Saint Viator Alumna Returns for the Holidays to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

Dickens’ holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” is running this month at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, and the theater’s Executive Director David Victor describes it as one of their best. He points to dynamic lighting, music, and choreography, and, he adds, the singing is exceptional.

One reason might be the return of actor Maddy Kelly ’13 to the production. As early as her freshman year, she won over Saint Viator production staff with her voice, earning her the starring role of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” She followed that up by playing Tevye’s oldest daughter, Tzeitel, in “Fiddler on the Roof,” and Reverend Mother in “Sound of Music,” handling the difficult task of reaching the high octaves in the song “Climb Every Mountain.” 

Kelly honed her acting skills at Saint Viator by appearing in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Miracle Worker,” but it was playing Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” that stands out as her favorite.

“It was really special to me,” Kelly says. “The music is beautiful, and I loved getting to play an intelligent, self-possessed woman.” 

Returning to the Metropolis is a coming home of sorts for Kelly. Although she grew up in Arlington Heights and now lives in Chicago, she first appeared in “A Christmas Carol” as a member of the youth chorus at the Metropolis. Kelly counts another performance at the Metropolis as one of her favorite credits, when she performed as Philia in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” 

Kelly went on to study theater at Northwestern University, but she still credits her experience in the musicals and plays at Saint Viator with helping her find her voice.

“Performing at Saint Viator taught me the foundations of acting,” she says. “Working with Kate Costello, Kristina Sandrock, and Tony Calzaretta gave me confidence and inspired me to pursue theatre professionally.”

She hasn’t looked back. Since graduating from Northwestern, some of Kelly’s favorite credits include ”Spring Awakening” (Porchlight Music Theatre), “Freaky Friday” (Williams Street Repertory), ”Meet Me in St. Louis” (Edge of the Wood Theatre), and ”The Importance of Being Earnest” (Steel Beam Theatre).  

Now cast as an ensemble member in “A Christmas Carol,” Kelly finds herself in a talented cast that includes many actors from the suburbs.

“The heart of this show is its gifted cast, crew, and creative team,” she says. “They embody its major theme - the value of generosity and kindness.”