August 13-30, 2026
46th Season
162nd Production

Music Theater Works in association with Music Theatre International

KYLE DOUGAN-LEBLANC
Producing Artistic Director

Presents
West Side Story

Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins

Book by 
Arthur Laurents

Music by
Leonard Bernstein

Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim

West Side Story
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 
www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Welcome to Margaritaville!

My dear friend Andy has been a Parrot Head his entire life, having grown up in Southern California with Jimmy Buffett’s music as part of the soundtrack of his life. For myself, I knew the songs, I knew Margaritaville, but I didn’t really understand what Jimmy Buffett meant to people.

Then I went to his concert in Las Vegas.

There were 12,000 people packed into Mandalay Bay, and the party had spilled out onto the Las Vegas Strip. Teenagers, grandparents, couples in Hawaiian shirts, and complete strangers were laughing, dancing, and singing together. I remember thinking: “Oh. I get it!” It wasn’t just a concert; it was a community. That was the night I became a huge fan.

Jimmy Buffett spent his career creating music that invited people to have a little more fun with their lives. His journey took him from street performing in New Orleans to Nashville and eventually to Key West, where he found the sound and storytelling that became uniquely his own. His mixture of country, rock, folk, calypso, storytelling, sunshine, heartbreak, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of margaritas has become a way of life for so many.

But underneath all of it is something wonderfully simple: Have fun. Jimmy didn’t urge us to ignore the hard things, or to pretend everything is perfect. Sometimes things go terribly wrong, sometimes we make spectacularly bad choices and sometimes we lose people we love. But sometimes the best thing we can do is find the people we love, sing a song, laugh until we cry and remember that we are still here. The message is, “Life happens: have fun anyway.” 

After Jimmy’s death in 2023, his sister Lucy shared that he wasn’t particularly interested in the traditional idea of “resting in peace.” His final whisper to her was simply: “Have fun”.

Our rehearsal process has been full of love, joy, hard work and lots of laughter! We hope you enjoy your “island time” with us as much as we have enjoyed our escape to Margaritaville!

Brenda Didier
Director/Choreographer

Act 1

(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)

Bill Kirchmeyer and Binny’s Beverage Depot, Javier Vega at Byline Bank, Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Ann Davis, Scott Stratton, Orlando Miranda, the staff at The Paul M. Angell Foundation, Alex Stanzione with Blackbaud Solutions, Steven Alessandro and Jamie Wessner, Christine Perez, Jorge Valdivia and the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, C.A.R.E. Skokie, Tom Tresser, Amy Holcomb, Heidi Krueger and the Lake Forest Public Library, Rusty Hernandez, Jen Ruffner, Jen Russell King, Skokie Park District, Jim Szczepaniak, Paul Adams, Holly Jin

BRIAN ACKER (he/him, Tully) is thrilled to be bringing his six-string, a little sunshine, and good vibes to the role of “Tully” in ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. MTW credits: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (“Joseph”), SHREK (“Captain of the Guard”), DAMN YANKEES (“Joe Hardy”). Other Chicago credits: SWEENEY TODD (“Anthony”) at Porchlight Music Theatre, LA RÉVOLUTION FRANÇAISE (“Chouans”) American premiere with the composers of LES MISÉRABLES. PRIDE & PREJUDICE THE MUSICAL (“Mr. Darcy”) at FWD Theater. UK Tour: JANE AUSTEN'S PERSUASION with Chamber Opera Chicago. During the day Brian teaches music and runs a children's theater company with his beautiful wife.

