Music Theater Works

05/30/2026

🌲✨ Be careful what you wish for… ✨🌲

Step Into the Woods this summer with Music Theater Works’ YouthREACH Kids Company! 🎭

In INTO THE WOODS JR., beloved fairy-tale characters like the Baker and his Wife, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack, and the Witch set off on magical adventures to chase their wishes — but discover that “happily ever after” is only the beginning.

🎶 A quest!
🐄 A cow!
🪄 A little magic!
💫 And unforgettable lessons about courage, family, and growing up.

Young performers will spend an exciting week acting, singing, and dancing with professional teaching artists in a welcoming, confidence-building environment where EVERY child gets a role.

📅 July 6 – July 11, 2026
🎭 Ages 8–13
🌟 No audition or experience required

In just six fast-paced days, students will rehearse and perform this enchanting musical for family and friends on Saturday afternoon!
There’s no telling what awaits when you journey Into the Woods… but spots disappear fast! 🌳✨

🔗 Register now: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/youthreach/

05/29/2026

🎶 “Climb Ev’ry Mountain…” 🎶

This summer, young performers will discover the joy of music, friendship, and finding their voice in THE SOUND OF MUSIC YOUTH with Music Theater Works’ YouthREACH Kids Company! 🌄✨
From “Do-Re-Mi” to “Edelweiss,” this beloved story follows Maria as she brings laughter, courage, and song to the von Trapp family — reminding us all that love and music can carry us through any storm.

🎭 No audition required
🎵 Every child gets a role
💛 Ages 8–13
📅 June 22–27, 2026

In just six exciting days, students will rehearse acting, singing, and dancing with professional teaching artists before performing for family and friends on Saturday afternoon!

Whether your child is brand new to theater or already loves the stage, YouthREACH is a welcoming space where kids build confidence, creativity, empathy, and lifelong memories.

🌟 Spots are limited to 35 students — register now before the hills are alive with a full cast!

📍 Wilmette & Winnetka, IL

🔗 https://www.musictheaterworks.com/youthreach/

05/21/2026

🎭 Music Theater Works announces the cast and creative team for WEST SIDE STORY, coming to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie August 13–30!

✨ Tonight, Tonight… one of the greatest musicals of all time comes to life with an unforgettable cast and a stunning 22-piece orchestra.
Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, WEST SIDE STORY tells the timeless story of love, rivalry, and hope on the streets of 1950s New York. Featuring iconic songs including “Tonight,” “America,” and “Somewhere,” this powerful classic continues to captivate audiences across generations.

Directed by Sasha Gerritson
Choreographed by Clayton Cross & Isa Ramirez
Music Direction by Linda Madonia

📍 George Van Dusen Theatre
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL
🎟 August 13–30, 2026
https://www.musictheaterworks.com/2026-season/west-side-story/

Todas las funciones incluyen sobretítulos en Español.

05/21/2026

Music Theater Works sends our deepest condolences to all those who knew Bill and had the incredible experience of working with this titan of theatre, including Music Theater Works when it was Light Opera Works. He directed our productions of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE DESERT SONG, and NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY. He will be greatly missed and we thank him for all he did for the community throughout Chicagoland and across the nation.

His Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Summit launched the careers of some of Chicago’s most notable talents and shaped theater here and nationwide.

05/05/2026

Good Morning, Chicagoland! Auditions for the December production of HAIRSPRAY, with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, based on John Waters' 1988 film are May 4 - 18. Shine those shoes, tease that hair and get ready to audition for Music Theater Works’ production starring "RuPaul’s Drag Race’s" Mrs. Kasha Davis, directed by Keely Vasquez and choreographed by Reneisha Jenkins. Can you feel the beat? More details may be found here - https://auditions.leagueofchicagotheatres.org/audition/music-theater-works-non-equity-hairspray/.

04/18/2026

The Producers Gala is happening NOW! Thank you for supporting Music Theater Works! It’s a groovy good time!

03/29/2026

🐾 FINAL CHANCE! One last show of CATS! 🐾

This is it—your last opportunity to experience CATS musical Andrew Lloyd Webber before it closes TODAY! ✨

🎭 Final Performance:
• Sunday, March 29 – 2:00pm

Don’t miss the production critics are raving about:
⭐ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 🐾
✨ “PURR-FECT … INSPIRED … A CAST OF THIRTY UNBELIEVABLY TALENTED TRIPLE-THREATS!” – Chicago Theatre Review

Music Theater Works’ electrifying production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical has captivated audiences all month—now it’s your final chance to step into the magical world of the Jellicle Cats.

📍 The North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
⏱ Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)
📸 Photo credit: Brett Beiner

🎟 Grab the last remaining seats now:
https://www.musictheaterworks.com/2026-season/cats/

03/28/2026

🐾 Only 2 more chances to see CATS! 🐾

Don’t miss your final opportunity to experience CATS musical Andrew Lloyd Webber before it closes March 29th! ✨

🎭 Final Performances:
• Saturday, March 28 – 7:30pm
• Sunday, March 29 – 2:00pm

We’re thrilled to share that CATS is receiving glowing praise from critics! In a new review for Buzz Center Stage, Kimberly Katz calls the production:
✨ “A Night in Jellicle Heaven.”
And the excitement continues—Chicago Stage and Screen critic Angela Allyn raves:
🔥 “JAW DROPPING … THRILLING … DELIGHTS IN EVERY MOMENT!”

Music Theater Works’ production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical brings breathtaking choreography, unforgettable music, and pure theatrical magic to the stage for one last weekend.
📍 The North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
⏱ Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)
📸 Photo credit: Brett Beiner

🎟 Get your tickets before they’re gone:
https://www.musictheaterworks.com/2026-season/cats/

03/28/2026

🐾 Only 3 more chances to experience the magic of CATS! 🐾

Time is running out to catch CATS musical Andrew Lloyd Webber before it closes on March 29th! ✨

🎭 Remaining Performances:
• Saturday, March 28 – 2:00pm
• Saturday, March 28 – 7:30pm
• Sunday, March 29 – 2:00pm

Music Theater Works’ production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical brings you into a larger-than-life world where the Jellicle Cats gather for one unforgettable night. Through spectacular dance, soaring music, and whimsical storytelling, each cat shares their journey in hopes of being chosen for a new life.
Featuring iconic characters like the Rum Tum Tugger, Macavity, and Grizabella, and based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, this immersive production is a celebration of community, memory, and theatrical magic you won’t want to miss.

📍 The North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
⏱ Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)
📸 Photo credit: Brett Beiner

🎟 Secure your seats now:
https://www.musictheaterworks.com/2026-season/cats/