Contractors, builders, volunteers, architects, engineers and an intrepid theatre company are thrilled to present the opening of Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre’s 21st season — at last! The Historic Warwick Theatre reopens this fall since being closed Feb. 7, 2024, the day the Warwick fire massively damaged the building.
It’s been a heckuva journey to bring the Warwick back. Hundred-year-old buildings are like ancient puzzles, combining layers of earlier-era good ideas to the requirements of modern theatre and building codes. MET’s New Warwick is the happy result. Because the fire destroyed all the utility systems, it’s been like doing surgery from the inside out, ultimately bringing all new HVAC, electrical and plumbing chasing through the walls, combining steel with century-old timbers to set the stage for the Warwick to host artists and audiences for the next 100 years. The Warwick retains its grand height, warm, intimate feeling and flexibility to recreate space for adventurous theatre experiences.
This season will flesh out to as many as six productions combining MET’s love for great classics, premieres and new modern masterworks. Four productions have been selected so far. Audiences will want to get their tickets early for best seats for:
September: MOTHER’s DAUGHTER, Kate Hennig’s dynamically fascinating modern take on Mary Tudor as she struggles to keep her crown, her values and her sanity. Told in modern voice, it’s electrifying.
October/November: Open Slot
January: A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, Robert Bolt’s 1960 classic on wit, love and integrity, captures Thomas More’s humanity as he fights to retain his values in the face of political pressure in the passionate form of Henry VIII.
March: SILENT SKY, Lauren Gunderson’s gorgeous, funny,
complex, deeply moving play about Henrietta Leavitt and the skies she mapped. Google music of the stars for clues. Go Women and Science!
April: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, MET opened this North American premiere adapted from the film and Stephen King’s novel in 2019. This moving, brilliant play on friendship and endurance retains the magic of the film combined with the immediacy of live theatre. We are thrilled to bring it back.
May: Several musicals are under consideration for spring. Let’s get humming!
– Karen Paisley
For tickets and more info on shows, outreach and how you can get involved, visit metkc.org. MET is actively seeking volunteers to help this year; please reach out to share your skills and talents.
