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Showing posts with label MUSIC THEATER WORKS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MUSIC THEATER WORKS. Show all posts

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Music Theater Works Presents GUYS AND DOLLS March 6 - 30, 2025 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

MUSIC THEATER WORKS ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR 

GUYS AND DOLLS

MARCH 6 - 30, 2025

AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE

Music Theater Works’ 45th Season Begins with the Frank Loesser Classic, directed by Sasha Gerritson, Choreographed by Clayton Cross and Music Directed by Linda Madonia

Run Time (currently): Two hours and 30 minutes including the intermission

Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the first production of its 2025 season, Guys and Dolls, in the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, March 6 - 30, 2025. Guys and Dolls, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, is directed by Sasha Gerritson, choreographed by Clayton Cross and music directed by Linda Madonia. 

The schedule includes a preview performance  at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6th. One of my fabulous freelancers will be out to cover the press opening March 7th at 7 p.m. for ChiIL Live Shows so check back shortly after for our full review. 

The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional performances on Saturdays, Mar. 15, Mar. 22 and Mar. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $19.50 to $106 with tickets for guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, 847.673.6300. Group discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more by contacting 847.920.5360.

Music Theater Works’ season kicks off with what many believe is the “perfect musical” with every song in its score a part of the American musical classic. Guys and Dolls whisks audiences from Manhattan to Havana and back again with career gambler Sky Masterson, “Save-A-Soul” missionary Sarah Brown, Adelaide, Nathan Detroit and others in this exuberant, big, brassy musical. Join Music Theater Works at the Hot Box Club onstage for an unforgettable time.

The cast of Guys and Dolls includes, in alphabetical order: Brandon Acosta (he/him, Liver Lips/Ensemble/US Nathan Detroit/fight and intimacy captain); Jordan Beyeler (she/her, swing); Kristin Brintnall (she/her, Miss Adelaide); Caron Buinis (she/her, General Cartwright); Jeffrey Charles (he/him, Sky Masterson); Jenny Couch (she/her, ensemble); Emma Jean Eastlund (she/her, ensemble); Andrew Freeland (he/him, Big Jule/ensemble); David Geinosky (he/him, Benny Southstreet/ensemble/US Nicely Nicely); Joe Giovannetti (he/him, ensemble/US Sky Masterson); Isabella Gomez-Barrientos (she/her, Agatha/ensemble/US Sarah Brown); Ben Harmon (he/they, Angie The Ox/ensemble); Emily Holland (she/her, ensemble/US Miss Adelaide); Cecilia Iole (she/her, Sarah Brown); Dee Kimpel (she/her, Martha/ensemble/US General Cartwright); Kyle Kite (he/him, ensemble); Miguel Long (he/him, Rusty Charlie/ensemble); Cary Lovett (he/him, Nicely Nicely Johnson/US Arvide Abernathy); Matthew Millin (he/him, swing); Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor (she/her, ensemble); Adam Raso (he/him, Harry the Horse/ensemble/US Lt. Brannigan); Ian Reed (he/him, Lt. Brannigan); Callan Roberts (he/him, Nathan Detroit); Peter Ruger (he/him, Calvin/ensemble/US Big Jule); Bob Sanders (he/him, Arvide Abernathy) and Alex Villaseñor (he/him, ensemble/Non-Equity Deputy)

Guys and Dolls’ creative team is Sasha Gerritson (she/her, director); Clayton Cross (he/him, choreographer); Linda Madonia (she/her, music director); Amber Wutke (she/her, intimacy and violence choreographer); Kathy Logelin (she/her, dialect coach); Rachel Rock (she/her, stage manager); Ethan Colish (he/him, assistant stage manager); Ben Lipinski (any with respect, scenic designer); Nga Sze Chan (she/her, properties designer), Bob Kuhn (he/him, costume designer); Kristen Brinati (she/her, wardrobe head); Alice Salazar (she/her, hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Melanie Saso (she/her, hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Andrew Meyers (he/him, lighting designer); Forrest Gregor (he/him, sound designer); Kimberly Carbone (she/her, production sound engineer) and Andersonville Scenic Studios (scene shop). 