KATE McQUILLAN (she/her, Rachel) is thrilled to be making her Music Theater Works debut with the wonderful cast and crew of ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. You might recognize Kate from DIANA: THE MUSICAL where she received a Jeff nomination for her role as “Diana.” Other credits include THE WEDDING SINGER (Metropolis), GLÜ: A NEW MUSICAL and WAITRESS (Timberlake Playhouse), THE SECRET GARDEN and NEVER BETTER (Theo), JENNY (CMFT), and NUNSENSE (Pittsburgh Musical Theatre). IG: @Kate_McQuillan_  W: roccoli-Owl-4jh3.squarespace.com/

KHAKI PIXLEY (she/her, Tammy) is thrilled to be back at MTW as a Parrot Head! Some of her Chicago Theatre credits include: “Paulette,” LEGALLY BLONDE (MTW); THE WILD PARTY (Bailiwick, Jeff Award Best Ensemble); 9 TO 5 (Firebrand); MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Porchlight); BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE..., TIME AFTER TIME, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Theo Ubique); LET'S MISBEHAVE (Fox Valley Rep); A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Jeff Nomination, Supporting Actress); THE BAKER'S WIFE (Circle Theatre). She spent three years touring internationally with THE MAN IN BLACK SHOW: A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH SINGING AS JUNE CARTER CASH and has graced your TV in a handful of silly commercials. Khaki's been on “Chicago Med” and can be seen in the feature films “Christmas With Felicity” and “From London With Love.” IG: @KhakiPixley

CHASE GRABOWSKI (he/him, Brick) is absolutely thrilled to be making his Music Theater Works debut! Chicago: LITTLE MERMAID (“Chef Louis,” Uptown Theatre). Regional Credits: SOMETHING ROTTEN! (“Shakespeare,” Bayshore Arts Center), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (“Jesus,” Coastal Players), FALSETTOS (“Mendel,” Next Chapter Actors). A newcomer to Chicago, Chase is originally from Wisconsin and graduated with a BA in Vocal Performance from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. Chase is a voice/acting coach, a multi-time WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Male Vocalist of the Year nominee & the ’23 ACTF (American Collegiate Theatre Festival) National Musical Theatre Intensive Creative Artist Award Winner. He wants to thank his family, friends, and girlfriend Audrey for their support in chasing his dreams. IG: @ChasedGrabowski W: ChaseGrabowski.com

TAMARA BATIEST (she/her, Marley) makes her Music Theater Works debut in JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. A Chicago-based actress and vocalist, Tamara is a two-time Jeff Award nominee — for her performance as “Mature Patti LaBelle” in THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR and as part of the Best Ensemble for MEN OF SOUL, both at Black Ensemble Theater — where MEN OF SOUL also won Best Production. Her stage credits also include 13 WOMEN. On screen, Tamara appeared in two seasons of FOX’s “Empire” and a national T-Mobile commercial. She has been praised by the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones and covered by the Chicago Reader, ABC7 Chicago, and WGN Radio. Off stage, Tamara is a lead vocalist in Chicago’s house and gospel music scenes, recently performing alongside Terry Hunter at Wind Creek Casino. She is thrilled to bring Marley to life and grateful to Brenda Didier for the opportunity. FB/TT: Tamara Batiest IG: @TamaraBatiest

BRIAN JAMES (he/him, J.D.) is excited to make his Music Theater Works debut.  Recent professional Chicago area credits include SCARAMOUCHE (City Lit Theater), GASLIGHT (Oil Lamp Theater), PASSION (Blank Theatre Company), LES MISERABLES (Uptown Music Theater), MARY POPPINS and THE MUSIC MAN (both at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). 

MATT FRYE (he/him, Chadd/ensemble, U/S Brick) is so excited to be making his MTW Debut! Matt is a teacher and actor and has lived and worked in and around Chicago for the last 16 years. BFA Roosevelt University. MFA West Virginia University. He would like to thank his parents for their everlasting support and love, and his WIFE for being the LOML!

LILI GALLUZZO (she/they, ensemble, U/S Rachel) is thrilled to be returning to Music Theater Works! Select credits at MTW include “Chutney”/ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL and “Rona/Schwarzy U/S” in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM…, other credits include “Cathy Hiatt” in THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Oil Lamp Theater), “Susan” in TICK TICK BOOM (Dunes Summer Theatre), “Magenta” in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Metropolis PAC and JAM Orchestra) and “Gabby” in the feature film “Kombucha,” which is now streaming on Amazon. This holiday season, you can see her as “Belle” in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Towle Theatre. When not onstage, they work as a teaching artist and audition coach with several not-for-profits all around Chicagoland. She is proudly represented by Stewart Talent and sends love to her amazing family for all their support!

