Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan and Music Theater Works are proud to announce its 46th season. The 2026 season at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd. includes Cats, March 5 - 29, 2026; West Side Story, August 13 - 30, 2026; Jimmy Buffett’s Escape To Margaritaville, October 8 - November 1, 2026, and Hairspray, December 17, 2026 - January 3, 2027. West Side Story and Hairspray are performed at the George Van Dusen Theatre to showcase these legendary scores with a larger orchestra while CATS and Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville will be in the North Theatre where Music Theater Works reimagines shows to fit that more intimate space. Current members may renew for the 2026 season now with new memberships available beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. and single tickets for all the 2026 productions will go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at 12 p.m. For more information on the 46th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com.
“This year’s season we look forward to taking audiences to new heights and worldwide locations with classics and contemporary works,” said Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan. “From the memorable CATS brought to life in all its glory in an British flat to New York City with the beloved West Side Story, to a sun lit paradise found in Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville and then to Baltimore to meet a young woman on a mission in Hairspray, this 46th season will have audiences celebrating the majesty and marvel that is found in music theatre and dancing in the aisles.”
The Music Theater Works 2026 season includes:
CATS
North Theatre
March 5 - 29, 2026
Press Opening: Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed and Choreographed by Mandy Modic
Music Directed by Linda Madonia
Music Theater Works kicks off its 46th season with CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s electrifying, Tony Award-winning musical. In this immersive production set in a larger-than-life British flat, audiences may join the magical and all encompassing world of the Jellicle Cats as they gather for the annual Jellicle Ball, where one will be chosen for a new life. Through a series of dazzling musical numbers, each cat shares their story— from the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger, to the mysterious Macavity and the once-glamorous Grizabella. Featuring unforgettable songs, breathtaking choreography and a whimsical atmosphere, CATS is a celebration of life, community and the power of memory.
WEST SIDE STORY
George Van Dusen Theatre
August 13 - 30, 2026
All performances include Spanish supertitles
Press Opening: Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.
Book by Arthur Laurents
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Directed by Sasha Gerritson
Assistant Directed by Gisella Milla
Choreographed by Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez
Assistant Choreographed by Alex Villasenor
Music Directed by Linda Madonia
Spanish Translation by David Serrano
A timeless tale of love and rivalry, West Side Story brings Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to the streets of 1950s New York. Caught between the tensions of two warring gangs—the Jets and the Sharks—Tony and Maria find themselves drawn to each other despite the violence that surrounds them. Featuring iconic songs like “Tonight,” “America” and "Somewhere,” West Side Story remains one of the most powerful and enduring musicals of all time.
JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
North Theatre
October 8 - November 1, 2026
Press Opening: Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
Book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley
Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett
Directed and Choreographed by Brenda Didier
Music Directed by Linda Madonia
Music Theater Works presents the first professional production of Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville in Chicago since its pre-Broadway run. Set sail for a tropical getaway with this feel-good musical packed with island vibes and beloved Buffett classics. This lighthearted romantic comedy follows Tully, a laid-back island singer, and Rachel, a career-focused tourist, as their worlds collide at a beachfront resort. With a story about adventure, self-discovery and living life to the fullest, Escape to Margaritaville is the ultimate musical vacation for Parrot Heads and newcomers alike.
HAIRSPRAY
George Van Dusen Theatre
December 17, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Press Opening: Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Directed by Keely Vasquez
Choreographed by Reneisha Jenkins
Music Directed by Linda Madonia
Full of heart and 1960s flair, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, a big-dreaming teen who lands a spot on “The Corny Collins Show.” But when she sees injustice in Baltimore, she sets out to integrate the dance floor, proving one girl can make a difference. With infectious songs like “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” this musical makes the perfect closer to Music Theater Work’s 46th season: it is a joyful celebration of acceptance, self-love and standing up for what’s right.
*Performances and creative teams subject to change.
ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS
Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in
1980. During its 46-year history it has presented more than 150 productions and intimate presentations. Music Theater Works is a professional theater company whose mission is to present works for the musical stage including historic repertoire, revitalizing the Golden Age of Broadway and earlier works, celebrating the Great American Songbook and introducing modern classics. The company uses collaborations among theaters, other artistic disciplines, social service agencies, local business, educational institutions and others to create music theater for the 21st century.