Like the protagonists of its popular holiday musical, Brett Hitchcock and the show folk who keep Rock Island’s historic Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse going are counting their blessings these days. Two years after fearing for the very existence of the then pandemic-battered Quad Cities entertainment anchor, the father-son team of Dennis and Brett Hitchcock and […]
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Like the protagonists of its popular holiday musical, Brett Hitchcock and the show folk who keep Rock Island’s historic Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse going are counting their blessings these days.Two years after fearing for the very existence of the then pandemic-battered Quad Cities entertainment anchor, the father-son team of Dennis and Brett Hitchcock and the Circa ‘21 family are celebrating sold-out performances this month of the popular musical “White Christmas.” They also are urging theatergoers to hurry if they want to take in a matinee performance of “Santa Claus: The Musical.” It runs through Sunday, Dec. 18, and tickets are going fast. To check availability, visit the website at www.circa21.com or call (309) 786-7733, ext. 2. This motor coach parked in front of Circa ‘21 is a common site. The venue is the Quad Cities second-biggest motor coach attraction behind the casinos. CREDIT CIRCA '21.A busy holiday box office, however, isn’t the only evidence the Quad Cities’ only professional theater —and one of just two dinner theaters in the nation with a performing wait staff — is again thriving. In October, for example, Circa celebrated the completion of a five-month remodel of its Speakeasy venue at 1818 Third Ave. and directly next door to its historic parent in downtown Rock Island. Circa’s good health as it enters 2023 is important not only to the venue itself but the Quad Cities region, said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. The head of the QC destination marketing organization called the region’s second-biggest motor coach attraction “a Quad Cities treasure and one of the most unique destination assets not only in the region but the entire country.”Not only does Circa “create memories for generations,” he told the QCBJ, “Brett Hitchcock and his entire team do an incredible job of providing a variety and diverse portfolio of entertainment for all.” That includes at the renovated Speakeasy which, Mr. Herrell said, helps make Circa “a destination within a destination.”Circa traces its roots back to 1976 when it was bought by Dennis Hitchcock and remodeled into a dinner theater. It opened for business in June of 1977. His son Brett, Circa’s director of audience development, said he grew up working various jobs in the theater and remains Circa’s resident jack-of-all-trades.That new-old Speakeasy has been updated to expand Circa’s customer base via entertainment offerings like comedy, improv, concerts, drag shows and men’s and women’s burlesque shows. That’s according to the younger Hitchcock, who also said the Speakeasy reopened for business on Friday, Oct. 7.Davenport-based Russell was the general contractor for the project which was designed by East Moline-based Streamline Architects. It was apparent during a quick tour of the updated venue by a QCBJ reporter that Brett Hitchcock is both proud and pleased with the way the Art Deco style Speakeasy had been given new life. Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse is one of only two dinner theaters in the nation to feature a performing wait staff. CREDIT KIMBERLY CALHOUN FOR CIRCA ‘21Now Mr. Hitchcock said he and Circa are looking forward to some much-needed, historically sensitive exterior restoration work on the building. Completion of the new window installations and other planned projects will depend on the winter weather and supply chain issues. In all, he expects the Circa building and Speakeasy investment to easily add up to a significant six-figure investment by Circa ‘21.In addition to preparing the entertainment destination to meet the future, the upgrades also are a way to celebrate the historic theater’s hard-won post-COVID-19 renaissance and the loyal and supportive family of customers who helped keep the theater going through its darkest days, Mr. Hitchcock said.
How fans helped save Circa
He added that, when the global pandemic shut Circa’s doors forcing cancellation or postponement of popular shows such as “Saturday Night Fever,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Guys & Dolls,” and later state restrictions reduced the theater to a fraction of the customers it needed to pay the bills, fans stepped in and stepped up. “We were blown away by the fact that we were having random customers send us checks for $25, $50, $100,” Mr. Hitchcock said. Many included notes that said things like, “We hope you make it.”Then there was the impact it would have had if all of the Circa customers who were due refunds for the canceled shows had demanded them all at once, Mr. Hitchcock said. It would have destroyed the business’ cash-flow and very likely the business itself. Instead, Mr. Hitchcock said, many of its 2,000 season ticket holders told Circa to “keep the money, we don’t want it back, or keep it on our account and use it to ensure you’re going to be there. It brought us to tears.”Rock Island business and community leaders also stepped in to support the business, and longtime employees remained committed to the theater even after they were laid off when Illinois’ statewide emergency declaration closed the theater down. Layoffs continued after Illinois allowed the venue to reopen but with a skeleton staff and the severely restricted number of patrons that the state determined would be allowed to attend in person. Many thought the restrictions too severe, and Circa and its supporters fought hard against the decision by the Pritzker administration to classify the venue as a theater rather than a restaurant, thus limiting attendance to 50 customers. That’s a fraction of what is needed to keep the business going.The owners opened the doors anyway, Mr. Hitchcock said, “to show people that we had made it.” Circa also staged its first-ever successful outdoor Music on the Marquee event as a thank you and “to put on some entertainment for people that desperately wanted it,” he added.Gestures like that matter during days like these. Visit QC’s Mr. Herrell said: “The pandemic upended so many things that we care deeply about in the Quad Cities including live theater, the arts, and entertainment. Circa’s resiliency needs to be commended and celebrated and we all need to support their efforts for the next one hundred years. Their presence in downtown Rock Island and the authentic live experiences they create for so many is important for our Quad Cities brand, our story, and future.”
Circa looks ahead to 2023
That future includes a crowded 2023 menu of offerings featuring a few old favorites and some exciting additions in its upcoming 46th season. For more information on these and other Circa and Speakeasy offerings next year, contact Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse at 1828 3rd Ave. in Rock Island or call (309) 786-7733, ext. 2:“We Will Rock You” — Jan. 18-March 11, featuring more than 20 hit Queen Songs. It follows two revolutionaries trying to save rock ‘n roll in a post-apocalyptic world. “Grumpy Old Men The Musical” — March 15-May 6, based on the 1993 movie starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann Margret.“Mama Mia!” — May 10-July 8, a large cast and explosive dance numbers come to life through the music of ABBA.“Escape to Margaritaville” — July 12-Sept. 9, Jimmy Buffett classics and original songs star in this new musical which is making its premiere in 2023 at Circa ‘21.“The Outsider” — Sept. 13-Nov. 4, Ned Newley might be the worst candidate to run for office. This comedy skewers politics and celebrates democracy.Other events include: Believe, the Cher Story; Blue Christmas: Elvis Holiday Extravaganza; Salute to the Rat Pack; the Lettermen; and I am King, a Michael Jackson Tribute.
Circa ‘21 at a glance:
It’s the Quad Cities’ only professional theater.
Located in the former Fort Armstrong Theatre in downtown Rock Island.
The Art Deco style venue opened on Jan. 19, 1921.
Cost to build it was $500,000, and it features Fox and Sauk symbols, including Black Hawk, in its architecture.
Fort Armstrong spent 55 years as a movie theater.
It was called the “Castle That Shadows Built” for the silent movies shown there.
In August 1976, Dennis Hitchcock bought and remodeled the theater.
Circa ‘21 opened in June 1977.
Circa ‘21 (the Fort Armstrong Theatre) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Circa ‘21 underwent a $225,000 renovation for its 25th anniversary in 2001.
The new marquee was designed to replicate the old one.
Actors and artistic staff are from all parts of the country.
Semi-annual auditions are held in New York and other major metropolitan areas.