MACKENZIE FURLETT (she/her, ensemble, U/S Tammy, dance captain) is so excited to be making her Music Theater Works debut in this production of ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE! While receiving her BFA in Musical Theater and minor in Educational Studies from Syracuse University, Mackenzie had the opportunity to perform in many productions, including her first regional credit in Syracuse Stage's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. After graduating, Mackenzie returned home to Chicago to perform in Six Flags Great America's 2025 and 2026 seasons. Mackenzie would like to thank the entire cast, crew, and production team for making this magical production come to life! She would like to say a special thanks to Brenda Didier for all of her support and guidance. Lastly, she wants to thank her friends and family for always cheering her on. She hopes you enjoy the show! Feel free to follow her on her socials: @Mackenzie.Furlett  W: MackenzieFurlett.com. 

ANDREW FAGGION (he/him, Ted/ensemble, U/S Tully) is delighted to make his debut with Music Theater Works! Chicago credits include NEXT TO NORMAL (Pop! Up Productions), THE UNDERGROUND SOCIETY FOR MUSIC (Trap Door Theatre). Favorite regional credits include TREASURE ISLAND (Ceramic Goose), ROYAL SHADOWS (Fulton Theatre), QUEEN ESTHER (Sight & Sound Theatres), and DOGFIGHT (NRACT). Andrew is a graduate from the S&S Conservatory for the Performing Arts. When he isn't performing, you can find him composing his next musical, or enjoying an evening in right field at Wrigley with his lovely wife, Amy. IG: @Andrew.Faggion

MIKALA CURLESS (she/her, ensemble) is excited to be returning to Music Theater Works for their production of ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Earlier this year, she made her MTW debut in CATS as “Victoria.” Other recent credits include Lyric Opera of Chicago's MEDEA, The Beautiful City Project's FAME, Contrapunto: Festival de Danza, Ruth Page's NUTCRACKER, Ravinia's Summer Music/Arts Festival, and a US tour of SLEEPING BEAUTY. Mikala has performed, choreographed, and taught extensively throughout the United States and abroad resulting in her being a versatile artist with a diverse skill set. Mikala wants to give a special thanks to her mom, dad, and sister for their endless support. IG: @DancerOnTheGo

IVAN JAMES (he/him, ensemble/U/S J.D./non-equity deputy) is thrilled to return to Music Theater Works where he last played LT. Schrank in WEST SIDE STORY. His recent roles also include: “Jose Fajardo”/ensemble in ON YOUR FEET! at Drury Lane Theatre and both “Snyder” and “King Triton” in NEWSIES and THE LITTLE MERMAID at BAM Theatre. Ivan would like to thank his agents at TXA for their belief and support, as well as BAM Theatre for reigniting his passion for the stage. This performance is dedicated to his friends and family — especially his wife, Brenda, and children, Nora and Jonah. IG: @IvanJamz

JACOB MERSCHEL(he/they, Jamal/ensemble) is going into his senior year at Columbia College Chicago and is so happy to be working with Music Theater Works! Originally from Texas, Jacob has had a blast doing theatre in Chicago. His recent credits include: DAMN YANKEES (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater), GREASE (Columbia College Chicago), and CAMP ROCK: THE MUSICAL (The Beautiful City Project).

KELCY TAYLOR (she/her, ensemble, U/S Marley) is thrilled to be making her Music Theater Works debut. Chicago theatre credits include THE JACKIE WILSON STORY (Black Ensemble), URINETOWN (Theo Ubique), SWEET CHARITY (Blank), and CRUEL INTENTIONS (Kokandy Productions). Kelcy studied musical theatre at Columbia College Chicago. She would like to thank her friends, Mr. Woods, and her family for always supporting her. IG: @KelcyTay

