23 Oct 2023

Those Venerable Venables: “Suddenly Last Summer,” at the Black Box Theatre through October 28

By Madeline Dudziak

If you find yourself at odds with gloomy October weather, walking into Moline's Black Box Theatre and its production of Suddenly Last Summer will brighten your spirits, given that you can’t help but be immediately impressed by the onstage greenery.

18 Sep 2023

Poll Vault: “The Outsider,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through October 29

By Madeline Dudziak

It’s always interesting when a season is rounded out with a previously unfamiliar title, and in the case of the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's season-ender, it’s Paul Slade Smith’s politically themed The Outsider.

11 Aug 2023

A Soprano and Her Base: “Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum,” at the Black Box Theatre through August 13

By Madeline Dudziak

Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall of a difficult conversation? Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum gives you that delicious opportunity.

03 Aug 2023

Benedick Shunned: The Prenzie Players’ “Much Ado About Nothing,” at the Village Theatre through August 6

By Madeline Dudziak

Don’t even read what I’m writing here if you haven’t yet made a reservation to see Much Ado About Nothing. There are only four shows left, tickets are going fast, and you do not want to miss it. If this were a text message, I’d have added about a million more explanation points. I'm serious. Secure your seat before you keep reading, or it might be too late.

24 Jul 2023

The Marches of Time: “Little Women,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through July 30

By Madeline Dudziak

Entering the Playcrafters Barn Theatre for Friday’s opening night of Little Women, I had a certain number of expectations. Like most people, I’m familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s story, so I was prepared for some joys, some sorrows, and the four March sisters. I wasn’t, however, anticipating Reader reviewer Roger Pavey Jr.’s scenic design to blow me out of the water before the show even began.

17 Jul 2023

Egos Trip: “A Penny for Your Thoughts,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through July 23

By Madeline Dudziak

It was a familiar sort of tale at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre on Thursday’s opening night. Girl dates boy. Boy is set to propose but girl overhears and misunderstands the situation. Hijinks ensue. And, though things inevitably turn out okay, there’s still a plot twist or two to be had. But instead of just seeing the action, we also get to hear the action that’s running through our main character’s head thanks to her five Egos.

10 Jul 2023

Wingfields and a Prayer: The Mockingbird on Main’s “The Glass Menagerie,” at Black Hawk College through July 15

By Madeline Dudziak

If fellow Reader reviewer Alex Richardson can publicly declare his distaste for Rodgers and Hammerstein, I feel safe sharing my own opinion that Tennessee Williams and The Glass Menagerie are overrated.

03 Jul 2023

Let's Hear It for That Boy: Countryside Community Theatre’s “Footloose,” at North Scott High School through July 9

By Madeline Dudziak

If you’re finding yourself sick of the heat and air-quality alerts of 2023, then boy oh boy does Countryside Community Theatre have a cool '80s throwback treat for you: their current production of Footloose.

12 Jun 2023

M-M-M-My-y-y-y Verona: Genesius Guild’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” at Lincoln Park through June 18

By Madeline Dudziak

Over the past few years, I have taken in quite a number of Genesius Guild offerings and I have to tell you that the Two Gentlemen of Verona set design by Angela Rathman, who also served as this production’s director, was one of the most intricate and prettiest I’ve ever seen in Lincoln Park.

05 Jun 2023

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Them a Match: “Hello, Dolly!”, at the Black Box Theatre through June 10

By Madeline Dudziak

As a Broadway classic, Hello, Dolly! is one musical I’ve always known about but have never actually seen. Director Lora Adams’ Black Box Theatre production, meanwhile, is a lighthearted tale that enchants from start to finish, so unless you’re a certified fun-hater, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this show.

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