
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights at 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce its 2026-27 season launching with Ride the Cyclone, September 16 - October 18; followed by a Chicago-rooted holiday classic The Christmas Schooner, November 24 - January 3, 2027; an in-concert production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, January 27 - February 14, 2027; Chicago Premiere, The Match Game, March 3 - 28, 2027 and concluding with Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece from music theatre's golden age, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, September 16 - October 18, 2027. Early bird discounted subscriptions are available now through June 5 at MetropolisArts.com/2627-season or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121, with single tickets available later this year.
The 2026-27 season also includes a limited run of the beloved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, as part of the Metropolis Family Series Saturdays at 10 a.m. (December 5 - December 19) and a full-length production December 13 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. and December 24 at 2:00 p.m.
2026-27 Season Sponsors: The season show sponsor is Suburban Accents. The season Paint Sponsor is Marc Poulous Painting and Decorating. The season costume storage sponsor is Jennifer Burnidge, CLU, ChFC, RICP State Farm Agent.
All performances are held at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights. The full Metropolis Performing Arts Centre's 2026-27 season includes, chronologically:
RIDE THE CYCLONE
September 16 - October 25, 2026
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell
Directed by Lillian Castillo
A darkly comical musical about six teens bargaining for a second chance at life in this profound exploration of life, death, and knowing who you are. An added bonus to the Metropolis production features Director Lillian Castillo. Castillo is the original Constance on the World Premiere Cast Recording, and she also originated the role in the American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER
November 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Book by John Reeger
Music and Lyrics by Julie Shannon
Directed by Patrick Tierney
A heartwarming Chicago-based musical that tells the dramatic true story of a Lake Michigan captain who risked his life to share the Christmas spirit.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL - LIMITED RUN
Metropolis Family Series: December 5 - December 19 at 10 a.m.
Full Length Production ONLY: December 13 and 20 at 6:30 p.m., December 24 at 2 p.m.
Adapted by Johanna McKenzie Miller
Original Music and Lyrics by Cory Goodrich
The holiday tradition returns to Metropolis for both the Metropolis Family Series and Metropolis Mainstage.
DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, a concert presentation
January 27 - February 14, 2027
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Director to be announced
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Group, this is a concert collaboration with Metropolis School of the Performing Arts and JAM Orchestra. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.
This in-concert production features professional and student actors backed by a full orchestra, allowing the music to shine.
CHICAGO PREMIERE
THE MATCH GAME
Written by Steven Strafford
March 3 - 21, 2027
Director to be announced
This new work, a hilarious and heartbreaking family dramedy, asks us to contend with truths we may be too afraid to name and to laugh at ones we can't change.
RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA!
April 28 - May 30, 2027
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs
Original Choreography by Agnes de Mille
Director to be announced
The classic, medium-defining musical. A high-spirited romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a tumultuous, yet hopeful, new era.
ABOUT METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub that enriches the community through inspiring live performances, creative arts education, and impactful partnerships. It fosters artistic excellence, cultivates multi-generational connections, and offers inclusive experiences that engage and uplift all community members. Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Metropolis is not just a theatre; it is the cultural pulse of the area, surrounded by premier shopping, dining, and nightlife. Metropolis offers a dynamic year-round season of professional theatre, comedy, concerts, and cabaret performances along with engaging arts education for ages 3 to 85. Serving more than 65,000 patrons annually from across Chicagoland and beyond, Metropolis plays a pivotal role in the community. It provides arts education programs that support thousands of aspiring young artists, as well as community engagement initiatives like the Third Act Players (musical theatre for thespians over 50), Crescendo Chorus (for singers over 55), Flourish in the Footlights (for young artists with disabilities), and Clearbrook on Cue (for artists with disabilities). Metropolis is proud to partner with local organizations such as Endeavor Health, Arlington Heights Senior Center, and Clearbrook. Scholarships are available for students at the School of the Performing Arts to ensure access to the arts for all.
Ride The Cyclone is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global, www.broadwaylicensing.com.
The Christmas Schooner is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com.
Disney's The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com.
Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, www.concordtheatricals.com.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights at 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce its 2026-27 season launching with the return of Ride the Cyclone, September 16 - October 18; followed by a Chicago-rooted holiday classic The Christmas Schooner, November 24 - January 3, 2027; an in-concert production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, January 27 - February 14, 2027; the launch of a new work, The Match Game, March 3 - 28, 2027 and concluding with Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece from music theatre's golden age, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, September 16 - October 18, 2027.