KENNY MILLER (any w/ respect, ensemble & swing) is a Chicago-based actor who is thrilled to be making their Music Theater Works debut! When not listening to the musicals, Kenny can be found serving a hot latte and a laugh. Recent credits include RENT (“Angel”), SPONGEBOB:THE MUSICAL (swing), THE PROM (ensemble), original cast of HOUSE THE MUSICAL (“Jeff”), SHE LOVES ME (ensemble), THE ADDAMS FAMILY (“Lurch”), and HAIRSPRAY (“Gilbert”). “The prettiest flowers have the sharpest thorns” IG: @KMRFabulous FB: Kenny Miller

JULIET LOPEZ-GUTIERREZ (she/her, ensemble & swing) is so thrilled to be returning to Music Theater Works in ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE! Juliet previously made her MTW debut as “Teresita” in WEST SIDE STORY, and what a fulfilling experience. She is currently a student, starting her junior year, at Chicago College of the Performing Arts (CCPA). Juliet’s additional recent credits include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and SEUSSICAL at CCPA. She is so grateful for all the support from her friends, family, and the broader Chicago theater community!

BRENDA DIDIER (she/her, Director and Choreographer) is thrilled to make her Music Theater Works debut with this fun show! Didier is a freelance director and choreographer based in Chicago. Credits: Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Goodman, Marriott, Paramount, Royal George Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Chicago Theatre, Theatre Wit, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Second City, Theo Ubique, City Lit, Six Flags, and Busch Gardens theme parks and many others. Tours: THE KENNY ROGERS CHRISTMAS TOUR and CIRQUE SHANGHAI-NAVY PIER’S SKYLING STAGE with engagements at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, Harrah’s in Las Vegas and The New Victory Theatre in New York’s Broadway District. Didier made her TV choreography debut with T-Mobile’s national commercial “Home for the Holidays.” She is a multiple Jeff Award recipient in both direction and choreography (Equity and Non-Equity wing), Guy Adkins Award recipient and artistic director/founder of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance, now in its 29th Season. Upcoming: JEKYLL AND HYDE (Kokandy Productions/Broadway Playhouse), CHRISTMAS CAROL at Paramount Theatre, and DEAD OUTLAW with Porchlight Music Theater/Theater Wit. 

SARAFINA VECCHIO (she/her, Co-Director) is thrilled to be making her Music Theater Works debut! She is a director and actor in Chicago, as well as an educator at Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and Acting Studio Chicago. Chicago performing and directing credits include: Chicago Shakespeare, Lakeside Shakespeare, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Metropolis, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Timeline, Shattered Globe, Drury Lane, Invictus, Janus Theatre, The Other Theatre Company, North Central College, Elgin Community College, and CCPA. Film: “Let's Start a Cult,” “Flatchested,” “North of the 10,” “Once Upon A Christmas Wish,” “Finding Hope,” and “Coyote.” TV: “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Justice,” and “Toon In With Me.” She is proud to be a member of SAG-AFTRA and is represented by Paonessa Talent. 

CLAYTON CROSS (he/him, Co-Choreographer) works nationwide as a choreographer, performer, and dance instructor. Cross appeared in the ensemble of WHITE CHRISTMAS at Paramount Theatre, as well as ensemble and dance captain of ROCK OF AGES with Mercury Theater Chicago and with Drury Lane in the ensemble and dance captain in GREASE and ensemble in EVITA. Cross choreographed WEST SIDE STORY, GUYS AND DOLLS, and BRIGADOON at Music Theater Works (MTW) and was last seen on the MTW stage as “Scuttle” in DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID and in the ensemble of MAMMA MIA, and as choreographer for IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS and BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. He was choreographer in residence with Music Theater Works under the direction of Rudy Hogenmiller for seven seasons where he choreographed and/or performed in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT as “Benjamin;” HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME; HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING; INTO THE WOODS; ANYTHING GOES as ensemble; PIRATES OF PENZANCE as ensemble; PETER PAN as“Nana/Croc;” GYPSY as “Tulsa;” MAME as ensemble; CANDIDE; GUYS AND DOLLS; MY FAIR LADY; DIE FLADERMAUS; THE FANTASTIKS as “Mute,” and DAMN YANKEES as “Eddie” and was also in A CHORUS LINE as “Greg” with Porchlight Music Theatre. Cross also performed at Marriott Theatre in LA CAGE as “Mercedes.” Cross is an instructor and choreographer for M.A. Dance Nation, a Texas based traveling convention circuit, where he has been choreographing, teaching, and judging since 1999. Cross has five times been a consultant and contributed choreography for the Capital One Bowl’s All American Halftime Show. Throughout his 25 year career as a dancer he has worked with Robert Battle, Fernando Bujones, Sherry Zunker, Paul Taylor, and Anne Reinking. Cross’s television credits include “Every Dancer Has a Story,” a PBS special on the River North Chicago Dance Company, where he was a company member for 10 seasons and toured nationally and internationally. Cross is originally from Midland, TX where he received his early training from La Petite Dance Co., Coleman Academy, and the Midland Community Theatre as a member of the Pickwick Players. Cross holds a double B.F.A. in ballet and modern dance from Texas Christian University.

LINDA MADONIA (she/her, Music Director) is thrilled to be back at Music Theater Works for JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE where she has previously music directed WEST SIDE STORY, CATS, GUYS AND DOLLS, SHREK, MAMMA MIA!, and CAMELOT. Other recent projects include JERSEY BOYS, ROCK OF AGES, and SISTER ACT at Mercury Theater Chicago and ANYTHING GOES, CABARET, and A CHORUS LINE at Porchlight Music Theatre. Linda also serves as the contractor for the Chicago Federation of Musicians for Porchlight Music Theatre and Music Theater Works. Linda is the vocal coach for the master’s degree program in music theatre pedagogy at Carthage College and owns American Eagle Productions, which has been at the forefront of theater education in the Chicago area for the past 35 years.

ALINA LOEWENSTEIN (she/they, Associate Music Director) is thrilled to be returning to  Music Theater Works after their debut in CATS! They are an accompanist, music director, and jazz pianist newly based in Chicago with most previous work done in Champaign Urbana. Recent credits include GYPSY (Champaign Urbana Drama Makers), ASSASSINS, TITLE OF SHOW and FALSETTOS (The Station Theatre), and WHITE CHRISTMAS (Parkland College).

AMBER WUTTKE (she/her, Intimacy and Violence Choreographer) is honored to be returning to Music Theater Works! You may have seen her work in the recent productions with MTW since PIPPIN in 2023, including most recently CATS, and personal favorites: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE PRODUCER’S, BRIGADOON, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Recent Chicago area credits include: LEOPOLDSTADT, JOB, and NATASHA…GREAT COMET… (Writer’s Theatre); THE FULL MONTY (Paramount Theatre); FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE and WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF (Elsinore Players); and THE CRUCIBLE (Invictus Theatre Company). She is co-founder of Violent Delights, a stage combat, intimacy, and movement design team, recently nominated for the 2024 Jeff Awards for their work in Invictus’ production of MACBETH. IG: @ViolentDelights_Chi

KATHY LOGELIN (she/her, Dialect Coach)

MACK FINKLEA (she/they, Stage Manager)

RYKER BLANKENSHIP (he/they, Assistant Stage Manager)

BOB KNUTH (he/him, Scenic Designer) is more than delighted to be back again with Music Theater Works for MARGARITAVILLE. Bob is a 17-time Chicago JEFF Award nominee and two-time winner for Outstanding Scenic Design. For 16 years, Bob served as creative director and resident scenic designer for The Second City, collaborating on projects in Chicago, Toronto, Hollywood, and at the Kennedy Center. In 2021, Bob shifted to freelance design and higher education, and now proudly directs, designs, and teaches at Lake Forest College. Recent scenic design highlights include WEST SIDE STORY, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GODSPELL (Music Theater Works), MISERY, MIRACLE ON DIVISION STREET, ADMISSIONS, EUREKA DAY (Citadel Theatre), I LOVE YOU BECAUSE (Oil Lamp), along with multiple Mercury Theater Chicago productions including YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (JEFF nomination), CLUE (JEFF nomination), JERSEY BOYS, ROCK OF AGES, AND THE ADDAMS FAMILY.

