It’s not often I say a performer steals a show in an ensemble piece, but I feel confident in saying that Tom Walljasper definitely steals the show in “Shear Madness.” Walljasper is so flamboyant and over-the-top funny, grabbing every scene he’s in with some brazen move or line, that it’s impossible to ignore him, not […]

There’s a lot happening at Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Theater over the next few months! The venerable institution is bringing in a huge array of shows, showcases and concerts for a variety of audiences. Here’s the rundown: Mainstage Shows: SHEAR MADNESS – Through April 30: Audiences are loving this absolutely hilarious comedy which is […]

One of the best parts about watching a bad movie is making snide, snarky comments about how awful it is. It’s even better when you’re with hilarious friends making those comments. The experience was successfully replicated and popularized by the TV show “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” and now local comedian and actor Anthony Natarelli has […]

The idea behind live theatre is to bring forth a form of art that captivates an audience allowing them to escape the monotony of daily life and immerse them in a new story. A successful creation brings out any and all emotion with a desire to leave an audience with an experience that lasts and […]

Circa ’21 is hoping to cut up audiences in their latest show, “Shear Madness.” The dinner playhouse is presenting the local debut of the longest running comedy in U.S. history. Running through April 30, this slapstick whodunit has played for over 30 consecutive years in Boston and nearly as long at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center […]

Davenport’s QC Theatre Workshop is serving up a “big meal” for its first gig of 2016. The group is presenting the local premiere of Dan LeFranc’s acclaimed comedy/drama “The Big Meal,” with shows running at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19, and 3 p.m. March 6, 13 and 20. Doors open […]

Ever wanted to be on stage? Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is holding auditions for the area premiere of “Junie B. Jones, The Musical,” an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s hugely popular, best-selling children’s books brought to life in a genuinely comical and “not strictly-for-kids” musical. Auditions will be held Saturday, March 5 at 11 […]

Who’s not afraid of seeing “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Well, anyone who fits into that category will want to know that District Theater in Rock Island is presenting the show April 1-16 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2 p.m. at District Theatre in the former Rock Island Argus Building, […]

District Theater’s “Moon Over Buffalo” is a charming trifle, a comedy of errors and misunderstandings and ensuing hijinks made most entertaining by the goofy performances of its cast, particularly its leads. It’s infectious fun, a “Three’s Company” episode writ large, fluffy and ephemeral but a sweet escapism. Written by Ken Ludwig, “Moon” rises with the […]

Anyone who has been involved in a play knows that the story backstage is sometimes more compelling than the one being presented on. In the case of “Moon Over Buffalo,” the lines are blurred to hilarious effect. The District Theatre opens its 2016 season with Ken Ludwig’s popular backstage farce, and District owner and creative […]