The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre held its long awaited 25th anniversary gala Saturday at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington. Theater officials had planned to hold the gala there back in 2020, but the onset of the pandemic precluded supporters from gathering.
The Carousel Room at the Sanfilippo Estate (Photos by @somethingbluephoto)
It turns out the delay was worth the wait. The estate’s world-class collection of antique music machines, steam engines and its 19th century European carousel provided a spectacular venue, similar to a Broadway show. The milestone gala drew more than 300 guests and many dressed up in flapper dresses in keeping with its roaring 20s theme.
A highlight of the evening came shortly after dinner, when theater officials presented Neil and Linda Scheufler of Arlington Heights with its Spotlight Award. Randal Klaproth, development director, introduced them and described the many staff and volunteer roles they had held, as well as extensive community involvement.
Those in the audience cheered and gave the couple a long and sustained standing ovation after they were introduced.
Neil and Linda Scheufler accept their award.
“I didn’t know you could have so much fun at work. I didn’t know it was allowed,” Neil quipped in accepting the award. “I really have been living the dream.”
Neil and Linda have volunteered for the theater since it opened, working every event to ensure live theater thrived in the village. After Neil retired from the Nielsen Company, where he had worked in marketing and finance, he accepted his first staff position at Metropolis, as Director of Special Events.
Over the next few years, he would serve as acting executive director — twice — and as acting artistic director for a time. Neil also led the campaign to install the new marquee in front of the theater, including fundraising for the new sign and working with village officials to get it approved. The illuminated marquee was installed in June, 2020.
Neil and Linda Scheufler
He also worked with major donors, drawing the theater’s largest donation in 2017 from Jack Whisler and his family, for the remodeling of the theater’s lobby. One year later, theater officials would dedicate the space, naming it the Whisler Family Lobby.
While Neil has continued to volunteer and even filled a vacant board position for a year, Linda Scheufler began working as a dramaturg, providing historical background to directors and actors. She thanked Casting Director Robin Hughes with bringing her in, in 2017, to help cast members in the musical Hair. She educated them about the turbulent 1960s, its protests and even what a draft card was, and all to add historical context to their portrayals.
“To all the people I’ve worked with, from the directors, all the stage managers, costume designers, sets, lights, sound; thank you,” Linda said. “There are so many people working behind the scenes who create the magic in our theater.”
Other News:
