Metropolis announces 20th anniversary season
Optimism and caution underscored Tuesday's announcement of Metropolis Performing Arts Centre's 20th anniversary season.
Acknowledging the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautions and restrictions established in response to it, the Arlington Heights theater's artistic team in its prepared statement stated that the opener "Little Shop of Horrors" (Sept. 17-Oct. 31) "will most likely take place with socially distanced seating with a limited seating capacity, face masks are likely to be required, and increased cleaning efforts will be in place."
With books and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, "Little Shop of Horrors" is a sci-fi tuner about a shy, love-struck flower shop assistant who - following an eclipse - discovers a unique plant he names Audrey II, after his workplace crush. The plant's arrival attracts customers and Seymour's co-worker warms up to him, until Audrey II becomes increasingly demanding.
That's followed by the comedy thriller "Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery" (Jan. 28-March 13, 2021), adapted from Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Ken Ludwig. After a Baskerville heir is murdered, the young man set to succeed him calls upon Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to investigate the curse that has plagued the family.
Next up is "The Producers" (April 29-June 12, 2021), adapted by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan from Brooks' classic 1967 comedy about a failed Broadway producer and his nervous accountant who discover they can become rich by producing a flop.
The season concludes with the revue "My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra" (July 15-Aug. 28, 2021), which chronicles Sinatra's five-decade career and showcases some of his biggest hits.
Performances take place at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights.
Four-show subscriptions range from $95 to $110. Three-show subscriptions range from $75 to $90. Tickets typically cost $35 for previews and $40 for the regular run. Call (847) 577-2121 or see metropolisarts.com.