Showing posts with label metropolis performing arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label metropolis performing arts. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Metropolis Kicks of 10th Anniversary Season

The 2010-2011 Season will be the biggest, most star-studded line up in the history of the venerable Northwest Suburban theatre. Metropolis has established itself as a major arts entertainment and education center in the region.

Metropolis’ 10th Anniversary Season includes music legends Joan Baez, Robert Cray, Paula Cole, Shawn Mullins, and Liz Callaway. This year’s Comedy performances are from WGN’s Steve Cochran and Mike Toomey, the smash hit comedy from The Second City, Rod Blagojevich Superstar, and a World Premiere comedy in the subscription series, The Butler Didn’t! as well as a late night comedy parody of the popular Twilight series. Included in the diverse and fun Family series is the interactive scientist/entertainer Doktor Kaboom!, Bubble Wonders, Illusionist Bill Blagg III and the explosive drum and dance group Be the Groove. Continuing the incredibly popular music tribute series, Metropolis is bringing amazing tribute bands that perform the music of Billy Joel/Elton John, the Bee Gees, Steely Dan, Judy Garland and Julie Andrews. Best of all, Metropolis will be announcing one of its biggest shows ever on July 20th. It took two years to obtain the licensing rights to this Tony Award-winning musical, and part of the agreement stipulates a July 20th announcement date. This fun, amazing show will open the 2010-2011 subscription season in September.

"I know this sounds like a canned statement, but I truly believe this is best and most exciting season Metropolis has ever had,” said Metropolis Executive Director Jim Jarvis.

“We've got amazing artists and shows in every category from our subscription series to our family programming, concerts and comedy. And what a way to kick off our 10th Anniversary with two true musical legends: Joan Baez and Robert Cray. It took us 9 months of scouting shows, negotiating and scheduling. But when we finally finished putting the season together, I just looked and went 'wow, it's going to be a fun year at Metropolis!' "

The season launches in June with the return of the wildly popular The Vagina Monologues. Tickets go on sale to subscribers on May 17 and to the general public on June 1. Tickets to The Vagina Monologues, Rod Blagojevich Superstar, the Steve Cochran Comedy Show and the Bee Gees Tribute Stayin’ Alive are on sale now.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Metropolis Kicks off 10th Anniversary Season at 2010 Gala

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is kicking of its historic 10th Anniversary season at its annual Gala fundraising event. The biggest night of the year for the venerable performing arts centre raises tens of thousands of dollars for the non-profit organization with ticket sales and live and silent auctions.

Attendees will be treated to an announcement of its 10th Anniversary season that includes Joan Baez, Robert Cray, Los Lobos and other legendary music acts as well as a Tony Award-winning musical.

This premier, black tie optional event begins with cocktails and entertainment in the theater from hot new jazz & big band singer Dakota, and a short scene performed by students in the Flourish in the Footlights program for students with special needs.

The night continues in the beautiful Metropolis Ballroom with a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing into the night with the live band Libido Funk Circus. Attendees will have the chance to win the “Star of the Show,” a beautiful white gold ring valued at $1200, courtesy of Keswick Jewelry.

This year’s auction boasts a range of new, amazing packages. Featured auction items include a private movie screening at Arlington Theaters, an evening skyline boat cruise on Lake Michigan, a full day guided fishing trip on the Chain of Lakes, autographed sports memorabilia, wine tastings, Cubs tickets, museum tickets, club memberships and tickets to many other Chicago area theaters and concert and orchestra tickets, among other fun items.

And for the first time, people can bid for the silent auction items in advance, online at www.biddingforgood.com/metropolisgala. Online biding will end May 5, and highest online bids will be listed on the bid sheets at the Gala.

Tickets to the 2010 Gala are limited and going fast; call immediately to reserve a space at this special event. Tickets are $85 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, wine and beer. Metropolis’ 2010 Fundraising Gala is May 7, 2010 from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M. For tickets, call the Box Office at 847.577.2121 or visit www.metropolisarts.com/gala

This special event is proudly sponsored by Arlington Park; Drost, Kivlahan, McMahon and O’Connor LLC; Pfingston Partners LLC; James Bertucci; Keswick Jewelers; Metropolis Ballroom; Sylvia’s Flowers; The Tuscan Market Wine Shop; FastSigns; Stella Artois; Peter Kics, DDS; Swanson Construction.

For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2010/2011 performance schedule, visit MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Metropolis Celebrates El Dia De Los Muertos with The Magic Ofrenda

Students will learn all about El Día de los Muertos and Mexican heritage with The Magic Ofrenda at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre October 26 – 31, 2009.

To celebrate El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), young Anjelita visits her goofy Grandpa Juan in Mexico.

He tells Anjelita and her brother Mateo all about this celebration honoring loved ones who are no longer living. Along the way, Anjelita meets painter Frida Kahlo and lots of singing, fun-loving spirits who help her learn all about her Mexican heritage.

