Theatre
The Acharnians
Lincoln Park
Saturday, July 27, through Sunday, August 4
Hard as it is to believe, summer's almost over. And I know it's almost over because it's already time for Genesius Guild's annual, end-of-summer slapstick in Rock Island's Lincoln Park - which, this year, is Guild founder Don Wooten's take on the Aristophanes comedy The Acharnians.
Running July 27 through August 4, this tongue-in-cheek updating of the classic Greek play will no doubt boast all of the elements we Guild fans look forward to in Wooten's season-enders: gentle skewerings of local celebrities and institutions (including Genesius Guild itself) and not-so-gentle skewerings of national politicians and pop-culture fixtures; exposition delivered through familiar ditties featuring new, satiric lyrics; a mad, Keystone Cops-esque chase around the Lincoln Park stage complete with frenzied leaps in the air and a climactic group pratfall; Bob Hanske. But what you might not know in advance of seeing The Acharnians is what Aristophanes' tale - first staged in 425 BCE - is actually about. So sit back, because this story's a humdinger.
There's this man named Dikaiopolis, you see, who's exhausted by the ongoing Peloponnesian War, and frustrated by the politicians who refuse to seek an end to it. Yet after befriending an immortal named Amphitheus, Dikaiopolis is granted a private peace for his own household - one that's soon disrupted by the arrival of an angry mob of farmers. Seizing a hostage in the form of a hefty bag of charcoal, Dikaiopolis demands that the farmers leave him be, and makes plans to deliver a public, anti-war diatribe with the help of his playwright neighbor Euripides. And in short order, all of these events lead to Dikaiopolis finding his head on a chopping block, and the play's chorus members arguing over the morality of the war, and farmers' daughters disguising themselves as pigs, and an Athenian sycophant winding up packed in straw, and ... .
And you haven't read a word I've written, have you?
Oh, for Pete's sake, it's Michelangelo's Bacchus statue, people! It's featured on The Acharnians' Wikipedia page! It's artistic nudity, so let's focus here!
Ah, forget it. The Acharnians will be performed on Saturdays and Sundays at 8 p.m., admission is free (though donations are encouraged), and more information is available by visiting Genesius.org.
Event
Mississippi Valley Fair
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
Tuesday, July 30, through Sunday, August 4
The eagerly anticipated summertime blast that is the Mississippi Valley Fair will take place July 30 through August 4 at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, which means it's time for me to again extol the annual joys of the event's carnival rides, local musicians, contests, arts and crafts vendors, children's activities ... . Oh, who are we kidding? It's time for me to again extol the joys of funnel cakes. Man, but those things are tasty.
But this year, the musical headliners serving as the fair's nightly grandstand attractions form such an impressive collective of artists that sugar-coated foodstuffs, for me, take an immediate backseat. I mean, think about it: Toby Keith on Tuesday; Josh Turner on Wednesday; Dwight Yoakam on Thursday; Lynyrd Skynyrd on Friday; Diamond Rio on Saturday; and Jake Owen on Sunday. Is anyone thinking about funnel cakes any more?
If you're a fan of these multi-platinum-selling and multiple-award-winning musicians, probably not. And if you're a true fan, you should have no trouble scoring 100-percent on the quiz below, which asks you to match the accomplishment with its accompanying artist(s):
1) performed the iconic hits "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama"
2) had a chart-topping single with "Why Don't We Just Dance"
3) had a chart-topping album with Barefoot Blue Jean Night
4) won a Grammy Award for The Reason
5) starred in a movie titled Beer for My Horses
6) was on the receiving end of Billy Bob Thornton's sling blade
A) Diamond Rio
B) Toby Keith
C) Lynyrd Skynyrd
D) Jake Owen
E) Josh Turner
F) Dwight Yoakam
For more information on this year's Mississippi Valley Fair, visit MVFair.com.
Answers: 1 - C, 2 - E, 3 - D, 4 - A, 5 - B, 6 - F. But can you imagine if the answer to that last one was actually "A" or "C"? Movie would've been a freakin' bloodbath.
