“Xanadu”

**** Over the years, I have found some community theater companies that bring special meaning to their communities. When Arlington Heights introduced the amazing Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, I was quite impressed. They brought some excellent theater to the Northwest “burbs. Over the years, as staff changed and our world did likewise, they seemed to flounder a bit and did not bring the same excellence to their stage.

There have been some internal changes in the Centre and it truly shows in its final production of the 2022-23 season, “Xanadu” a wonderful little musical about following your dreams. Over the years, this has become a cult movie classic and from time to time, a theater company will take the chance to put it on stage, live!  Directed by Kevin Wiczer on a fabulous set designed by Shane Cinal, this has to be one of the best shows that this stage has had in years. While it is not a must-see, it is one that I can guarantee you, you will have some great laughs at.

They have found a great mixture of talent to form a cast that can handle all of what the director and choreographer (Kristine Burdi) gave them to do. Don’t forget, many of them do all these movements while wearing roller skates!

“Xanadu” follows the journey of a Greek mythology muse, Kira ( an incredible performance by Sophia Mae Brenner) who comes to Earth, in particular, Venice California to help a struggling your artists, Sonny (deftly handled by Ty Schirmer). Her mission is to help him create a 1980’s Roller Disco. With the help of her “sisters”, played to perfection byElenia Dokos, Joey Prette ( great comic touches), Morgan Schoenecker, J.Christian Hill, Kyle Patrick, Kayla Joyner and Sophia Mae Brenner. We also learn that this is not the first trip this muse has made and that in the past, she brought this same idea to Danny Maguire ( Tony Calzaretta does a solid job with this role and plays Zeus as well).

The five musicians under the direction of Kenny McMullen truly make the music of Jeff Lynne and John Farrar work and most people will recall the film version starring Olivia Newton John. The lighting(Alexa Wiljanen) and sound (Daniel etti-Williams) and costumes (Rachel Parent) make this  110 minute ( no intermission) musical truly work.

If you are seeking a fun evening, a solid musical diversion or just a night away from the old TV shows being re-run over and over, then take a road trip to Arlington Heights and enjoy the downtown area and their myriad of dining spots where they have closed the streets making more outdoor seating for all. There is plenty of free parking for the theater and the tickets range from $10- $45.

This production will continue thru August ^13th with performances as follows:

Sundays  3 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The tickets can be ordered by calling847-577-2121 or online at www.MetropolisArts.com

The Metropolis Theatre Centre is located at 111 West Campbell Street, Arlington Heights.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Xanadu”.