Performances of The Magic Ofrenda will run October 26 – 30 at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and October 31 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $9.50 for students under 12 and $12 for adults. Suggested for grades K – 3.

More about Stories in Action!
The Magic Ofrenda is part of Metropolis’ Stories in Action! series – educational productions designed to feed the minds and imaginations of young audiences and bring families together through the performing arts. Watch for other upcoming Stories in Action! productions including Frindle, Peter Pan, The Diary of Anne Frank and Seussical Jr.

Outreach and Group Sales
The Metropolis School of the Performing Arts offers group discounts and companion workshops to the Stories in Action! performances. These workshops introduce students to various dramatic elements and help increase their understanding and enjoyment of the performing arts. Benefit from the knowledge of the teaching artists and actors who come to your group to enhance your Metropolis experience.

By booking a group through our Group Sales department, you’ll save up to 20% on tickets, we’ll waive the ticket handling fee, and you’ll receive comps for group chaperones. To discuss the needs of your group, contact Alyse Perkowitz at 847.577.5982 x241.

To create a package with a companion workshop, contact Aimee-Lynn Newlan, Outreach Manager, at 847.577.5982 x 230.

Metropolis is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. In addition, Metropolis receives generous sponsorship from the American Airlines, Daily Herald, DoubleTree of Arlington Heights, and FastSigns of Arlington Heights.

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2008/2009 performance schedule, go to MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Metropolis Connecting Chicago Students with Big Name Artists

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts has announced three workshops with big artists, giving aspiring musical theatre actors, songwriters and playwrights a chance to learn from professionals in the business.

On October 3rd, aspiring adult playwrights can work with local playwright Will Dunne in a free two-hour class at Metropolis. Will Dunne is the Resident Playwright at Chicago Dramatists, has led nearly 1,600 playwriting workshops and twice attended the Australian National Playwrights Conference as guest instructor. His plays have been selected by the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center for three National Playwrights Conferences, and generated a Charles MacArthur Fellowship. West coast productions of his plays have earned four Bay Area Theatre Critics Awards and two DramaLogue Playwriting Awards. Students will learn the basic principles of playwriting and get a technical look at how scenes are constructed. The workshop is 10 a.m. – Noon on Saturday, October 3 and is free. Students can register by calling 847.577.5982 x221.

On October 11 & 12, musical theatre performers and singers ages 8-16 can attend the two-day Singing for the Stage II workshop, which culminates in a showcase with Jersey Boy Michael Ingersoll. This second in the series of exciting workshops will prepare young vocal performers for singing on the stage. It will focus on vocal technique, stage presence and acting the song. This workshop will end in a final showcase with Jersey Boy Michael Ingersoll who will provide individual feedback to each student. Time is 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, October 11 & 12. Cost is $175 and students can register by calling 847.577.5982 x221.

Aspiring songwriters can work with Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins on Sunday November 22. Mullins has had two number one songs, sold over a million albums, been nominated for a Grammy and performed thousands of live shows. Now students can study songwriting with him at Metropolis. This is a great chance for songwriters to learn from someone that knows how to write lyrics and weave hit melodies. Mullins performs an acoustic show at Metropolis on Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m., and holds this Master Class on Sunday, November 22 from Noon – 4 p.m. Cost is $150. Students can register by calling 847.577.5982 x221

Metropolis is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. In addition, Metropolis receives generous sponsorship from American Airlines, Daily Herald, Doubletree Hotel of Arlington Heights and FastSigns of Arlington Heights..

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2008/2009 performance schedule, go to MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Curiouser and Curiouser! Alice in Wonderland Comes to Chicago

Enter the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, October 13 – 21, 2009.

All the characters from the beloved tale will be there: the kooky Caterpillar, the grumpy flowers and of course that White Rabbit who’s running rather late. Join Alice as she has tea with the Mad Hatter, gets crazy advice from the Cheshire Cat and plays croquet with the Queen of Hearts. It’s a musical, magical world of nonsense that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Performances of Alice in Wonderland, a Chicago Kids Company production, will run October 13 – 16 at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., October 17 at 11 a.m., and October 19 – 21 at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $9.50 for students under 12 and $12 for adults. Suggested for grades K – 3.

Alice in Wonderland is part of Metropolis’ Stories in Action! series – educational productions designed to feed the minds and imaginations of young audiences and bring families together through the performing arts. Watch for other upcoming Stories in Action! productions including The Magic Ofrenda, Frindle, Peter Pan, The Diary of Anne Frank and Seussical Jr.

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2008/2009 performance schedule, go to MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Metropolis Season Opens with Big, Fun Rock 'N' Roll Revue

Come kick up your feet for some good old fashion fun! Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is proud to present its newest production, Pump Boys and Dinettes September 24 – November 14, 2009.