Theatre
12 Angry Men
District Theatre
Thursday, August 1, through Saturday, August 10
One of the great entertainments of the 20th Century will soon be in performance at the District Theatre, as the Rock Island venue plays host to Reginald Rose's timeless jury-room drama 12 Angry Men August 1 through 12. An intense, thought-provoking, frequently funny work adapted from Rose's acclaimed golden-age-of-television presentation, the production explores the perks and perils of the American judicial system through the story of one defendant's potentially wrongful sentencing, and its TV precursor inspired an Oscar-nominated, 1957 film directed by the late, great Sidney Lumet.
Over the years, 12 Angry Men has also inspired a great many actors to seek out roles as the show's squabbling jurors, and for his District Theatre presentation, director Tristan Tapscott has assembled a mixed-gender cast that includes (in numerical order) Sara Kutzli, Bob Manasco, Pat Flaherty, Patti Flaherty, Mitch Diamond, Sally Hamer, Doug Kutzli, Ed Villarreal, Steve Touvelle, Wayne Hess, Linda Ruebling, and Deb Shippy.
But let's say you're familiar with Lumet's classic, and are now wanting to know who's playing, say, the Lee J. Cobb and Martin Balsam roles in the District show, but can't remember which character is which based solely on their juror numbers (which are also their character names). Just sing these revised lyrics to the "12 Days of Christmas" song, and all will be clear!
For the 12 angry jurors, the District gives to thee ...
Twelve - she's in ad sales,
Eleven - she's from Europe,
Ten - awful bigot,
Nine - really old guy,
Eight - Henry Fonda,
Seven - wishy-washy,
Six - nice house-painter,
Fi-i-i-ive - from the slu-u-u-ums!
Four - wears eyeglasses,
Three - won't give in,
Two - sweet milquetoast,
And Juror One is the foreman, you see!
You're welcome! And happy holidays, folks!
For tickets to 12 Angry Men, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Music
Don McLean
Englert Theatre
Saturday, July 27, 8 p.m.
(To be sung to the tune of ... well, you'll figure it out ... .)
A long, long time ago,
I can still remember how his music used to make me smile.
And, I knew if he showed up here, I'd watch his show, buy him a beer, and
Maybe I'd be happy for a while.
But then I waited too damned long - thought there'd be seats, but I was wrong.
I should have called the Englert. Yes, Don McLean would be hurt.
I can't remember if I cried, right after my Iowa City ride,
When hits were played while I stayed outside
The day my chances died.
So bye bye, ol' "American Pie."
Don McLean was being seen but I was left high and dry,
With no ticket in hand for that folk-singing guy.
Should've known that the demand would be high,
Known that the demand would be high.
No, I couldn't see that famous name and inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
No "Vincent" or "Crying" would I hear.
Why oh why did I not take to sec to call the Englert and just check
On whether seats up and disappeared?
Now I'm feeling sad and all alone, playing Tapestry in my room at home,
For, like, the millionth time. Yes, I gotta say that I'm
Regretting that act of foolish pride, thinking one last ticket they would hide
So I could sneak my ass inside, the day my chances died.
So bye bye, ol' "American Pie."
Could've charged it on my Master Card, but didn't. And why?
'Cause I spent my time being lazy and ... ahem ...
Don McLean has left the building. Bye bye.
Sigh.
Don't let this sad tale happen to you! For tickets to the legendary Don McLean's July 27 performance at Iowa City's Englert Theatre, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Saturday, July 27 - Battery: Masters of Metallica. Heavy-metal tribute musicians in concert. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9:30 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Tuesday, July 30 - John Hiatt & the Combo. Concert with the venerable singer/songwriter/guitarist, featuring an opening set by Holly Williams. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $35-45. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Wednesday, July 31 - Joy Kills Sorrow. Boston-based string band in an "Intimate at the Englert" presentation. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Thursday, August 1, through Sunday, August 4 - Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival. Annual celebration of jazz great and Davenport native Beiderbecke, with downtown venues including the Adler Theatre, Davenport RiverCenter, LeClaire Park, and the Putnam Museum hosting concerts, workshops, and more. $45 day passes, $5-25 single-concert tickets. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1732 or visit BixSociety.org.
Tuesday, August 6, and Thursday, August 8 - A Night of Sunshine. Cabaret performances with Sunshine Ramsey, featuring performances by Circa '21 singers and musicians, and students from Sunshine's Performing Arts Studio. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
THEATRE
Thursday, July 25, through Saturday, August 3 - She Loves Me. Tony Award-winning musical/comedy/romance. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Wednesday 3 p.m. $16-23. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 ior visit ClintonShowboat.org.
Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27 - Les Misérables: School Edition. The Broadway smash performed by students in the Center's annual musical-theatre camp, directed by Dino Hayz. The Center for Living Arts (2008 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday and Saturday 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. $15 at the door. For information, call (309)788-5433 or visit Center4Living.com.
Sunday, July 28 - The Clown Who Ran Away. Author Conrad Ceiler's family comedy, performed by the Junior Theatre Mainstage Company. Davenport Junior Theatre (2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). 7 p.m. "Pay what it's worth" ticket pricing. For information, call (563)326-7862 or visit DavenportJuniorTheatre.com.
Thursday, August 1, through Sunday, August 11 - Monty Python's Spamalot. Tony Award-winning musical-comedy slapstick based on Monty Python & the Holy Grail. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Wednesday 2 p.m., August 3 at 3 p.m. $15-23. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Thursday, August 1, through Sunday, September 1 - Lumberjacks in Love. Musical comedy by the composers and authors of Guys on Ice: The Ice-Fishing Musical. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday 3 p.m. $18-27.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4 - Rent. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical presented by the City Circle Acting Company of Coralville. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $12-27. For information and tickets, call (319)248-9370 or visit CoralvilleArts.org.
Saturday, August 3 - The Princess & the Pea. Stage fairytale presented by the Missoula Children's Theatre Company. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 3 and 6 p.m. $5-10. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Tuesday, August 6, through Saturday, August 10 - Seussical Jr. Hour-long version of the Tony Award-nominated storybook musical. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday 2 p.m. $6. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
VISUAL ARTS
Friday, August 2 - Flamingo Fling. Annual tropical party featuring a live art auction of the flamingos previously on exhibit, a cash bar, light appetizers, a best-dressed flamingo guest contest, a raffle, and more. Quad City Botanical Center (2525 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)794-0991 or visit QCGardens.com.
Sunday, August 4, through Sunday, November 3 - In Memorium: Mildred Fish Harnack. Exhibit honoring the only American woman executed under direct order from Adolph Hitler for her role in the Berlin resistance movement. German American Heritage Center (712 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sundays noon - 4 p.m. Free with $3-5 admission. For information, call (563)322-8844 or visit GAHC.org.
EVENTS
Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27 - Bucktown and Barrel House Bash. Birthday celebration for the venues, featuring a Friday-night wine walk and an indoor/outdoor festival on Saturday. Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 East Second Street, Davenport) and Barrel House (211 East Second Street, Davenport). Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)324-0667 or visit BucktownArts.com.
Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27 - 2013 Street Fest. Annual outdoor celebration featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, a family-fun area, video-game tournaments, and more. Downtown Davenport (Second Street between Brady and Ripley streets). Friday 10 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m. Free admission. For information, visit DowntownDavenport.com.
Saturday, July 27 - Quad-City Times Bix 7 Road Race. 39th-annual, seven-mile foot race featuring thousands of dollars in prize money awarded, with the Jr. Bix 7 for ages 12 and under. Downtown Davenport (Fifth and Brady streets). 8 a.m. $35-43 registration, $12-15 Jr. Bix registration. For information, call (563)383-2489 or visit Bix7.com.
Sunday, July 28 - Village Alive. "Friends of the Village" re-enact life on the 1890s prairie, with folk-art demonstrations, old-time music by John & Kay Retz, and more. Walnut Grove Pioneer Village (18817 290th St., Long Grove). 1-5 p.m. Donations of nonperishable food items encouraged. For information, call (563)328-3283 or visit ScottCountyIowa.com.
Friday, August 2, and Saturday, August 3 - Hardacre Film Festival. The 16th-annual festival of national and international fiction and documentary features and short films. Hardacre Theater (112 East Fifth Street, Tipton). Friday 6 - 11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. $8/day, $20/festival pass including ticket to Saturday's wrap party. For information, visit HardacreFilmFestival.com.
Saturday, August 3 - Broadway Historic District Wine Walk. Sample eight reds, eight whites, and appetizers at four of the area's finest homes. Rock Island Broadway Historic District (Fifth to 16th avenues, 17th to 23rd Streets). 6 p.m. $35/person, $60/couple. For information and to reserve, call (309)786-5562 or visit BroadwayDistrict.org.
