Eight area organizations have been awarded 2024 Adler Theatre Fund grants to help them raise the curtain on new productions at the downtown Davenport theater, the Quad Cities Cultural Trust (QCCT) announced.
The QCCT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing the region’s cultural vitality, accepted grant applications this summer. The grants are designed to encourage organizations to bring their unique and vibrant performances to the iconic Adler Theatre and enrich the Quad Cities with diverse cultural experiences.
This year, the Adler Theatre Fund awarded a collective $249,275 to the recipients. The 2024 Adler Theatre Fund grant recipients and their programs are:
- Adler Theatre – The theatre’s 2024 Broadway Season promises an exciting lineup, featuring Shrek the Musical; Tina – The Tina Turner Musica; Pretty Woman: The Musical; and Mean Girls. Audiences can also enjoy special performances such as Charlie Brown Christmas and the comedic acts of Marlon Wayans and Chevy Chase.
- Ballet Quad Cities – With The Firebird, Ballet Quad Cities brings a mesmerizing adaptation of the classic Russian fairy tale to life. Under the direction of Courtney Lyon, this production combines stunning choreography with Igor Stravinsky’s powerful score to tell the magical tale of Prince Ivan and the mystical Firebird.
- Bethel A.M.E. Church – The Bethel Davenport Comedy Show: Have a Really Good Laugh program engages youth in a fun, interactive comedy experience that enhances skills, confidence, and community involvement. This youth development initiative culminates in a comedy show featuring young performers alongside their families.
- Breath of Encouragement – Two thrilling productions are in store: The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a dynamic reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic featuring hip hop dance and music, and Cinderella, a heartwarming musical performance featuring a local cast and crew.
- German American Heritage Center and Museum – Paco Erhard: Germany’s Global Comedian offers a night of laughter as he connects with the community through humor. This inclusive performance will celebrate the rich German heritage of the Quad Cities, while appealing to all.
- Davenport Central Vocal Boosters – The Great River Show Choir Invitational brings schools from across five to eight neighboring states to compete on the Adler stage. High school show choirs perform before professional judges and receive feedback to hone their skills. Choirs compete for the prestigious Grand Champion title.
- Quad City Arts – The Mark Morris Dance Group will bring its remarkable artistry to the Adler as part of Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series. This marks a new chapter for this program by offering a fully produced performance. In addition, the United States Air Force Jazz Band will provide a free public concert.
- Quad City Symphony Orchestra – The QCSO will perform Disney’s Hocus Pocus with a live orchestral score, bringing the beloved Halloween film to life. Fans can also experience Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in concert, and an immersive Video Games in Concert, where cherished video game soundtracks will be performed live and accompanied by stunning visuals on the big screen.
In a news release, the QCCT said the grant recipients exemplify the creative spirit and dedication to cultural vitality the Adler Theatre Fund strives to support.
Founded in 2007 to support six core Quad Cities cultural organizations, the QCCT’s mission is to advocate, promote and facilitate enriching the arts and culture for all. To date, QCCT has granted more than $18.7 million to art and cultural institutions to elevate the performing arts and foster a thriving arts scene.
The Adler Theatre Fund, which is separate from QCCT’s funding process and its Legacy Partners, is a pivotal part of the QCCT mission.
The Legacy Partners are: Common Chord, Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum & Science Center and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, all in Davenport; and the Quad City Botanical Center and Quad City Arts, both in Rock Island.
