18 Aug 2026

“Come from Away,” August 28 through September 12

By Reader Staff

Lauded by the New York Times as a "big bearhug of a musical" in which "even the most stalwart cynics may have trouble staying dry-eyed," the Tony Award-winning Come from Away enjoys an August 28 through September 12 run at Moline's Black Box Theatre. This deeply moving entertainment is being presented in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and was hailed by Broadway World as "inspiring, funny, and kick-ass beautiful.”

12 Aug 2026

“The Mermaids,” August 21 through 20

By Reader Staff

Presented as the latest selection in the theatre's “Andy Bro Show New Works Commission,” the world premiere of composer Billy Reece's musical The Mermaids enjoys an August 21 through 30 run at Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse, treating audiences to a debuting stage experience as the final show in the theatre's 2026 summer season.

04 Aug 2026

“Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” August 20 through 30

By Reader Staff

Lauded by the New York Daily News as "consistently entertaining" and by Newsday as "a major treat," Steve Martin's hit comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile enjoys an August 20 through 30 run at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, the New York Post adding to the praise by calling the show "highly credible" and "very funny" with "giggles in plenty [and] moments of enlightenment."

04 Aug 2026

The Mockingbird at Black Hawk's “Death of a Salesman,” August 20 through 29

By Reader Staff

A dramatic landmark whose 2026 Broadway return recently won six Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Play, Arthur Miller's timeless Death of a Salesman serves as the debut production in a new collaboration between the Mockingbird on Main and Black Hawk College, the show's August 20 through 29 run at Black Hawk treating audiences to an undisputed classic playing locally fewer than two weeks after its New York run ended.

13 Jul 2026

A Lion, a Witch, and Their Wardrobe: “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through September 5

By Kitty Hooker

Nostalgia has a funny way of raising the stakes. A mediocre presentation wouldn’t just be disappointing; it would feel like someone had replaced my ruby slippers with muddy boots and then trounced all over my childhood memories. Thankfully, director Tony Parise’s production bursts to life with color, imagination, and obvious affection for the material.

10 Aug 2026

Local Theatre Auditions/Calls for Entry

By Administrator
Local Theatre Auditions/Calls for Entry

Updated: Monday, August 10

10 Aug 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.

10 Aug 2026

Raven Ravin': “Murder by Poe,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through August 16

By Pamela Briggs

Director Pam Cantrell, her cast, and her crew served this entertaining concoction (yes, there are funny bits) with seven of Poe’s stories as ingredients.

10 Aug 2026

Should I Stay or Should I Snow?: “Disney's Frozen,” at the Spotlight Theatre through August 16

By Madeline Dudziak

Right from the top, the Spotlight Theatre becomes immersive with the citizens of Arendelle positioned throughout the house. Music Director Randin Letendre keeps the sound pure and exactly what audiences expect with some lovely harmonies.

10 Aug 2026

Kids Spell the Darnedest Things: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through August 16

By Mike Schulz

Under the music direction of Rachel Young (who also conducts and plays keys in the superb five-person orchestra), and with the performers' individual vocal prowess unmistakable, the Showboat's acting ensemble sounds tremendous – easily matching, and occasionally bettering, the vocals of the Broadway cast.

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