31 Aug 2026

A Soft Place to Land: “Come from Away,” at the Black Box Theatre through September 12

By Kitty Hooker

An unexpected detour can become a story of extraordinary kindness.

25 Aug 2026

“I, Will: A Late Romance,” September 10 through 27

By Reader Staff

Opening its 2026-27 season with the theatre's 40th world premiere since its inception, Iowa City's Riverside Theatre debuts the period comedy I, Will: A Late Romance from September 10 through 27, its Emmy Award-winning author Scott Carter tackling a plague, a demanding king, an increasingly frustrated acting company, and a playwright wondering if his best work is behind him.

24 Aug 2026

A Theoretical Physicist and a Painter Walk into a Bar …: “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through August 30

By Pamela Briggs

Self-referential meta-theatre ploys wage stealth attacks on the audience like mosquitoes. By the time you notice the tiny, piercing strike, it’s gone.

24 Aug 2026

Attention Must Be Paid: The Mockingbird at Black Hawk's “Death of a Salesman,” at Black Hawk College through August 29

By Alexander Richardson

There are some scripts that can be like pulling teeth when not done right. Thankfully, no orthodontist is needed for director Tristan Tapscott's powerful production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.

24 Aug 2026

Fin and Bear It: “The Mermaids,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through August 30

By Mike Schulz

I can only imagine how honored Andy Bro would be to see his name attached to annual presentations of world premieres – shows boasting the exceptional talent, on- and off-stage, continually lured to his theatre in the woods. That being said, and having nothing but admiration and gratitude for Timber Lake's series, I think The Mermaids may have broken my brain.

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.

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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