“Behind the Curtain with Thomas M. Shea”

Immediately following the Sunday, March 9 and March 16 matinees, audiences may join musical theater historian Thomas M. Shea, author of “Broadway’s Most Wanted,” for a post-show talk exploring the behind-the-scenes history of Guys and Dolls.

Binny’s Broadway Lounge

Music Theater Works’ Donors of any level and subscribers are welcome to access Binny’s Broadway Lounge before the performance and at intermission of Guys and Dolls. Binny’s Broadway Lounge, sponsored by Binny’s Beverage Depot, is located on the second floor at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie and offers complimentary drinks and snacks and does not require reservations. The Lounge is available during Guys and Dolls, Saturday, March 8 (opens at 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 15 (opens at 1 p.m.).  

ASL Interpreted Performance

The Saturday, Mar. 22 at 7:30 p.m. performance will be ASL interpreted.


ABOUT SASHA GERRITSON, DIRECTOR

Sasha Gerritson is an opera and musical theater stage director who directs shows for many local and regional companies. Most recently having directed the critically acclaimed Music Theater Works’ production of Carousel, in addition to previous Music Theater Works’ shows Brigadoon and Irving Berlin's White Christmas, she is proud to return for Guys & Dolls. Known for her expertise in the standard repertoire, Gerritson is also a highly sought after opera director, having most recently directed Puccini's Manon Lescaut and Il Assassinio Nella Cattedrale for The Opera Festival of Chicago, where she serves as general director. In addition to her work as a stage director, Gerritson is a choral conductor and serves as the director of Music Ministries for the Park Ridge Community Church. Previous work as a choral conductor included positions with the Chicago Children's Choir and Merit School of Music. Gerritson is a proud board member of Music Theater Works, in addition to The Goodman Theatre, the Brookfield Zoo and DePaul University, where she serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees. She served as the opera and music theatre director of Northeastern Illinois University from 2010-2022, has directed for Musica Nelle Marche (Urbino, Italy), Opera Piccola, DePaul University, the Cherub Music Theatre program for Northwestern University, in addition to various other summer programs in the area. She lives in Glenview with her husband Eugene Jarvis and their two sons, Nate and Josh. 

ABOUT CLAYTON CROSS, CHOREOGRAPHER

Clayton Cross works nationwide as a choreographer, performer and dance instructor. Cross was most recently in the ensemble and dance captain of Rock Of Ages with Mercury Theater Chicago, with Drury Lane in the ensemble and dance captain in Grease as well as in the ensemble in Evita. He most recently choreographed Brigadoon for Music Theatre Works. He was last seen on the Music Theater Works stage as “Scuttle” in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, as choreographer for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Billy Elliot The Musical. He was choreographer in residence with Music Theater Works under the direction of Rudy Hogenmiller for seven seasons where he choreographed and/or performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as “Benjamin”, Hunchback of Notre Dame, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Into The Woods, Anything Goes as “ensemble”, Pirates of Penzance as “ensemble”, Peter Pan as “Nana/Croc”, Gypsy as “Tulsa”, Mame as “ensemble”, Candide, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Die Fladermanus, The Fantasticks as “Mute,” Damn Yankees as “Eddie” and in A Chorus Line as “Greg” with Porchlight Music Theatre. Cross also performed at Marriott Theatre in La Cage Aux Follies as “Mercedes”. He is an instructor and choreographer for M.A. Dance Nation, a Texas based traveling convention circuit, where he has been choreographing, teaching and judging since 1999. Cross has five times been a consultant and contributed choreography for the Capital One Bowl’s “All American Halftime Show.” Throughout his 25 year career as a dancer he has worked with Robert Battle, Fernando Bujones, Sherry Zunker, Paul Taylor and Anne Reinking. Cross’s television credits include “Every Dancer Has a Story,” a PBS special on the River North Chicago Dance Company, where he was a company member for 10 seasons and toured nationally and internationally. He is originally from Midland, Texas where he received his early training from La Petite Dance Co., Coleman Academy and the Midland Community Theatre as a member of the Pickwick Players. He holds a double B.F.A. in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University.