AB RIEVE (they/them, Props Designer) works primarily in costumes and props as a designer, fabricator, and run crew member. Originally from Maryland, they graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2023 and now live and work in the Chicagoland area. Previous Music Theater Works credits include WEST SIDE STORY (wardrobe), BRIGADOON (wardrobe), SHREK: THE MUSICAL (asst. props designer, wardrobe), THE 25^th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, (props designer), CAROUSEL (props designer, run crew), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (run crew), and LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL (props designer, run crew). W: ArieveDesign.com

kCLARE McKELLASTON (she/her, Costume Designer) is a Chicago-based costume designer, stylist, and wardrobe technician. She is an assistant professor in costume design at Columbia College Chicago. Chicago: DON'T QUIT YOUR DAYDREAM, BEST KEPT SECRET (Second City Chicago Mainstage); TL;DR (Theo Ubique); CATS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Music Theater Works); THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Metropolis PAC); SCARCITY, GARY (Redtwist); AT HOME AT THE ZOO, GLASS HEART, PEYTON PLACE (City Lit). Regional: THE WOMAN IN BLACK (National Tour). She has also served as a designer and faculty member with the National High School Institute at Northwestern University (Cherubs). kClare is a proud member of IATSE Wardrobe Local 769. W: kClare.com   

KRISTEN BRINATI (she/her, Wardrobe Head) works in Chicagoland and is thrilled to be back for her 23rd consecutive show with Music Theater Works as the wardrobe head for ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Kristen has worn many hats in MTW’s costume and wardrobe departments as designer, wardrobe head, and run crew. She also designed costumes for Music Theater Work's Youth programs. Also recently, Kristen is designing A CRIPPLE CREEK CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Raue Center of the Performing Arts.

MELANIE SASO (she/her, Hair, Wig and Makeup Designer) is a licensed cosmetologist with 15 years experience. She moved to Chicago in 2019 to become a part of the entertainment industry. Her vintage hair design is featured in Lionsgate films; MURDER AT THE EMBASSY (Nov 2025 release - filmed abroad) and INVITATION TO A MURDER (2023). She is part of the Music Theater Works design team and serves as the HWMU Department Head. Her recent design work featured in WEST SIDE STORY, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GUYS & DOLLS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. She has been backstage running wigs with Music Theater Works since 2022. She joined Lyric Opera in the wig department, for MEDEA. She served as the hair and wig designer for Opera Festival of Chicago 2025 Season, L’AMORE DEI TRE REI and PAGLIACCI. She served as a part time instructor assistant for Northwestern University - Binen School of Music’s Opera Program; THE MAGIC FLUTE, HANSEL AND GRETEL, COSI FAN TUTTE, THE EMPEROR OF ATLANTIS, and POPPEA. She worked with Chicago Opera Theater as an assistant on ALBERT HERRING in 2022.

MACY REA (they/them, Hair, Wig and Makeup Lead) is thrilled to return to Music Theater Works for JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Macy graduated from the Academy of Makeup & Arts in Nashville, TN with training in makeup, sfx, and wigs. They have a passion for the arts and bringing big ideas to life!

DENISE KARCZEWSKI (she/her, Lighting Designer)

RILEY WOODS (they/them, Assistant Lighting Designer/Light Board Operator) is excited to be assisting on lighting for this show, as well as light board operator! They have their MFA in lighting design from Temple University, Philadelphia. Local to Chicago, they are a lighting designer, lighting supervisor, electrician, light board operator, and followspot operator. Other current projects include HUMANITIES with Victory Gardens (lighting supervisor) and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS with Porchlight Music Theatre (lighting supervisor.) Other highlights include: THE IRISH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY, Porchlight Music Theatre (lighting supervisor); TITANIQUE, Porchlight Music Theatre/Broadway in Chicago (Assistant lighting Director); CABARET, Goshen Theater (lighting designer); INFINITY BURNS, A Red Orchid Theatre (lighting designer.) Most commonly you will see them working here at Music Theater Works, Porchlight Music Theatre, and at Black Ensemble Theater. W: RileyWoods.net

