Music Theater Works will continue to utilize itvs Paul S. Mavros Center and Joyce Saxon Rehearsal Hall for administrative and rehearsal needs while North Shore Center’s large and small venues will be its new performance home offering the organization an opportunity for more productions and longer runs, the potential for an increase in patrons, expanded self/valet parking, access to more community organizations to cultivate relationships that are beneficial to patrons and partners and building on its youth programming and education outreach. More information is available at MusicTheaterWorks.com/NewHome.
Exterior of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Photo by Michael Kardas
“For 40 years, Music Theater Works has been a cornerstone of high-quality professional music theater in the Chicago area. Our history demonstrates our dedication to bringing great music and great theater to our audiences. The community along with the many artists, board members and staff have built the company to what it is today,” said Music Theater Works Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan. “Music Theater Works’ move to its new performance home at the North Shore Center is a testament to our community’s support for our art. In addition, this outlet strengthens Music Theater Works’ pledge to explore the full spectrum of music theater with the availability of multiple performance spaces within the North Shore Center. I look forward to the many opportunities this move provides to our artists, our staff, our patrons, and to our engagement with the people that brought us where we are today.”
“It is very exciting to welcome this well-respected organization and its productions to the North Shore Center as I have long admired them as an audience member,” added North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie General Manager Michael Pauken. “I know Music Theater Works’ customers will find the North Shore Center’s location near numerous restaurants, convenient access to public transportation and free parking to be an enhancement to their theatergoing experience and Music Theatre Works performers will enjoy ample backstage space and the technical capabilities of our facility.”
In advance of its formal move to the Center next year, Music Theater Works presented two sold out performances of Richard Rodgers’ Greatest Hits, this past weekend, August 28 and 29, as part of the North Shore Center’s outdoor concert series, “Out Back Summer Sessions.”
Music Theater Works Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan. Photo by Jennifer Schuman
ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS
Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in 1980. During its 40-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.
Audiences know that at Music Theater Works they will experience musical theater, which is often unavailable on the stages of commercial theaters and opera houses, in beautiful, colorful modern productions with professional artists and live orchestra.
ABOUT NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is a dynamic two-theater complex designed by Boston architect Graham Gund and opened in November 1996. The North Shore Center is managed by Professional Facilities Management, Inc. and operates as part of the Village of Skokie’s plan to provide cultural, literary and educational programs to benefit the citizens of Skokie and the greater Chicago area. The facility features an 867-seat theater, and a convertible 318-seat theater. In addition, there is an 8,000 square foot grand lobby, rehearsal hall and conference rooms. The North Shore Center is the proud performance home to numerous music, dance, theater and community organizations. It presents a Feature Series of popular entertainment and the curriculum-based Youtheatre program, which has provided supplemental arts education to over a million Chicago area students since its launch in 1980. Located 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop and across from Westfield Old Orchard Mall, the Center offers convenient access public transportation and many excellent dining, shopping and hotel options. Free parking is also abundantly available. For more information or tickets to the Center’s diverse programming, please visit NorthShoreCenter.org.
Main Entrance of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Photo by Michael Kardas