Music Theater Works Presents the Beloved Classic “West Side Story,” August 13 - 30

Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the second production of its 2026 season, West Side Story, in the George Van Dusen Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, August 13 - 30. West Side Story has a book by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Music Theater Works’ production is directed by Sasha Gerritson, choreographed by Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez and music directed by Linda Madonia.

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.

All performances include Spanish supertitles. The West Side Story performance schedule is Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. (Post-show discussion), Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. (ASL Interpreted performance), Saturday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Post-show discussion), Sunday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30 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. Memberships for the 2026 season are also available at MusicTheaterWorks.com and group discounts for 10 or more people are available by contacting JRuffner@MusicTheaterWorks.org.