ABOUT LINDA MADONIA, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Linda Madonia is thrilled to be back at Music Theater Works where she has previously music directed Legally Blonde:The Musical, Shrek: The Musical, Mamma Mia! and Camelot. Other recent projects include; Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages and Sister Act at Mercury Theater Chicago. Anything Goes, Cabaret and A Chorus Line at Porchlight Music Theatre. Madonia also serves as the contractor for the Chicago Federation of Musicians for Porchlight Music Theatre, Music Theater Works and Teatro Zinzanni. She is the vocal coach for the Master’s Degree program in Music Theatre Pedagogy at Carthage College and owns American Eagle Productions, which has been at the forefront of Theatre Education in the Chicago area for the past 35 years.

Music Theater Works 2025 Season

The 45th season includes Guys and Dolls, March 6 - 30; Fiddler on the Roof, August 7 - 17; Godspell, October 23 - November 16 and Annie, December 18, 2025 - January 4, 2026. For more information on the 45th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com. 


ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS

Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in 1980. During its 45-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. 


Thursday, April 13, 2023

OPENING: TONY AWARD-WINNING PIPPIN VIA MUSIC THEATER WORKS JUNE 1 - 25, 2023

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

MUSIC THEATER WORKS ANNOUNCES CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR THE TONY AWARD-WINNING 

PIPPIN

 JUNE 1 - 25 AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE


Music Theater Works’ 43rd Season Continues with the Musical That Won Four Tony Awards Including Best Musical Revival, Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan and Music Directed by Justin Akira Kono

Run time, including the intermission, is 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Tickets: $39 to $106, tickets for guests 25 years old and younger are available for half-price.

Music Theater Works, recently launched its 43rd season with the highly recommended Avenue Q, today announces the cast and creative team for its second production in the 2023 season, Pippin in the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, June 1 - 25. The Tony Award-winning musical comedy with book by Roger O. Hirson, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan, assistant directed by Sasha Gerritson and Patrick Tierney, co-choreographed by Mollyanne Nunn and Kaitlyn Pasquinelli and music directed by Justin Akira Kono. 

Here at ChiIL Mama, we adored Music Theater Works' Avenue Q and can't wait to see their take on crowd pleaser, Pippin. I'll be out to review the first week of June so check back shortly after for our full coverage.  

The performance schedule includes a preview performance Thursday, June 1 at 1 p.m. with press opening Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m. The running time, including the intermission, is currently, including the intermission, 2 hours and 45 minutes. The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. with a Saturday matinee, June 10 at 2 p.m. Complete performance schedule is included at the end of this release. Tickets are now on sale from $39 to $106 with tickets for guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price at  MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, 847.673.6300. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by contacting 847.920.5360.

The unforgettable score of Pippin has shown multiple generations how to forge their own path in the world. Imaginatively presented through multiple revivals of a young person’s journey to self, join Music Theater Works’ staging among the toys and games that defined childhood. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival with some of the most infectiously memorable music from Broadway by four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theater giant Stephen Schwartz.

“All of us at Music Theater Works are excited to share with audiences this Broadway classic where we pay homage to the games and memories of our youth,” said Director Kyle A. Dougan. “The North Theatre at the North Shore Center allows us an opportunity to present all the songs of this beloved show and put our own spin on it.”

The cast of Pippin includes Sonia Goldberg (Leading Player); Connor Ripperger (Pippin); Kathleen Puls Andrade (Berthe); Thomas M. Shea (Charlemagne); Savannah Sinclair (Fastrada, Leading Player U/S); Andrew Freeland (Lewis); Desiree Gonzalez (Catherine) and Di’Aire Wilson (Theo).

The Pippin ensemble includes, alphabetically, Jenny Couch (ensemble, Catherine U/S); Ciara Hickey (ensemble); Alex Iacobucci (ensemble); Lacey Jack (ensemble), Samira Jasmine (ensemble); Katie Kotila (ensemble, Fastrada U/S); Justin Payton Nelson (ensemble, Lewis U/S); Mollyanne Nunn (ensemble); Jordan “J.Ro” Ordonez (ensemble); Kaitlyn Pasquinelli (ensemble); Dane Strange (ensemble) and Eustace J. Williams (ensemble, Pippin U/S).

The Pippin understudies and swings are Jenny Rudnick (Berthe U/S); Bob Sanders (Charlemagne U/S) and John Locke (Theo U/S) with Adeera Harris (swing) and Wilson Paul Hicken (swing). 

The Pippin creative team currently includes Kyle A. Dougan (director); Patrick Tierney (assistant director); Sasha Gerritson (assistant director/chorus master); Justin Akira Kono (music director); Amber Wuttke (intimacy and fight choreographer); Nathan Lamp (dramaturg); Mollyanne Nunn (co-choreographer); Kaitlyn Pasquinelli (co-choreographer); Allison Gonzales (stage manager); Lily Landoch (assistant stage manager); Shane Cinal (scenic director); Ellen Markus (properties designer); Jazmin Aurora Medina (costume designer); Kristen Brinati (assistant costume designer); Alice Salazar (hair, wig, and makeup designer); Melanie Saso (assistant hair, wig, and makeup designer); Andrew Meyers (lighting designer); Chelsea Lynn (ME/lighting programmer); Matthew R. Chase (sound designer); Forrest Gregor (production sound engineer); David Sajewich (media designer); Anthony Churchill (projections designer); Will Hughes (scene shop technical director); Ben Lipinski (paint charge); Ethan McIntosh (lighting board), Chris Chase (production manager) and Jennifer King Russell (company manager). 


Health Safety Procedure:

All guests are recommended to wear face masks during the performance regardless of vaccination status.


ABOUT PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KYLE DOUGAN, DIRECTOR

Kyle Dougan worked as casting associate and events manager for Music Theater Works, and rejoined the company in 2018 as producing artistic director, following a two-year stint in academia. He relocated to Chicago in 1999, after completing his Masters in Musical Theatre at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he produced and directed a workshop of new musicals. He also stage managed a series of new musicals with Perfect Pitch: New Musicals at Trafalgar Studios. In the Chicago area Dougan has directed, associate-directed and assistant-directed shows for Chamber Opera Chicago, Theatre at the Center, Big Noise Theater and The Music Theatre Company. He has served as artistic producer of a series of new musicals with Midwest New Musicals, as executive director of FWD Theatre Project and as co-owner of Style Theatrical Casting, a professional casting company in Chicago.


ABOUT JUSTIN AKIRA KONO, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Justin Akira Kono is a percussionist, pianist, conductor and orchestrator of uncommon range. After studying at DePaul and Northwestern Universities, he started transitioning into leadership and music direction roles. Previously at Music Theater Works, he has music directed Zorro the Musical, Legends of the 50s and 60s and MAMMA MIA! He frequently worked with Porchlight Music Theater and has music directed Spring Awakening, their traveling show Broadway in your Backyard and has played drums for Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Chicago Sings Rock and Roll Broadway and Billy Elliot. Other regional credits include All Shook Up, Freaky Friday (Williams Street Rep) and Kiss Me Kate (The Marriott Theater). He has also music directed at The Chicago College of Performing Arts. He serves as a music director at First Congregational Church in Downers Grove. He is the piano player for the Midwest’s premiere ABBA tribute band, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and plays drums in Piano Man: A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. 


ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS

Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in

1980. During its 42-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. 

JOYCE SAXON is the 2023 Music Theater Works Season Sponsor.


 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Preview: Thursday, June 1 at 1 p.m.

Press Performance: Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 3 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 4 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 7 at 1 p.m.

Friday, June 9 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 10 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m.


Wednesday, June 14 at 1 p.m.

Friday, June 16 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 17 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 18 at 2 p.m.


Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m.

Friday, June 23 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 24 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 25 at 2 p.m.