Welcome to Highway 57! Home to beer swilling pump boys Jim and LM and Rhetta and Prudie Cupp over at the Double Cupp Diner. These folks live by personal philosophies like “Working gives you something to look forward to… not working.” Whether they’re singing about checking out the heartthrob cashier at Woolworths, having a private concert with Dolly Parton, or just wanting bigger tips, this cheery crew will get you into the groove of their rockin’ tunes. Join in the fun as the boys go fishing, the girls brew up some homemade beer and the whole gang plans a trip to Florida… in a customer’s Winnebago! Some adult themes.

Director Robin M. Hughes, Metropolis’ Artistic Director/Director of Production, is working with an amazing cast, many of whom call the northwest suburbs home. Local cast members include Tom Vendafreddo (Palatine), John Summers (Schaumburg) and Amy Dolan (Arlington Heights).

Preview performances of Pump Boys and Dinettes at Metropolis are September 24 – September 26. Opening day is Sunday, September 27. The show runs through November 14, 2009. Specific dates and times are listed below. Tickets range from $27 to $43 and can be purchased online at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Pump Boys and Dinettes is part of the Subscription series at Metropolis, bringing first class entertainment to the northwest suburbs. More shows in the Subscription series include: Out of Order, Side Man and Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical.

Metropolis’ cast for Pump Boys and Dinettes includes Jim DeSelm (Jackson), Amy Dolan (Loreen), Tiffany Herlien (Rhetta), Kelli Eileen LaValle (Prudie), Kevin Stangler (Jim), Glenn Stanton (Leroy), John Summers (Eddie), Mark Underhill (Tucker) and Tom Vendafreddo (L.M.).

Pump Boys and Dinettes is directed by Robin M. Hughes. Musical direction is by Micky York and choreography is by Kristen Gurbach Jacobson. Designers are Mike Gehmlich (Lighting Design and Resident Technical Director), Adam Veness (Scenic Design), Bill Franz (Resident Sound Designer), Vicky Strei (Resident Costume Designer) and D.J. Reed (Properties Designer). Robin M. Hughes is the Artistic Director/Director of Production, the Executive Director of Metropolis is Jim Jarvis.

The title sponsor for Pump Boys and Dinettes is The Grand Station Restaurant & Cocktails. Metropolis is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. In addition, Metropolis receives generous sponsorship from American Airlines, the Daily Herald, Doubletree Hotel of Arlington Heights, FastSigns of Arlington Heights, and Stella Artois.

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2008/2009 performance schedule, go to MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Bacon Brothers Coming To Illinois

Be Just 1-Degree Away: Bacon Brothers Coming to Metropolis

Kevin Bacon and his rock band The Bacon Brothers are at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre for just 2 nights, September 11 & 12, 2009.

Forget about 6° of separation, be just 1° away from actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael when you see The Bacon Brothers at Metropolis. The brothers have been rocking together through 14 years and 6 albums; now they bring their gritty rock to the intimate Metropolis stage. Their music has a tough edge and some Philly soul that will get everyone dancing and leave you begging for one more song. They’re here for just two nights, so get your tickets soon, and don’t miss your chance to be up close and personal with The Bacon Brothers.

The Bacon Brothers come to Metropolis September 11 & 12, 2009 at 8 P.M. Tickets are $55, Stage Tables $65, and can be purchased online at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

The Bacon Brothers are part of the Music series at Metropolis, dedicated to bringing in big name artists to an intimate, acoustically perfect and exclusive venue. More music shows in the 2009/10 season include performances by Metropolis Youth Symphony, Legacy Girls, Shawn Mullins, The Illinois Brass Band, Corky Siegel & Megon McDonough, Abba Salute, Liz Carroll, George Winston and Siegel-Schwall.

The Bacon Brothers are sponsored by Title Sponsor Great Street Realty. Metropolis is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. In addition, Metropolis receives generous sponsorship from American Airlines, the Daily Herald, Doubletree Hotel of Arlington Heights, FastSigns of Arlington Heights, and Stella Artois.

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2009/2010 performance schedule, visit "new">MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Inaugural March for Metropolis Has Fun in Store for the Whole Family

INAUGURAL MARCH FOR METROPOLIS HAS FUN IN STORE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Arlington Heights, Ill., - There’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors with your family! March for Metropolis, a 5K walk for all, marks Metropolis’ first family-friendly fundraiser. The March happens Saturday, September 19, 2009.
Gather your friends and family, get out in the late summer sunshine and get moving. This fun 5k walk through beautiful Arlington Heights brings together the community for a great cause, a lovely stroll, which begins and ends at Harmony Park with activities for the kids and music, fun and refreshments for all. Proceeds go to the School of the Performing Arts to keep tuition affordable and to subsidize our Outreach department that provides low and no-cost arts programs to schools, hospices and kids with special needs.

