Gala fundraiser stirs support, enthusiasm for Metropolis
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes opened his remarks at Saturday's Metropolis Gala with a bit of trivia: What was the name of the fictional town in “The Music Man?”
“River City, Iowa,” savvy guests shouted out, leading Hayes to make an analogy between River City and Arlington Heights.
“Just like River City, music and the arts have transformed our village,” Hayes said. “The Metropolis has transformed Arlington Heights into an entertainment destination, and it's the quality of the programming that sets us apart.”
Joe Keefe, executive artistic director of Metropolis, agreed, as he updated the crowd on the theater's draw over the last year.
“2018 was a record-setting year for us, both in gross and net revenue,” Keefe said. “And ‘Mousetrap' experienced the highest net profit in the history of Metropolis.”
Guests applauded enthusiastically. They included village officials and business leaders, as well as subscription holders and longtime supporters, who then sat back for an evening that featured songs from the last season and a sneak preview of next year's offerings.
“This is a night to celebrate artistic excellence, superior performing arts education and solid business growth,” Keefe added.
For the second year, the event took place at Arlington International Racecourse. Guests climbed the grand staircase to find an elaborate array of silent auction items before moving into the dining area, which included a stage for the night's entertainment.
Actors from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which opens May 16 at Metropolis, led off with one of the show's memorable hits, “A Comedy Tonight.”
Guests also heard a pair of numbers from the closing show in the subscription “The Buddy Holly Story.” Student performers from the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts also took the stage, moving guests with a rendition of “What I Did for Love” from “A Chorus Line.”
Midway through the evening, guests had the chance to support the theater's community outreach programs through a fund-a-cause paddle raise.
Neil Scheuffler, a former board member, said the customized offerings had reached more than 17,000 participants since its inception in 2007 through collaboration with organizations, schools, and community groups.
He pointed to theater offerings developed with special educators at Arlington Pediatric Therapy and Clearbrook, as well as acting classes offered to Arlington Heights Senior Center participants.
“Many are longtime performers and we've watched them grow through access to the theater,” Scheuffler said. “But, for many, this is the first time they've been able to be on stage and shine.”
The end of the dinner featured a medley of songs from next season's shows, which include: Cole Porter's “Anything Goes,” as well as the farce “Noises Off” and the comedy “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”
The season closes with the hit sensation “Mamma Mia,” and faculty members from the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts led audience members to sing along as they performed “Having the Time of My Life.”