22 Jul 2024

Comedy and Drachma: Genesius Guild's “Plutus,” at Lincoln Park through July 28

By Pamela Briggs

Aristophanes wrote Plutus more than 2,400 years ago, and we're still griping that people wealthier than we are haven't necessarily earned it, whether through hard work or by reason of virtue.

15 Jul 2024

Surfin' Turf: “The Bikinis,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through August 24

By Pamela Briggs

The Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's current production is The Bikinis, which is subtitled A New Musical Beach Party, and I attended Thursday's preview night. The musical part is enjoyable; the four singers and four-member band perform admirably. However, I'd personally subtitle the rest of the show When Bad Scripts Happen to Good People.

15 Jul 2024

Harmony: “Songs for a New World,” at the Black Box Theatre through July 19

By Pamela Briggs

I was overdue for captivating theatre, and on Friday, the Black Box Theatre delivered.

24 Jun 2024

Lend Them Your Ears: Genesius Guild's “Julius Caesar,” at Lincoln Park through June 30

By Pamela Briggs

Keeping an eye on forecasts for days in advance, I was sure that severe thunderstorms were going to wash out Genesius Guild's opening-night performance of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. But they didn't, and with my umbrella, I went, I watched, I liked it.

17 Jun 2024

Four Scored, and 68 Years Ago: “Million Dollar Quartet,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through June 23

By Pamela Briggs

Director Courtney Crouse and music director Sabin Fisher, along with their cast, crew, and production staff, have crafted an extraordinarily entertaining production bursting with high-level musicianship, engaging acting, and visual verve, telling of a legendary studio session involving Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

10 Jun 2024

A Vine Time Had by All: “Tarzan: The Musical,” at the Spotlight Theatre through June 16

By Pamela Briggs

Care to enjoy some frolicking, singing gorillas (and people) without leaving the QC? I suggest visiting the Spotlight Theatre for Tarzan: The Musical, an adaptation of the 1999 Disney animated film.

03 Jun 2024

Night of the Loving Dead: “Laura,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through June 9

By Pamela Briggs

It took time for some of the performers in director John Donald O'Shea's production at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre to fully inhabit their roles; consequently, I was slow to warm up to the show. But I did. The compelling mystery aspects enter the script late, too, but are ultimately engrossing.

15 Apr 2024

Fairytales from the Crypt: “The Secret in the Wings,” at St. Ambrose University through April 21

By Pamela Briggs

I've visited this little theatre, and knew it was in the mainstage's large green room, but o, my brothers and sisters – I'd never seen it like it is now.

15 Apr 2024

The Cremains of the Day: “Exit Laughing,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through April 21

By Pamela Briggs

2013's Exit Laughing is at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, and it is a damn good time. Director Mike Skiles and his cohorts have built an entertaining, satisfying production on the foundation of a solid script.

08 Apr 2024

Come Heels or High Water: Quad City Music Guild's “Kinky Boots,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through April 14

By Pamela Briggs

Kelsey Walljasper directed this slick, joyous production, with Mitch Carter as music director, and with a lovely balance of comedy and heart, it's inspiring, not too serious, and looks and sounds fabulous.

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