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.

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.

*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.