Metropolis Performing Arts Centre Announces 2025/26 Season and New Leadership

Arlington Heights, IL — May 19, 2025 — Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary with an exciting new 2025/26 season that honors the past while embracing a bold future.

The new season includes Metropolis’ first ever Main Stage production of Grease, the beloved rock and roll musical and one of Broadway’s longest running hits; Charles Dickens’ enchanting tale of redemption, generosity, and hope in A Christmas Carol; a staged concert of Oliver!, winner of 3 Tony Awards and 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture, presented with a full orchestra; The Play That Goes Wrong, an Olivier Award-winning global sensation; the Tony nominated romantic comedy musical The Wedding Singer, based on the hit film starring Adam Sandler; and the season concludes with the family friendly classic The Wizard of Oz.

As Metropolis prepares for its upcoming season, Executive Director David Victor will be concluding his tenure in May as he steps into a new professional opportunity. The organization is grateful for David’s steady leadership during a period of significant growth in both theater ticket sales and Metropolis School of Performing Arts (SOPA) enrollments. “I’m immensely proud of the organization that we have built at Metropolis,” said David Victor. “While I’m excited for the next chapter, I look forward to cheering on Metropolis as an audience member and as the proud parent of two SOPA students. Metropolis will always hold a special place in my heart.”

To ensure a seamless transition, Tiffany Gates has been named Interim Executive Director. A respected leader and longtime member of the Metropolis team, Tiffany brings close to 20 years of experience with the organization. As Education Director at the Metropolis School of Performing Arts, she has been instrumental in shaping the theater’s educational programming. Tiffany will work with Artistic Director Johanna McKenzie Miller and Metropolis’ talented staff to ensure the organization’s continued growth and success as Metropolis begins its search for a permanent Executive Director.

The 25th anniversary season is already underway following a sold-out run of Mary Poppins in Concert, and continues with Rock of Ages, recently extended through May 31. Directed by Jeff Award-winner Derek Van Barham. Rock of Ages will be followed by Dear Jack, Dear Louise in July and August, written by Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig.

The Metropolis Presents series continues to o]er a diverse array of programming, from The Second City and Artist Lounge Live to the region’s top bands performing beloved hits from past and present, along with the popular Theater for Young Audiences series. There is always something exciting to experience in the Metropolis Presents lineup.

Tickets and subscriptions are available at MetropolisArts.com

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About Tiffany Gates
Tiffany Gates is a seasoned performer, director, choreographer, producer, entrepreneur, and voice instructor with decades of experience in both performance and arts education. She has been with Metropolis for close to 20 years and currently serves as Associate Artistic Director for the organization as well as Education Director for the School of the Performing Arts. During this time, she will take on the role of Interim Executive Director while continuing her duties as Education Director. Tiffany’s performance highlights include appearances in New York at Lincoln Center and The Triad, regionally with Great Lakes Theater, Cain Park, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Beck Center for the Arts, Music Theater Works, Metropolis, and Folks Operetta, among others. She is also a nationally touring musician and choral conductor. In addition, Tiffany is the Founder of Harmonious Horizons, a Music Together® center. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Ohio Northern University, studied at The Circle in the Square Theatre School, the only acting conservatory on Broadway, and is a member of Actors’ Equity.

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 o]ers inclusive experiences that engage and uplift all community members. Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Metropolis is not just a theater, it is the cultural pulse of the area, surrounded by premier shopping, dining, and nightlife. Metropolis o]ers 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, Arlington Pediatric Therapy, and Clearbrook.
Scholarships are available for students at the School of the Performing Arts to ensure
access to the arts for all.