Post-walk activities include a special appearance by Chicago Wolves mascot Skates, entertainment by magician Joe Diamond and My Party Princess, a performance by Metropolis’ Rock Band, and much more.

Prizes for top fundraisers include a walk-on role in Metropolis’ production of A Christmas Carol, an iPod and more.

The March beings at 8:00 A.M., Saturday, September 19, 2009 in front of Metropolis Performing Arts Centre at 111 W. Campbell St. in downtown Arlington Heights and ends at Harmony Park, at the corner of Vail and Campbell streets. For a map of the full route, visit MetropolisArts.com.

Registration is $25 per person. Forms can be found at the Metropolis Box Office or online at MetropolisArts.com. The registration fee includes a March for Metropolis t-shirt and refreshments.

This special event is proudly sponsored by Arlington Park and Drost, Kivlahan, McMahon & O’Connor, LLC, The Metropolis Ballroom, Runners High n’ Tri, Whole Foods Market and the Chicago Wolves.

Steering Committee Members for the March for Metropolis include: Jennifer Chiostri, Bea Cornelissen, Meredith Cunningham, Jeannie Jordan, Tina Kapinos, Bonnie Kubin, Donna Nygren, Sherry Perry

For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2009/2010 performance schedule, visit MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Metropolis Announces Fun Summer Show

METROPOLIS ANNOUNCES BIG, FUN, SUMMER SHOW:
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT: UNCENSORED


Grab your girlfriends and get ready to laugh! The Second City’s Girls’ Night Out: Uncensored comes to Metropolis Performing Arts Centre August 6 – September 19, 2009.

The theatre that brought you Tina Fey and Bonnie Hunt brings their latest troupe of laughable ladies, with one funnyman in tow, to Metropolis for Girls’ Night Out: Uncensored. You’ll be rolling in the aisles as they tackle everything from shopping sprees and chocoholics to dating woes and intolerable in-laws. You can bet these witty women will really be a scream as they put their side-splitting spin on everything in a woman’s world.

The Second City’s Girls’ Night Out: Uncensored runs at Metropolis from August 6 – September 19, 2009. A complete listing of show dates and times can be found below. Tickets are $28.50, Stage Tables $33.50, and can be purchased online at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

The Second City’s Girls’ Night Out: Uncensored is part of the Comedy series at Metropolis, bringing hilarious, biting social satire, silly, surprising, and smart comedies to the northwest suburbs. More comedies in the 2009/10 season include Dinner for Sex Six, Put the Nuns in Charge!, Bikerman and the Jewish Avenger: Love Hurts, Flanagan’s Wake and The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?.

Metropolis is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. In addition, Metropolis receives generous sponsorship from American Airlines, the Daily Herald, Doubletree Hotel of Arlington Heights, FastSigns of Arlington Heights, and Stella Artois.

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2009/2010 performance schedule, visit MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Tickets.com Client Spotlight: Metropolis Performing Arts Center

Metropolis Executive Director and Resident Playwright Team Up and Take the Stage for One Uproarious Night

Called “A new Odd Couple” by the Pioneer Press, Bikerman and the Jewish Avenger return to Metropolis in their new show We had babies… Man Style on Saturday, July 25, 2009.

Bikerman, also known as Jim Jarvis, Metropolis Executive Director, and the Jewish Avenger, aka Metropolis’ Resident Playwright Scott Woldman (Indecent Proposals, Speedating the Musical), are back together after a 4 year hiatus. Since we last saw them, a house was destroyed, 13 possum were caught, a thumb was bitten off and someone went to the ER for getting cayenne pepper in their eyes. And they both became dads. This hilarious duo is reviving their special, high-energy brand of storytelling, but this time, no escapades involving bear hunting, Harley riding and video gaming. That’s right, these new dads are all about diaper changing, lullaby singing and Peek-a-booing, and doing it Man Style. While you never know quite what to expect from this unlikely team, one thing’s for sure: it’s a side-splitting night you don’t want to miss!

Bikerman and the Jewish Avenger: We had babies… Man Style comes to Metropolis July 25, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $16.50 and can be purchased online at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

Bikerman and the Jewish Avenger: We had babies… Man Style is part of the Comedy series at Metropolis, bringing hilarious, biting social satire, silly, surprising, and smart comedies to the northwest suburbs. More comedies in the 2009/10 season include The Second City’s Girls’ Night Out: Uncensored, Dinner for Sex Six, Put the Nuns in Charge!, Bikerman and the Jewish Avenger: Love Hurts, Flanagan’s Wake and The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?.

Metropolis is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. In addition, Metropolis receives generous sponsorship from American Airlines, the Daily Herald, Doubletree Hotel of Arlington Heights, FastSigns of Arlington Heights, and Stella Artois.

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2009/2010 performance schedule, visit MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.