Transplanting Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the streets of 1950s New York, West Side Story unfolds amid the simmering tensions between two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. In the middle of that violence, Tony and Maria find each other and fall hopelessly, dangerously in love. Bernstein's soaring score, paired with Sondheim's incisive lyrics, gave the world some of the most beloved songs in the American songbook, including "Tonight," "America," "Maria," and the aching anthem of hope, "Somewhere." The story's themes of belonging, prejudice, and the yearning for a better life have lost none of their urgency, which is why West Side Story continues to resonate with each new generation of theatergoers.
The production is directed by Sasha Gerritson, with choreography by Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez, music direction by Linda Madonia, and a Spanish translation by David Serrano. In a welcome touch that reflects the story's bicultural heart, all performances will feature Spanish supertitles. Luke Nowakowski stars as Tony opposite Isabella Ruano as Maria, leading a large and vibrant company that includes Connor Ripperger as Riff, Pauleth Jauregui as Anita, and Emmanuel Ramirez as Bernardo. Audiences will also be treated to the sound of a full live orchestra conducted by Justin Kono, a luxury that lets Bernstein's thrilling, jazz-inflected score land with all the punch and color it deserves.
If any company is well suited to this material, it is Music Theater Works. Founded in 1980, the resident professional not-for-profit theater has spent more than four decades building a bridge for audiences from the classic works of the musical stage to the present day, presenting everything from beloved standards and historic operetta to innovative new works, all staged with fresh eyes and a commitment to engaging the community in music, theater, and the arts. The company also invests in the next generation of theater professionals and patrons through YouthREACH, its growing program for young people that covers every aspect of theater from performance to technology. Season after season, Music Theater Works delivers big, full-hearted productions of the great musicals, and their West Side Story promises to continue that tradition in grand style.
The run also offers several special events worth planning around. Following the 2:00 p.m. matinees on Sunday, August 16, and Sunday, August 23, musical theater historian Thomas M. Shea, author of Broadway's Most Wanted, will host free post-show talks exploring the fascinating behind-the-scenes history of West Side Story. On Saturday, August 22, audiences are invited to stay after the 2:00 p.m. performance for "Somewhere: Belonging, Safety and the American Dream," a discussion hosted by choreographer Isa Ramirez alongside members of the production's community partners, including the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance. The Friday, August 21, performance at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL interpreted. Theatergoers looking to make an evening of it can also visit Binny's Broadway Lounge on the second floor of the North Shore Center before select performances and at intermission for a drink and a snack.
West Side Story runs August 13 through 30, 2026, at the George Van Dusen Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Performances are Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available through the North Shore Center box office at 847-673-6300 or online at musictheaterworks.com. Whether you are revisiting an old favorite or discovering Tony and Maria's story for the first time, this is a chance to experience one of the great achievements of the American musical theater performed live, with full orchestra, right here on the North Shore.