ADAM JEZL-SIKORSKI (he/him, Head Electrician) is a lighting designer and electrician based in the Chicagoland area. He previously served as the assistant audio, lighting, and media manager at Paramount Theatre, with regional credits including FROZEN, WAITRESS, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, CATS, TRUE WEST, and COME FROM AWAY; and DIAL M FOR MURDER, SISTER ACT, and ON YOUR FEET (Drury Lane). Selected non-regional experience includes Kokandy Productions, Music Theater Works, THEO Ubique, Opera Omaha, Peninsula Players Theatre, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and the Beverly Arts Center. He holds an MFA in stage design with an emphasis in lighting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. IG: arjs.design W: www.arjs.design

CARL WAHLSTROM (he/him, Sound Designer) is incredibly grateful to be working with the talented Music Theater Works team for the first time. Carl has been mixing concerts and designing theatrical productions for over a decade. Some of his favorite credits include sound design for Teatro Zinzanni’s LOVE, CHAOS, DINNER; Cabaret Zazou's LUMINAIRE; Mercury Theater Chicago’s LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, SPAMALOT, WOMEN OF SOUL, SISTER ACT, HAIR; Firebrand Theatre’s production of QUEEN OF THE MIST; Jon Dambacher’s renditions of POUNDING NAILS IN THE FLOOR WITH MY FOREHEAD, BELOW THE BELT, HAPPY DAYS; and Black Ensemble Theater’s BLUE HEAVEN. Carl has also been fortunate enough to travel the world running sound for his friends and their bands, mixing shows in dive bars, and also at some of the biggest music festivals in Europe and North America. In his free time, Carl produces music, mixes records, builds speakers and sound systems, makes visual art, and goes dancing. IG: @ColdCarl7 

KALYSSA MONTOYA (she/her, Assistant Sound Designer)

FORREST GREGOR (he/him, Production Sound Engineer) Music Theater Works: WEST SIDE STORY, GODSPELL, GUYS & DOLLS, and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. His work has been heard at many theatres around the Chicago area including Chicago Shakespeare, TimeLine, Writers, Northlight, Studebaker, Drury Lane, Metropolis Centre, The Gift, Northwestern, and the University of Chicago. Regionally his work has been heard at Theatre Aspen (CO), Papermill Playhouse (NJ), and Riverside Theatre (FL). Forrest received his BFA from DePaul University and is also the production sound engineer for Music Theater Works. W: ForrestGregor.comi

BEN LIPINSKI (any, Technical Director)

LIZ BRACHMAN (she/her, Assistant Technical Director)

AMY LORD (she/her, NSCPA Technical Director)

PATTI SHORE KADEN, RID, IL (she/her, ASL Interpreter) is a theatrical and entertainment ASL interpreter and actress in the Chicagoland area for more than three decades, Patti is honored to be back at Music Theater Works. Her work has been seen at The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Drury Lane, the Paramount and Copley Theatres, Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, the Chicago Theatre, the Rosemont Theatre, the Rialto Theatre, the Genesee Theatre, Chicago Children's Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, the Allstate Arena, The iO Theater, Zanies, and The Second City. Concert interpreting credits include Paul McCartney, Elton John, Billy Joel, Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Sam Smith, and Cyndi Lauper. Her comedy experience includes Carol Burnett, Jerry Seinfeld, Nick Kroll, Gianmarco Soresi, Bert "The Machine" Kreischer, Chelsea Handler, Celeste Barber, and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" She has also interpreted for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lollapalooza, and Dancing With The Stars.

LAURIE WALDECK, BEI Advanced (she/her, ASL Interpreter) is a freelance interpreter in the Chicagoland area, since 2011. She has worked in a variety of interpreting settings but her heart is in performance interpreting. Laurie is grateful to have a local theater make accessible performances a priority. A few previous shows include CARRIE, CHICAGO, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, RENT, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.