“Be Our Guest” Metropolis Performing Arts Center

****How does one spend a Tuesday night in January, with weather alerts advising us “Baby, it’s cold outside”?  We found a perfect solution to worrying about the weather, a short trip to downtown Arlington Heights and The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre on Campbell Street. This particular Tuesday night, they had a special evening of the music of Alan Menken, with music performed by the Jam Orchestra , under the direction of Aaron Kaplan.

If the name Alan Menken is not recognizable, just think of “The Little Mermaid”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Beauty and The Beast”. “Newsies” , “Aladdin” and a whole lot more!  With four vocalists and this amazing orchestra, an almost sold out crowd enjoyed 100 minutes os amazing performances. The four singers/performers are local area artists, who many have seen on area stages. Christopher Johnson has worked at Kokandy Productions and Blank Theatre Company. Aurora Penepacker has also appeared at kokandy where she was a powerful Amelie’ in their production of “Amelie ( see my review at www.aroundthetownchicago.com/Amelie) as well as Writer’s Theatre and soon to be at Drury Lane’s production of “Father of The Bride”.

Johanna McKenzie Miller, who is now the Artistic Director of Metropolis, has been seen on pretty much every area stage, and has directed many as well done some wonderful choreography. She is a powerhouse with great energy as well as talent. Last, but certainly not least is Lorenzo Rush ,Jr who many of us have watched mature into a powerhouse performer that can do almost anything with an amazing range. While working on this one night show, he has also been working at Marriott Lincolnshire in their current production of “Little Shop of Horrors” as the voice of Audrey II, and is terrific.

For the record, Aaron Kaplan is probably the busiest man on the North Shore. His bio includes almost every community theater company on the North Shore, high school drama departments, Orchestra conductor at both Glenbrook High schools ( over 100 musicals) and so much more. While you may have missed this particular concert, be aware that this facility, under its new Artistic Director, will continue to offer special performances, so might I suggest you get on their mailing list, so you never miss another.

Their website www.metropolisarts.com