Metropolis Performing Arts Centre names new artistic director

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre recently named actor/director Johanna McKenzie Miller as artistic director.

A veteran Chicago-area theater artist, Miller recently directed “Cinderella” at the Metropolis. Her onstage credits include productions at Marriott, Drury Lane, Northlight, Court and Goodman theaters, among others. The artistic director and co-founder of the Lombard Children’s Theater Workshop, she has directed productions at Paramount, Marriott, Drury Lane and First Folio theaters.

Expanding Metropolis’ storytelling, championing new voices and reimagining classics are among the new AD’s priorities.

“I’ve been searching for ways to change the landscape of how we traditionally tell stories in musical theater,” said Miller in a prepared statement. “One way is through casting — inviting people of different backgrounds and lived experiences into the room to tell all stories. There is also a great need to introduce new stories and to look at classics with a modern perspective.”

In addition to establishing a new Theater for Young Audiences series, Miller also hopes to develop a new concert, cabaret and comedy series.

Praising Miller’s “artistic vision and collaborative spirit” executive director David Victor predicted that under her leadership “Metropolis is poised for incredible artistic growth.”

In addition to appointing Miller, Metropolis restructured its board of directors in a “transformation that underscores Metropolis’ commitment to elevating artistic standards, strengthening community ties and fostering an innovative, inclusive and safe creative environment,” according to a prepared statement from the theater.