Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc and Music Theater Works are proud to announce that Mrs. Kasha Davis will star as “Edna Turnblad” in the upcoming production of Hairspray, Dec. 17, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027, directed by Keely Vasquez, choreographed by Reneisha Jenkins and music directed by Linda Madonia, in the George Van Dusen Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Mrs. Kasha Davis is known for her work on two seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Season 7 and Season 8: All Stars and is an internationally recognized drag artist, performer, educator and advocate. For priority seating at Hairspray become a member for the 2026 season, with two, three and four show memberships available now and single tickets for all the 2026 productions going on sale Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at 12 p.m. For more information on the 46th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com.
“When I received the call from Music Theater Works offering me the role of “Edna” in Hairspray, I was overjoyed, it was truly a dream moment, and one I immediately celebrated with Mr. Davis. This is exactly the kind of work I hoped my drag career would make possible, especially following my time on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” said Mrs. Kasha Davis.
She continued, “Mrs. Kasha Davis was created as a tribute to my mother and grandmother, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to honor their legacy by stepping into such an iconic role. To join a cast dedicated to sharing messages of inclusion, acceptance and love, values they instilled in me long ago, is deeply meaningful. I look forward to the creative journey ahead: the rehearsal process, the collaboration, and the friendships and laughter that will undoubtedly unfold with the team at Music Theater Works and the audiences we serve.”
“The announcement of the incredible Mrs. Kasha Davis joining our 2026 season in this unforgettable role is a great way to kick off our 46th season and the new year,” says Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc. “We look forward to what promises to be a thoughtful, heartfelt and hilarious take on this role that speaks to so many of the values she embodies herself… kindness, joy, acceptance and standing up for what is right.”
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.
Music Theater Works’ 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, starring Mrs. Kasha Davis, December 17, 2026 - January 3, 2027. Memberships are now available for the 2026 season with single tickets for all the 2026 productions going on sale Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at 12 p.m. For more information on the 46th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com.
ABOUT MRS. KASHA DAVIS
Mrs. Kasha Davis is a cornerstone of the Upstate New York drag scene and an internationally recognized drag artist, performer, educator and advocate. Together with her husband Steve Levins and their business partner Tim Evanicki, she co-founded the production company DRAG ME TO THE STAGE, which has become a leading platform for drag performance in their region and beyond.
After competing on “RuPaul's Drag Race” Season 7 and “RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars” Season 8, Mrs. Kasha Davis embarked on successful national and international tours, bringing her solo shows, speaking engagements and drag appearances to diverse audiences around the world.
Sober since 2015, she has used her personal journey to become an outspoken advocate for addiction recovery and mental-health awareness, frequently booked as a speaker on those issues. In recognition of her artistry and activism, she was named to Out magazine’s Out100 list in 2023, honored as an artist, trailblazer and storyteller making a difference for the LGBTQIA+ community. In November 2024, she received the “Visibility Award” from Human Rights Campaign (New England Chapter) for her work promoting drag and inclusivity through initiatives like Drag Story Hour.
In 2024, Mrs. Kasha Davis added educator to her résumé, joining SUNY Brockport as an adjunct professor teaching a full course on drag, covering its history, theory and performance.
Bold, compassionate, and committed to community, Mrs. Kasha Davis brings authenticity, joy and insight to every stage, lecture hall and performance space she steps into.
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.
Mrs. Kasha Davis is known for her work on two seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Season 7 and Season 8: All Stars and is an internationally recognized drag artist, performer, educator and advocate.
NOW PLAYING AT MUSIC THEATER WORKS
The George Van Dusen Theatre at the North Shore for Performing Arts in Skokie
Now Playing through January 4, 2026
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Book by Thomas Meehan
Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc
Choreographed by Mollyanne Nunn
Music Directed by 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.
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
Starring "RuPaul’s Drag Race’s” and internationally recognized drag artist, performer, educator and advocate Mrs. Kasha Davis as “Edna Turnblad”
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.