery, a little romance, some potential cheating and some back-stabbing, with the results sure to prove deliciously satisfying.
Directing JUST DESSERTS for Circa ’21 is venue veteran, Ashley Becher, who previously helmed “Seussical” and appeared in the theatre’s recent “Winter Wonderland.” Becher also directed last summer’s Countryside Community Theatre production of “Newsies: The Musical.” With performers Marc Christopher and Lexi Smith making their Circa ’21 debuts, Becher’s six-person cast is completed by returning actors Bobby Becher “The Play that Goes Wrong,” Elsa Besler “The Play That Goes Wrong,” Sarah Hayes “The Savannah Sipping Society” and Shelley Walljasper “Disenchanted.” TJ Besler, Kiera Lynn and the director herself will serve as understudies.
Area favorite, Ron May, takes the reins as JUST DESSERTS’ musical director. Additional members of the show’s creative team include scenic designer Susie Holgersson, lighting designer and production manager Jeremy Littlejohn, costume designer Greg Hiatt, sound designer Sam Ramont, stage manager Kendall McKasson, technical director Nick Divarco and assistant stage manager and deck manager Emmett Boedeker. Director Ashley Becker and husband Bobby created the musical tracks for the show.
Circa ’21’s entire staff is delighted to be opening their 45th season with this delicious stage treat and urges audience members to make immediate reservations for what is certain to be a spectacular springtime hit. Call the Circa ’21 ticket office at 309-786-7733 ext. 2 for reservations and share in the tasty enjoyment of the sweet musical comedy JUST DESSERTS!
