Music Theater Works announces auditions and “pawditions” for the fourth and final production of its 2025 season, Annie, in the George Van DusenTheatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, December 18 - January 4. Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan, is directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan and choreographed by Mollyanne Nunn and music directed by Linda Madonia. Video auditions may be submitted from today, Monday, May 19, through Friday, May 30, via this link: https://forms.gle/FfNRCseQJyKEi2fp9. Dance and other call backs are scheduled for the week of June 9 at Music Theater Works, 516 4th Street. For more on available roles and additional audition information go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EiyPCNBZtCzhoYLztJvu4DX6B8Kd5wGwImS03NExloE/edit?usp=sharing. For “pawditions,” please send an audition video of the pet to casting@musictheaterworks.org.
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.
ABOUT General Auditions
General submissions are now being accepted today through May 30 for Annie, performance dates: December 18 - January 4. Auditions will only be accepted through the Google Form in this link: https://forms.gle/FfNRCseQJyKEi2fp9. For more on available roles and additional audition information go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EiyPCNBZtCzhoYLztJvu4DX6B8Kd5wGwImS03NExloE/edit?usp=sharing.
ABOUT “Pawditions”
Music Theater Works is looking for a preferably long haired and yellow/tan; OtterHound, Labradoodle, Golden Lab/Retriever. Talented dogs to appear during the December run should have the following skills:
- Well behaved/trained
- Sit for long periods of time
- Come/sit/look on command
- Good with children/loud noises/bright lights.
- Possibly "kiss" on command.
The performing pup and handler/owner would need to be available for at least five rehearsals during the rehearsal process, tech and the performances, December 18, 2025 - January 4, 2026. Video submissions of the pet should be sent to casting@musictheaterworks.org.
ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS
Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in
1980. During its 44-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.
COMING UP FROM MUSIC THEATER WORKS
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
George Van DusenTheatre
August 7 - 17
Press Night: Friday, August 8 at 7 p.m.
Book by Joseph Stein
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Music by Jerry Bock
Directed by L. Walter Stearns
Choreographed by Marla Lampert
Music Directed by Dr. Michael McBride
Fiddler on the Roof shares the happiness and tears of a tight-knit Jewish community in Czarist Russia. Tevye, the town’s milkman, finds the long-held traditions that define his faith and family are threatened by a modern world that is encroaching on his beloved Anatevka. Don’t miss this lush and memorable score as it's performed by Music Theater Works with a stellar cast and full orchestra.
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
George Van DusenTheatre
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
Music Directed by Dr. Michael McBride
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.