The 2026-27 subscription series includes Ride the Cyclone, The Christmas Schooner, Disney's The Little Mermaid, The Match Game and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!. Early bird discounted subscriptions are available now through June 5 at MetropolisArts.com/2627-season or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121, with single tickets available later this year.
You know him from “The Neighborhood,” “The Last O.G.,” “The Proud Family” and much more. Don’t miss your chance to…
Northlight Theatre's Board of Directors proudly presents Northlight Theatre's Grand Opening Gala, "Celebrating our Past, Building our Future," marking the culmination of the company's 50th Anniversary…
A Red Orchid Theatre is thrilled to announce a remount of its critically-acclaimed, father-daughter drama Birds of North America, returning for a limited…
Following an acclaimed extended run at Raven Theatre, Dave Malloy's "unique, ravishing and resplendent" (Chicago Theatre Review) a cappella musical Octet transfers to…
“Southern Rapture” quickly elicits loud guffaws from the audience, a heartening circumstancve, as it means playwright Eric Coble’s script is…
Mia Chung’s Catch as Catch Can, which premiered with Page 73 in New York in 2018, arrives at Steppenwolf Theatre…
Nate Bargatze’s Big Dumb Eyes tour made its stop at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont with the steady, understated presence…
BrightSide Theatre’s The Producers storms into Meiley Swallow Hall with the kind of swagger only Mel Brooks can inspire: brash,…
Those familiar with the Factory Theater space might feel themselves do a double take upon entering the theater for Two…
Elmhurst Art Museum’s two new exhibitions feature a pair of artists with Midwestern roots whose outlooks and perceptions of the…
For the first time in company history, Oak Park Festival Theatre presents two productions in repertory: William Shakespeare's HAMLET and Oscar Wilde's THE…
Immerse yourself in the enchanting wonder, vibrant magic and joyous celebration that is Mexican folkloric dance when Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl…
When Terry Guest left Atlanta and arrived in Chicago ten years or so ago, a bracing reality check caused the…
When Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years premiered at Chicago’s Northlight Theatre in 2001, it flipped the traditional rom-com…
Some stories refuse to fade with time, and Brokeback Mountain is one of them. What began as a modest short…
There’s something magical about stories. Stories have the power to transcend time, reaching across the centuries to share their thoughts,…
Produced in partnership with JunkHeart, The Metal Shop Performance Lab is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Anatomy of a Suicide, August…
Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo, this month’s…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre presents Deserted, playing June 14 through August 2, a world premiere by Melanie Coffey and directed by Laura Sturm*, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn…
Black Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the return of the celebrated musical revue Men of Soul, written and directed by Artistic…
Now fully activated, Collaboraction Theatre Company’s new House of Belonging in the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave in…
Definition Theatre's Amplify New Play Program exists to elevate emerging voices, and Netta Walker's keerah certainly arrives with ambition. Loosely…
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast…
No Dogs in the Kitchen Theatre is thrilled to continue its third season with The Importance of Being Earnest, written by…
Following is critically acclaimed productions of Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods, Kokandy Productions once again celebrates the great Stephen…
Some theatrical experiences ask you to sit back and watch. "The Last Word" invites you to pull up a chair,…
Paramount Theatre’s smash hit, immersive musical Million Dollar Quartet wrapped its spring run at downtown Aurora’s Stolp Island Theatre this…
Paramount Theatre is proud to host the world’s most influential name in comedy, The Second City, back for for a…
Studebaker Theater (Erica Berger and Jacob Harvey), P3 Productions (Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, and Fiona Howe Rudin) and Audible, in collaboration with Teatro Vista…
About Face Theatre is proud to announce its 32nd season featuring the Pulitzer Prize winning musical A Strange Loop and the Midwest Premiere of i…
Cedric the Entertainer brings laughter, life lessons to Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, one-night-only, Saturday, August 8
Northlight Theatre to celebrate its new home in Evanston with a Grand Opening Gala "Celebrating our Past, Building our Future" Saturday, August 15, 2026
A Red Orchid Theatre Announces Remount of Hit Production BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA September 10 – October 4, 2026
Raven Theatre's *OCTET* Makes Downtown Debut at The Goodman
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.