Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Presents ANNA IN THE TROPICS

Tropical heat and "Anna Karenina" combine to spark rich fantasies and broken dreams, passion and adultery, and a Cuban family changed forever! Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre presents the 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning play ANNA IN THE TROPICS, written by Nilo Cruz, opening April 12th in their new home, The Warwick Theatre.

Nilo Cruz, the only Cuban-American Pulitzer prize-winning playwright, crafted a poignant, poetic play which remains topical today. This drama tells a story of Cuban immigrants seeking success in the U.S.A. in the 1920's. In Ybor City/Tampa, Cuban workers hand-roll cigars while listening to trained readers, lectores, reading not only the news of the day and labor news, but also classical literature. Although many workers were themselves illiterate, they became well-versed in literature and poetry by Cuban and European authors. In ANNA IN THE TROPICS, a new lector has just arrived, and he chooses to read Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina." Passion, betrayal, and conflict between new and traditional ideas fuel a remarkable climax.

Directed by Karen Paisley, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a Cuban-American family in 1929 Florida not only speaks to Latino culture, but resonates with universal themes of love, jealousy, and passion. Featuring the diverse acting talents of: Jose Faus (Santiago), Bonnie Griffin (Ofelia), Greg Butell (Palomo), Victoria Sofia Botero (Conchita), Athena Horton (Marela), Andy Penn (Cheché), and Matt Williamson (Juan Julian).

This show is suitable for ages 13-plus due to some adult themes and content. ANNA IN THE TROPICS runs April 12-April 22 at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre's new home, The Warwick, 3927 Main St, Kansas City, MO. Adult tickets are $39, with discounts for students, artists, young professionals, seniors, and groups. For tickets, call 816-569-3226. Visit www.metkc.org for more information or to purchase tickets online.

Founded in 2005 and at home for ten years at 3614 Main St, MET is excited to open its new venue at the historic Warwick Theatre at 3927 Main St with this production. Known for Dynamic Productions of classic works and modern masterpieces, the MET is an intimate, casual, and welcoming venue. Featuring performance by local professionals. Food and beverage services available at the theatre. In the twelve years since, MET has evolved from a start-up enterprise to a respected professional theatre that offers more than 100 performances each season and serves over 10,000 members of the community through outstanding theatre productions, education, and our community outreach programs. At its heart MET is committed to the art of story and sharing access to great masterworks and contemporary classics that delight, thrill, illumine and inspire. When the lights of the theatre go up, the walls between people fall down. We believe that great plays bring us together in exciting ways. They are the birthright of all people and remind us of what it is to be truly human.

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