Metropolis play festival features new works

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The New Play Festival brings five works to the stage. Professional actors will perform live readings of the plays at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights on Sundays, Jan. 20, through Feb. 17.

The fest will feature staged readings of the top five plays among 52 that were submitted — three from adult playwrights, and two from teen playwrights — performed by our professional actors.

• Chris Swanson's "The Principle of the Thing," a look into marriage and the validity of counseling, will be read 7 p.m. Jan. 20. It took third place among adult entrants. Swanson lives in Westerville, Ohio.

• Second place winner Scott Glander of Glenview wrote "Shakespeare Restored," which will be read 7 p.m. Jan. 27.

• The plays by the two teen winners will be read at 7 p.m. Feb. 3. Naomi Rawitz of Buffalo Grove wrote "Grin and Bear It," in which three Girl Scouts attempting to earn their final merit badge experience an unexpected adventure. Joey Lubelfeld of Chicago wrote "Not Far From the Tree," a coming-of-age story about a boy struggling with loss, disorders and family the summer before he leaves for college.

• "Griffiths," the first place winner, was written by Norma Simon of Lincoln, Neb. It tells of a boy's acceptance into an exclusive school that may have something to hide. It will be read 7 p.m. Feb. 17.

Tickets are $15. Metropolis is located at 111 W. Campbell St. in downtown Arlington Heights. Street parking is available and free parking is in the public garage behind the theater. For information, visit MetropolisArts.com or call (847) 577-2121.