Theatre
Independence
Richmond Hill Barn Theatre
Thursday, February 10, through Sunday, February 20
Steve Schmidt, a well-known Republican campaign strategist, was once quoted as saying, "The price for independence is often isolation and solitude." Silly man. The price for Independence is actually only 10 bucks.
Uh ... he was talking about the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre's new play, right?
Directed by venue veteran Emmalee Moffitt, this comedic drama by Tony Award-nominated author Lee Blessing takes its title from the rural Iowa town that provides its setting - not that the play's frustrated characters aren't seeking lower-case independence of their own. An all-female offering that's like a less emotionally violent August: Osage County, Blessing's work concerns a troubled family matriarch, Evelyn Briggs, and her three daughters: Jo, an incurable romantic dealing with a quite unexpected pregnancy; Kess, a lesbian university professor returning home under duress; and Sherry, a rebellious high-schooler aching to escape her clan for good.
As the women find themselves under the same roof for the first time in many years, Independence explores themes of dysfunction, self-sacrifice, and unbreakable familial bonds with biting humor and heartfelt candor. Ohio's Tribune Chronicle called Blessing's "brutally honest" work a "finely honed domestic drama," while Colorado Backstage praised the play's "thought-provoking, delightful down-home humor" and "uncanny realism."
And with Richmond Hill's season-opening production offering meaty roles to Stacy Herrick, Dana Skiles, Nancy Teerlinck, and Jennifer Ufen, the show is sure to be a memorable one. After all, in the words of Daniel Webster, "Independence now, and independence forever!"
Another silly man - Independence only runs from February 10 through 20. For tickets and information, call (309)944-2244 or visit RHPlayers.com.
Music
Civil Rights Song Fest
Bettendorf Public Library
Thursday, February 17, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
As seems appropriate for the climactic event in its 2010-11 Civil Rights Program, the Bettendorf Library is celebrating Black History Month in song. Or rather, a bunch of songs.
Taking place on February 17, the library's Civil Rights Song Fest will feature dozens of area artisans - singers, dancers, poets, and storytellers - joining forces for a rousing and inspiring evening of community spirit, with Bucktown Revue host Scott Tunnicliff and Quad City Poet Laureate Shellie Moore Guy serving as emcees. And while the entertainment is sure to be sensational, a question does linger: How is this much talent going to be squeezed into a mere 90 minutes?
The Civil Rights Song Fest's performance lineup includes local singers and musicians Ellis Kell, Barbara Buddin, Bill Campbell, Chris Dunn, Barb Kuttler, the Quad Cities' women's chorus Hersong, and the Redeemed Voices Gospel Choir. A dance performance will be delivered by members of the Imani Dance Troupe, while poetry will be read by two former Quad City poet laureates, Dale Haake and Dick Stahl. And in addition to audience sing-alongs of new and traditional Civil Rights-themed music, the event will feature performances by the winners - in both the adult and youth categories - of the library's recent Civil Rights Songwriting Competition. (2/7/10 Update: The winners have been announced! Congrats to adult winner Mark Ridolfi for "Drawn by Love," youth winner Max Lipnick for "Time for a Change," and youth honorable-mention winner Kellen Meyers for "Freedom for All People"!)
In short, the Bettendorf Library's Civil Rights Song Fest promises to be a stellar salute to Black History Month, and also to the February birthdays of five renowned Americans known for their dedication to civil rights: Rosa Parks (born 1913), Langston Hughes (1902), Susan B. Anthony (1820), Frederick Douglass (1818), and Abraham Lincoln (1809). Can't wait to see library staffers roll out that cake with 793 candles.
More information on the Civil Rights Song Fest is available by calling (563)344-4175 or visiting BettendorfLibrary.com.
Theatre
As You Like It
Augustana College's Centennial Hall
Thursday, February 3, 8 p.m.
"Shamelessly entertaining." "Bursting with energy." "High quality that's authentic but not antiquarian."
No these aren't the engravings I imagine for my tombstone ... though I quite like that last one. Rather, they're examples of the critical praise - from the Washington Post, Boston Globe, and Wall Street Journal, respectively - for productions by the Virginia-based American Shakespeare Center, and local audiences can find themselves in thrall to the company's talents on February 3, when troupe members offer their take on the Elizabethan comedy As You Like It at Augustana College's Centennial Hall.
Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the American Shakespeare Center's home venue is the Blackfriars Playhouse, the world's only re-creation of the Bard's original indoor theatre at London's Blackfriars Monastery. (Information on, and photos of, this gorgeous building can be found at AmericanShakespeareCenter.com.
For one thing, when the show begins, don't be surprised if the lights don't dim; as Shakespeare's actors could see their audiences, this troupe's actors want to see you. For another - again, as in the Bard's day - expect all manner of reverse-gender casting, deliberately simple set and costume selections, and the employment of numerous songs, often presented in anachronistically contemporary stylings. And do not be shocked if you find yourself, either willingly or accidentally, taking on a few roles yourselves, as audience members (according to the Web site) are frequently asked to serve as "Cleopatra's court, Henry V's army, or simply as the butt of innumerable jokes." With all the practice I get at the office, I'm thinking I'll be cast in that last part.
Tickets to As You Like It are $8, and are available by calling the Augustana ticket office at (309)794-7306 or visiting Augustana.edu/tickets.
Movies
The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti 3D
Opens Friday, February 4
Barbados: Island in the Sun
Tuesday, February 15
Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre
It's freezing outside. It's snow-covered. And over the next two weeks, the Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre will present screenings of two new films: the 2009 documentary Barbados: Island in the Sun, and the 2010 surfing experience The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti 3D. Would it be somewhat untoward if I walked up to the venue and gave it a great big hug?
The latest offering in the Putnam's World Adventure Series - being shown at 1, 4, and 7 p.m. on February 15 - Barbados: Island in the Sun is a beautifully-photographed travelogue that delivers reams of insight into the island, its culture, its people, and its awe-inspiring sandy beaches, and is being hosted by filmmaker Steve Gonser, who will also participate in post-film Q&A sessions.
Meanwhile, 2010's The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti 3D - which begins its Putnam run on Friday, February 4 - will plunge audiences headfirst into the visual rapture of this island paradise, as it follows nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater and Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer as they tackle some of the heaviest and most astonishing surf on the planet.
Both films are sure to provide welcome respite for anyone suffering from the wintertime blues, and will no doubt be chock full of fascinating informational tidbits on these sun-drenched locales. But how familiar are you with these islands before entering the Putnam? Let's see, shall we? Which of the following can be ascribed to Barbados, and which to Tahiti?
1) Located in the Atlantic Ocean.
2) Located in the Pacific Ocean.
3) Total area: 167 square miles.
4) Total area: 403.5 square miles.
5) Largest city: Bridgetown.
6) Largest city: Papeete.
7) Official language: English.
8) Most economical vacation option on a journalist's salary.
A) Barbados
B) Tahiti
For Barbados: Island in the Sun and The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti 3D tickets and showtimes, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
Answers: 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - A, 4 - B, 5 - A, 6 - B, 7 - A, 8 - Do I really need to tell you that this is a trick question?
Music
Barbra & Frank: The Concert That Never Was
Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center
Thursday, February 10, 6 p.m.
"Frank, honey!"
"Barbra, baby!"
"Can you believe it?! We're finally performing together! Happy days are here again!"
"Don't get sentimental, baby. That's life."
"And just think - The Concert That Never Was! It'll be us, just the way we were!"
"Remember how that summer wind blew when I lost you in New York, New York? I said somethin' stupid after you turned my world around and our love affair vanished somewhere in your heart. It was like we were strangers in the night."
"Well, no more tears. You don't bring me flowers, but I'd rather be blue over you than happy with somebody else. Oh, those evergreen days when you'd kiss me in the rain - it was the best thing you've ever done!"
"When somebody loves you, baby, they want to be close to you. And I believe I'm gonna love you all through the day and always."
"But will I just be comin' in and out of your life? Like a memory?"
"You make me feel so young, baby! The world we knew, over and over, can be ours the second time around. Let's do it! Let's fall in love!"
"I finally found someone! My man! How lucky can you get?"
"Luck be a lady, and she's funny that way!"
"A real funny girl!"
Tickets to Barbra & Frank: The Concert That Never Was - starring acclaimed Streisand and Sinatra impersonators Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzaldo - are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For tickets, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.
What Else Is Happenin'...?
MUSIC
Friday, February 4, and Saturday, February 5 - NINE-1-1. Farewell performances with the area rockers. The Rusty Nail (2606 West Locust Street, Davenport). 9-1:30 a.m. $3. For information, call (563)386-1900 or visit NINE-1-1-Rocks.com.
Saturday, February 5 - Tomorrows Bad Seeds. Concert with the alternative, reggae, and rock musicians, with an opening set by Rude Punch. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com.
Saturday, February 5 - Come Together for Music Education with the Liverpool Legends. Fundraising concert featuring Moline High School music students performing with the noted Beatles tribute band. Moline High School Auditorium (3600 Avenue of the Cities, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $25-30. For tickets, call (309)743-8833 or visit KUUL.com.
Saturday, February 5, and Sunday, February 6 - Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The fourth Masterworks concerts of the season, with guest Gary Bordner on trumpet, and a program including Bach's "Cantata No. 51," Hertel's "Concerto for Trumpet & Oboe," and Mozart's "Requiem." Saturday - Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. Sunday - Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 2 p.m. $12-52. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit QCSymphony.com.
Monday, February 7 - Fitz & the Tantrums. Indie, pop, and soul musicians in concert, with an opening set by Bermuda Report. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com. For an interview with bandleader Michael Fitzpatrick, visit RCReader.com/y/fitz.
Tuesday, February 8, through Thursday, February 10 - Doktu Rhute Muuzic. Concerts with the Chicago-based blues guitarist, singer, and educator, performing through the Mississippi Valley Blues Society's Blues in the Schools Artists in Residence Series. Tuesday - Borders Books, Music, & Cafe (4000 East 53rd Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Wednesday - Mojo's in the River Music Experience (130 West Second Street, Davenport). 5 p.m. Thursday - Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf). 3 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Friday, February 11 - The Lovin' Spoonful. Concert with the 1960s pop rockers of "Summer in the City" fame. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $15-25. For tickets, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.
Saturday, February 12 - The Bacon Brothers. Gritty rock and a touch of Philly soul with Michael and Kevin Bacon. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $30-40. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Saturday, February 12 - Smooth Jazz Valentine's Concert & Dinner. Romantic evening with performances by jazz, R&B, and funk musicians Marc Antoine, Jessy J., and Alexander Zonjic. The Lodge Hotel (900 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf). 6 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. concert. $150-180/couple. For tickets and information, call (563)324-4208 or visit SmoothJazzSeries.com.
Sunday, February 13 - Bill Medley. Rhythm-and-blues concert with legendary member of The Righteous Brothers. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 4 p.m. $25-35. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Monday, February 14 - Ozzy Osbourne. Legendary rocker and reality-TV star in concert, with opener Slash. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $29.50-65. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
THEATRE
Thursday, February 10, and Saturday, February 12 - The Vagina Monologues. Eighth-annual fundraising presentation of Eve Ensler's off-Broadway smash. Augustana College's Denkmann Memorial Hall (3520 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $6-9. For information, call (309)203-9879 or e-mail clydeandrewwalter@augustana.
Friday, February 11, through Sunday, February 13 - Over the River & Through the Woods. Squabbling-family comedy by Joe DiPietro, directed by Richard Hall. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $8-15. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Friday, February 11, and Saturday, February 12 - Autobahn: A Short Play Cycle. Collection of short plays by Neil LaBute, all of which take place in cars. Augustana College's Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts (3701 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)203-9879 or e-mail clydeandrewwalter@augustana.
DANCE
Tuesday, February 8 - Merce Cunningham Dance Company: The Legacy Tour. A presentation in the Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists series and the final tour with one of the world's most innovative and influential dance companies. The University of Iowa's Iowa Memorial Union (125 North Madison Street, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $30-60. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Saturday, February 12, and Sunday, February 13 - Love Stories. Five choreographed vignettes, by five female choreographers, in an updating of last year's Ballet Quad Cities production. Davenport North High School's Holzworth Performing Arts Center (626 West 53rd Street, Davenport). Saturday 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. $10-22. For tickets and information, call (309)786-3779 or visit BalletQuadCities.com. For an article on co-choreographer Lynn Andrews, visit RCReader.com/y/lovestories.
KIDS' STUFF
Wednesday, February 16 - Thomas & Friends Live on Stage: Thomas Saves the Day. Live musical adventure with characters from the popular children's television series. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). $15.50-31.50. 6 p.m. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
EVENTS
Friday, February 4 - Midwest Heartbreakers Male Revue. Skits and choreographed routines with the Midwest's premier male exotic dancers. The Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $12-15. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, February 4 - Ghost Hunters Dinner. Listen to members of the Rock Island Paranormal Society discuss their investigation of the historic Quarters One facility, and search for ghosts using the society's equipment. Rock Island Arsenal Golf Clubhouse (1838 Gillespie, Arsenal Island, Rock Island). 6 p.m. cocktails, 6:30 p.m. dinner and presentation. $30. For information and to reserve, call (309)793-1601 or visit ArsenalIslandGolf.com.
Friday, February 11, through Sunday, February 13 - Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show. Featuring vendors, new models, and the latest in automotive technology. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5-8, ages 12 and under free with paid adult. For information, call (563)326-8500 or visit RiverCtr.com.