Music Theater Works Box Office: (847) 673-6300

Website: MusicTheaterWorks.com





Sunday, March 6, 2022

OPENING: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES STARRING “RUPAUL DRAG RACE’S” GINGER MINJ* VIA MUSIC THEATER WORKS MARCH 10 - APRIL 3, 2022

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar  

MUSIC THEATER WORKS ANNOUNCES CAST FOR LA CAGE AUX FOLLES STARRING “RUPAUL DRAG RACE’S” GINGER MINJ*, MARCH 10 - APRIL 3, 2022

AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 

Tickets Now on Sale for the Spring 2022 Production that is so Much Fun, it will be Hard to Keep Anything Straight, Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan+/^ and Music Directed by Kyra Leigh*, Choreography by Christopher Chase Carter+ and Costumes by “Project Runway’s” Justin LeBlanc+

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs). = (any with respect)

Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast for its spring production of the Tony-Award winning La Cage Aux Folles,  music and lyrics by Jerry Herman+, book by Harvey Fierstein+, directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan+/^ and music directed by Kyra Leigh* with choreography by Christopher Chase Carter+. La Cage Aux Folles performance schedule includes a preview performance Thursday, March 10 at 1 p.m. with press opening Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m. The running time is currently two hours and 40 minutes including one 15-minute intermission. The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at $19.50 - $106 with Meet and Greet with Ginger Minj options and discounted 2022 subscriptions at MusicTheaterWorks.com.

The winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Revival of a Musical, La Cage Aux Folles is a night full of belly-laughs. Based on the hit French farce that also inspired West End and international productions and Hollywood’s “The Birdcage,” this Broadway smash has a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy and Kinky Boots) and a score by the king of show tunes, Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly! and Mame).  With “RuPaul’s Drag Race” headliner, Ginger Minj*, as “Albin” and costumes by “Project Runway” designer Justin LeBlanc+, The Music Theater Works rendition of this classic is guaranteed to be one of the most entertaining productions of the year. The theatre will be transformed into La Cage’s elegant St. Tropez nightclub complete with an onstage bar and surprises at every turn. And when a non-traditional family’s future in-laws come for a visit, La Cage shines the spotlight on family, love, commitment and drag as the truth comes out in the wildest of ways. 

The cast of La Cage Aux Folles includes Ginger Minj*, (Albin); Jason Richards+ (Georges); Christopher Ratliff+, (Jean-Michel); Dane Strange+, (Jacob); Thomas E. Squires+, (Dindon/Renaud); Caron Buinis*, (Marie Dindon/Mme. Renaud); Honey West*, (Jacqueline/Albin understudy); Anthony Whitaker+, (Francis); Darryl D’Angelo Jones+, (Tabarro); Daniel Hurst+, (Chantel); Matthew Weidenbener+, (Hanna); Gabe Kohlbeck+, (Mercedes); Brian Selcik+, (Bitelle), Isaiah Engram+, (Angelique) , Jordon Taylor* (Phaedra) and Alicia Berneche*, (Marie Dindon and Jacquline understudy); Ariel Triunfo* (Anne/Cagelle understudy) and Riley Vogel+ (Jean Michel /Cagelle understudy).

The La Cage Aux Folles production team includes Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan+/^, (director); Kyra Leigh*, (music director); Christopher Chase Carter+, (choreography); Tommy Novak^, (assistant director); Scott Davis*, (scenic design); Justin LeBlanc+, (costume design); Andrew Meyers+, (lighting design) and Hayley E. Wallenfeldt*, (props design). 



Health Safety Procedure:

ALL GUESTS will be required to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status and to present their photo ID with proof of full vaccination from COVID-19 with an approved vaccine.

Please visit https://www.musictheaterworks.com/health-safety-procedures/ for more information.

 


ABOUT GINGER MINJ*, “Albin”

Long before she held court as a finalist on season 7 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Ginger Minj reigned as The Comedy Queen of The South from her homebase in Orlando, Florida. The self-professed “nicest bitch you’ll ever meet” cites classic funny ladies Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball and Dolly Parton as her idols. “Anyone who can pile three wigs on their head, squeeze their body into a beaded and rhinestoned gown and serve humor alongside the glamour is my hero,” says Minj. That’s why she coined the term “Glamour Toad'' to describe her unique persona. 

In 2016, Ginger released her debut album, “Sweet Tea,” which was soon followed by years spent touring the world and performing showtunes for Broadway royalty on national television. With more than 200,000 global streams, Ginger Minj went on to star in the 2018 Netflix feature film, “Dumplin’” (Jennifer Anniston, Dove Cameron) and in June 2021 released her sophomore album “Gummy Bear,” which peaked at #2 on the iTunes Comedy Album Charts. She then followed up in September 2021 with her third studio album, “Double Wide Diva,” which peaked at #10 on the iTunes Country Album Charts.

Ginger Minj was a finalist of Season 6 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” and is continuously working on exciting projects to come in 2022 including a new book entitled “Southern Fried Sass” which tells her life story through stories and family recipes.

ABOUT PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KYLE DOUGAN+/^, director

Kyle Dougan worked as casting associate and events manager for Music Theater Works, and rejoined the company in 2018 as Producing Artistic Director Designate, following a two-year stint in academia. He relocated to Chicago in 1999, after completing his Masters in Musical Theatre at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he produced and directed a workshop of new musicals. He also stage managed a series of new musicals with Perfect Pitch: New Musicals at Trafalgar Studios. In the Chicago area Kyle has directed, associate-directed and assistant-directed shows for Chamber Opera Chicago, Theatre at the Center, Big Noise Theater and The Music Theatre Company. He has served as artistic producer of a series of new musicals with Midwest New Musicals, as executive director of FWD Theatre Project and as co-owner of Style Theatrical Casting, a professional casting company in Chicago.

ABOUT KYRA LEIGH*, music director

Kyra Leigh is thrilled to be making her debut with Music Theater Works! Chicago acting credits include Porchlight Revisits Nunsense (Porchlight Music Theatre}; The Things I Could Never Tell Steven (American debut at PrideArts);Love Serving Love (Valiant Theatre); Sundown, Yellow Moon (Raven Theatre); music directing credits include HeadOver Heels (Kokandy Productions); She’s also composed Transfigure, a full concept album.

CHRISTOPHER CHASE CARTER+, choreographer

Christopher Chase Carter is the artistic director of Mercury Theater Chicago. Before moving to Chicago, Carter studied in Michigan, where he began his theater career performing, directing and choreographing award-winning community and college productions. He attended Grand Valley State University achieving his bachelor of arts while on scholarship. After graduating, Carter became an active participant in the Chicago dance and theater community. In 2019, he directed and choreographed the pilot production of “Scottsboro Boys'' working closely with Musical Theater International (MTI) and Susan Stroman at the International Thespian Festival. He followed that up by directing a history-making production of “Legally Blonde” at Northwestern University. He has been honored with many scholarships throughout his career. In 2005, he moved to Los Angeles where he was awarded a scholarship to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. After training at DADA, he returned to Michigan to finish his degree. He was one of four dancers chosen for a scholarship to study abroad in Kingston, Jamaica to further his training and education at The Edna Manley School. After graduating, this inspired Cater to start his own scholarship, The Christopher Carter Arts Scholarship, to help underprivileged artists pursue their dreams. With a true passion for creativity and art, Carter is excited about the future of theater and looks forward to being part of the evolution of performance and artistry.

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.

Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast for its spring production of the Tony-Award winning La Cage Aux Folles,  music and lyrics by Jerry Herman+, book by Harvey Fierstein+, directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan+/^ and music directed by Kyra Leigh* with choreography by Christopher Chase Carter+. La Cage Aux Folles performance schedule includes a preview performance Thursday, March 10 at 1 p.m. with press opening Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m. The running time is currently two hours and 40 minutes including one 15-minute intermission. The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at $19.50 - $106 with Meet and Greet with Ginger Minj options and discounted 2022 subscriptions at MusicTheaterWorks.com.

La Cage Aux Folles performance schedule is 

Preview: Thursday, March 10 at 1 p.m.

Press Night: Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 12 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m.


Wednesday, March 16 at 1 p.m.

Friday, March 18 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 19 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m.


Wednesday, March 23 at 1 p.m.

Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 26 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m

Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m.


Wednesday, March 30 at 1 p.m.

Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m.


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