The story of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is familiar to most theatergoers, but the adaptation playing now at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, is well, warmer, according to Executive Director David Victor.
Photos by Jen Heim/Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
“Though it’s the same one-act adaptation, this year’s tale is warmer and more festive,” Victor says. “There is more of a ‘hope’ undertone to the storyline.”
The show runs through Dec. 23. Purchase tickets here.
Victor credits directors Lorenzo Rush Jr and Brenda Didier, who are both Jeff Award winners. They have changed the lighting, music and choreography, making for a very entertaining show, Victor says. The singing is exceptional this year, he adds.
This year’s cast features lots of local talent, starting with Steve Connell of Crystal Lake, who has played Ebenezer Scrooge since 1996 at theaters across the Chicago area. This is his eighth time in the role at Metropolis.
Another returning actor is Maddy Kelly of Arlington Heights, who has a supporting role in the ensemble cast. She starred in the musicals at Saint Viator High School, before pursuing theater at Northwestern University.
Maddy Kelly in one of the ensemble scenes
“My first role at Metropolis was in the youth chorus of A Christmas Carol, so it’s lovely to be back,” says Kelly, who has performed at theaters around Chicago. “The heart of this show is its gifted cast, crew and creative team. They embody A Christmas Carol‘s major theme – the value of generosity and kindness.”
Kelly’s favorite credits include Spring Awakening (Porchlight Music Theatre), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre), Freaky Friday (Williams Street Repertory), Meet Me in St. Louis (Edge of the Wood Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earnest (Steel Beam Theatre).
Local cast members also include Samara McDermid, a teacher at the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts from Des Plaines; Molly Hamada, Sophie Tucker and Miles Wendt of Arlington Heights; Ben Brown of Mt. Prospect; Rhea Greer of Des Plaines, and Kent Joseph of Park Ridge.
“Charles Dickens’ enchanting tale of redemption and hope comes to life in Arlington Heights’ favorite holiday tradition,” Metropolis staff members say. “On a snowy Christmas Eve brimming with memorable characters, ghostly apparitions and splendid holiday music, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge visits the past, present and future to discover the true meaning of Christmas.”
Other News:
