Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the third production of its 2025 season, Godspell, sponsored by the Whirled Peas Foundation and presented in partnership with Curt’s Café, in the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, October 23 - November 16. Godspell, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John Michael Tebelak, is directed by Matthew Silar, choreographed by Amanda Hope and music directed by Justin Kono. The production includes a preview performance Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. with a press opening Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. The 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, Nov. 1, Nov. 8 and Nov. 15 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.
Day by day for more than 50 years, audiences have delighted in this modern musical fable. Godspell weaves together music, improv and infectious pop and rock songs including the hits “Day by Day,” “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “O Bless the Lord My Soul” and more. This Godspell finds a fractured and disconnected community gathered at a local coffee shop discovering the transformative power of forgiveness and embracing radical love.
The cast of Godspell includes, in alphabetical order: P-Jay Adams (she/they, ensemble/U/S); Brandon Acosta (he/him, ensemble/U/S); Diana Marilyn Alvarez (she/they, swing); Maxwell J DeTogne (he/him, Maxwell, U/S Jesus); Tafadzwa Diener (Tafadzwa, she/her); Kaitlin Feely (Kaitlin, she/her); Emily Holland (she/her, ensemble/U/S); Nicholas Ian (Nicholas, any); Jenna Makkawy (she/they, ensemble/U/S); Dani Pike (Dani, she/her); Connor Ripperger (Connor, he/they); Concetta Russo (Concetta, she/her); Jacob Simon (he/they, John the Baptist/Judas); Ethan Smith (he/him, ensemble/U/S John the Baptist/Judas); Eldon Warner-Soriano (he/him, Jesus); Ben Woods (Ben, he/him) and Alex Villaseñor (swing, he/him).
Godspell’s orchestra includes Justin Kono (he/him, conductor/drums); Linda Madonia (she/her, piano); Kyle Paul (he/him, guitars) and Marcel Bonfirm (he/him, bass).
Godspell’s creative team is Matthew Silar (he/him, director); Amanda Hope (she/her, choreographer); Justin Kono (he/him, music director); Becca Holloway (she/her, asst. director); Amber Wuttke (she/her, intimacy & violence choreographer); Kathy Logelin (she/her, dialect coach); Blue Darner Dupuis (they/them, stage manager); Carolyn Goldsmith (she/her, asst. stage manager); Bob Knuth (he/him, scenic designer); Nga Sze Chan (she/her, props designer); Kristen Brinati (she/her, costume designer/wardrobe crew); Melanie Saso (she/her, hair, wig, makeup designer); Levi J. Wilkins (he/him, lighting designer); Chelsea Lynn (she/her, board programmer); Forrest Gregor (he/him, sound designer); Mitchell Finger (technical director); Will Hughes (he/him, Andersonville Scenic Studios) and Ben Lipinski (any, Andersonville Scenic Studios).
“Behind the Curtain with Thomas M. Shea”
Immediately following the Sunday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 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 Godspell.
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 Godspell. 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 Godspell, Wednesday, Oct. 29 (opens at 1 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 1 (opens at 6:30 p.m.).
ASL Interpreted Performance
The Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. performance will be ASL interpreted.
Curt’s Café Day at Godspell
At the Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. performance of Godspell, Music Theater Works will celebrate Curt’s Café and its mission including hosting representatives of Curt’s Café to discuss Curt’s impact has had on youth for more than a decade at a discussion immediately following the matinee.
ABOUT MATTHEW SILAR, DIRECTOR
Matthew Silar is a Chicago-based director, stage manager and acting coach. Recent Chicago directing credits include Citadel Theatre’s productions of She Loves Me (Jeff Nomination) and Little Shop Of Horrors, as well as Daddy Long Legs (Awaken Theatre). Other directing credits include Annie, The Spongebob Musical and Matilda The Musical (Firehouse Theatre), Kate Fodor’s 100 Saints You Should Know, Lee Blessing’s Two Rooms (Acu) and a slew of educational productions. He’s worked across Chicagoland and the country as an AEA stage manager including Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, The Rev Theatre Company, and more. He holds a BFA in theatre directing from Abilene Christian University and is a proud associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
ABOUT JUSTIN KONO, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Justin Kono is a drummer, percussionist, pianist, arranger, orchestrator and conductor of uncommon range. Recent Music Theater Works credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde: the Musical and Shrek (drums and electronic music design) and Pippin (music direction, conductor, drums and electronic music design). Other recent credits include the Chicago company of Titanique (drums and electronic music design) by Porchlight Music Theatre and Rock of Ages and Jersey Boys with Mercury Theater (drums, electronic music design). Kono has also played at Drury Lane Oakbrook, many Porchlight Music Theatre shows and events, Teatro ZinZanni and the Marriott Theater, where he will be the local cover for the role of “Fluke” in Million Dollar Quartet Christmas this coming holiday season. In addition to theater activities, he is a music director and accompanist at First Congregational Church in Downers Grove and the handbell choir director at First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove.
Music Theater Works 2025 Season
The 45th season concludes with Annie, December 18, 2025 - January 4, 2026. For more information on the 45th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com.
Music Theater Works 2026 Season
The 46th season opens with CATS, March 5 - 29, 2026 and is followed by West Side Story, August 3 - 30, 2026. The season will continue with Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, October 8 - November 1, 2026 and concludes with Hairspray, December 17, 2026 - January 3, 2027. 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.
ABOUT CURT’S CAFÉ
Curt’s Café is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers workforce training, life skills and supportive resources to young adults (ages 15 – 24) who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, involvement with the justice system or other challenges. Curt’s Cafe has two fully operating cafés, offering a variety of breakfast, lunch, coffee drinks and catering services located in Highland Park and Evanston to serve both Lake County and Cook County.
Curt’s was established in 2012 and has served over 650 students since opening. The students are creating better futures—and community support drives that change. To learn more about Curt’s Café, please visit CurtsCafe.org or follow them on social @curtscafe.
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.
The Godspell production sponsor is Whirled Peas Foundation.
Music Theater Works presents
Godspell
October 23 - November 16
North Theatre
North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by John Michael Tebelak
Directed by Matthew Silar
Choreographed by Amanda Hope
Music Directed by Justin Kono
Show dates and times:
- Thursday, Oct. 23 – 7:30 p.m. – Preview
- Friday, Oct. 24 – 7 p.m. – Press Performance
- Saturday, Oct. 25 – 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 26 – 2 p.m. – Talk Back with Thomas M. Shea
- Wednesday, Oct. 29 – 2 p.m. – Binny’s Broadway Lounge (opens at 1 p.m.)
- Friday, Oct. 31 – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 1 – 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 1 – 7:30 p.m. – Binny’s Broadway Lounge (opens at 6:30 p.m.)
- Sunday, Nov. 2 – 2: p.m. – Talk Back with Thomas M. Shea
- Wednesday, Nov. 5 – 2 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 7 – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 8 – 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 8 – 7:30 p.m. – ASL Interpreted performance
- Sunday, Nov. 9 – 2 p.m. - Curt’s Café Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 12 – 2 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 14 – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 15 – 2 and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 16 – 2 p.m.
Tickets: $19.50 to $106, tickets for guests 25 years old and younger are available for half- price.
Music Theater Works Box Office: (847) 673-6300
Website: MusicTheaterWorks.com
Total Running Time, including intermission, (currently): Two hours and 10 minutes
COMING UP FROM MUSIC THEATER WORKS
GODSPELL
North Theatre
October 23 - November 16
Press Night: Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.
Production Sponsor: Whirled Peas Foundation
In Partnership with Curt’s Cafe
Book by John Michael Tebelak
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Matthew Silar
Music Directed by Justin Akira Kono
Day by day for more than 50 years, audiences have delighted in this modern musical fable that weaves together music, improv and infectious pop and rock songs. This Godspell finds a fractured and disconnected community gathered at a local diner discovering the transformative power of forgiveness and embracing radical love.
ANNIE
The George Van Dusen Theatre
Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Press Opening: Friday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Book by Thomas Meehan
Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan
For more than 100 years, the beloved story of a spunky, red-headed orphan who lands a holiday stay with Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, a billionaire trying to do good has delighted and inspired audiences around the world. Perfect for the holidays and the whole family, Annie, winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written including “Tomorrow,” “NYC,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and others.
THE MUSIC THEATER WORKS 2026 SEASON
CATS
North Theatre
March 5 - 29, 2026
Press Opening: Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Based on "Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot
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 Villaseñor
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