Home

Displaying items by tag: Mrs Kasha Davis

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 toMusicTheaterWorks.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 CATSMarch 5 - 29, 2026 and is followed by West Side Story, August 3 - 30, 2026. The season will continue with Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to MargaritavilleOctober 8 - November 1, 2026 and concludes with Hairspraystarring 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.

Her press kit may be found here: MrsKashaDavis.net/epk

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.

Published in Upcoming Theatre

Spaceman: Into the Quiet Terror of the Void

22 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Spaceman, presented by [producingbody], touches down at The Edge Off-Broadway with a quiet, unnerving force, pulling audiences into the fragile…

Inside a Real ‘Fire House’ You Are Immersed in Phantasmic Lives of Firefighters

22 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Set in Chicago’s oldest fire station (now Firehouse Art Studio) the immersive play "Fire House” is only loosely tethered to…

Spamalot Is Every Monty Python Fan’s Dream Come to Life

21 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Spamalot rides into the Windy City courtesy of Broadway In Chicago, inviting theatergoers to join King Arthur’s quest now through…

Raven Theatre announces the 2026-27 season

20 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Raven Theatre, under the director of Executive Artistic Director Jonathan Berry, announces its 44th season, to include Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents ALEX EDELMAN: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO

20 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Following a critically-acclaimed, sell-out run of Just For Us at Steppenwolf Theatre and around the globe, Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian Alex Edelman returns…

Announcing the 26/27 Season at Goodman Theatre

20 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

On the heels of an unprecedented Centennial Season, Goodman Theatre sets a bold stage for its second century. Walter Artistic…

Black Button Eyes Productions to stage Conor McPherson's one-actor play ST NICHOLAS, June 26 - July 26

20 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Black Button Eyes Productions has announced it will follow up its hit co-production (with City Lit Theater) of STRANGE CARGO:…

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces As Long As You're Asking: A Conversation with Jason Alexander

20 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the return of Jason Alexander for a special event, As Long As You're Asking: A Conversation with Jason Alexander.…

Midsommer Flight to stage Shakespeare's comedy AS YOU LIKE IT free in six Chicago parks June 26 – August 2

20 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

For its 13th free summer production, Midsommer Flight will present one of Shakespeare's most highly regarded and popular comedies. AS YOU…

Chicago Magic Lounge welcomes back fan favorite Ondřej Pšenička for a limited run this summer

19 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago's home for close-up magic, announces the return of world-renowned magician Ondřej Pšenička in a limited run of his hit…

Porchlight's FREE Summer Concert Series Returns - BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD

19 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 6 - September…

Ian Frank named Shattered Globe Theatre’s new Producing Artistic Director

19 May 2026 in Theatre Buzz

Chicago’s Shattered Globe Theatre announced today that Ian Frank has been selected, following a national search, to be the company’s…

OPERA FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO PRESENTS VERY VERISMO! JUNE 13 AT THE JARVIS OPERA HALL

19 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Opera Festival of Chicago opens its 2026 festival season with Very Verismo!, that includes a VIP reception and a captivating concert celebrating…

Couch Penny Ensemble presents An Oak Tree by Tim Crouch, running June 19-July 5 at the Greenhouse Theater Center

18 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Two actors. One has rehearsed the play. The other has neither seen nor read it. A different performer joins the…

AstonRep Productions to stage US Premiere of Liisa Repo-Martell's new adaptation of Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, June 18 – July 5 at the Edge Off-Broadway Theatre

18 May 2026 in Upcoming Dance

AstonRep Productions, the theatre and film production company that has produced over 30 stage productions in Chicago, has announced it…

A Red Orchid’s The Targeted Builds a Case for Compassion

18 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

If you’ve ever worked in an urban coffee shop, chances are you’ve encountered at least one ultra-paranoid kook who believes…

Rocky in Concert Delivers a Knockout Night Despite Technical Stumbles

17 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Marking Rocky’s 50th anniversary, Rocky in Concert arrived at the Auditorium Theatre in a highly anticipated Auditorium Philms presentation featuring…

No Dialog, Yet Strongly Affecting, Trap Door's 'Le Bal' Is Like Nothing You've Seen

16 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Can you have a play run 90 minutes with no dialog? Indubitably, as Trap Door Theatre demonstrates with its new…

C'est Drôle: Tartuffe, or, The Charlatan brings classic humor to Wrigleyville theatre

15 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

While many of my classmates were signing up for Spanish classes, I thought it would be terribly useful to sign…

A New Home, A Necessary Warning: Timeline’s Enemy Lands Hard

15 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Timeline Theatre unveils their chic, new Uptown home with its inaugural production–Henrik Ibsen’s ever-relevant “An Enemy of the People”. A…

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces 40th Anniversary Season

15 May 2026 in Theatre Buzz

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the company's 40th Anniversary Season. America's leading Shakespeare Theater curates…

Chicago Dance Crash presents expo/sd — a genre-bending, world-premiere repertory performance!

15 May 2026 in Upcoming Dance

On July 24th and 25th at 7:00 pm, Chicago Dance Crash will present expo/sd, a world premiere concert at the Ruth…

Steppenwolf Presents LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES - August 6 – 9, 2026

14 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Direct from an acclaimed run at Edinburgh Fringe and two sold-out Off-Broadway engagements, Steppenwolf Theatre is pleased to present Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, a…

BrightSide Theatre announces 2026-27 season - THE ADDAMS FAMILY, THE SECRET GARDEN: IN CONCERT, KEN LUDWIG'S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, and AVENUE Q

13 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

BrightSide Theatre has announced its 15th season of presenting professional theatre in Naperville. Its 2026-27 mainstage slate of four productions will…

Chicago City Opera presents Strauss Masterpiece Der Rosenkavalier

13 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago City Opera (CCO) presents one of late-Romantic composer Richard Strauss' most beloved works, Der Rosenkavalier. Composed by Strauss to…

The Magic Parlour Extends Through December 31! Plus Special Guest Eric Jones Joins This Summer

13 May 2026 in Now Playing

A special guest star, a new block of tickets, and more magic comes to The Magic Parlour this summer. Acclaimed third-generation Magician Dennis…

OAK PARK FESTIVAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES 51ST SEASON "HAMLET" AND "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST"

12 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

The Oak Park Festival Theatre, Oak Park's premiere Equity theatre and the oldest professional classical theatre in the Midwest, today announced…

METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE ANNOUNCES ITS UPCOMING 2026-27 SEASON INCLUDING RIDE THE CYCLONE, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE MATCH GAME AND RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA!

12 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights at 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce its…

Everybody Got a Secret: York Walker’s Covenant Haunts The Goodman

12 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

The Goodman Theatre’s Covenant announces York Walker as a playwright ascending rapidly into the highest tier of American theater. This…

The Real Crime Would Be To Miss This: Crime and Punishment at TUTA Theatre

11 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Real Chicagoans don’t gatekeep hidden gems. Whether it’s hidden bars behind laundromats, the best Billy Goat location (under Mag Mile),…

 

         20 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

  • Spaceman: Into the Quiet Terror of the Void
    Written by
    Spaceman, presented by [producingbody], touches down at The Edge Off-Broadway with a quiet, unnerving force, pulling audiences into the fragile headspace of an astronaut drifting far from home and even farther from certainty. Under Eric Slater’s beautifully calibrated direction, playwright…
  • Inside a Real ‘Fire House’ You Are Immersed in Phantasmic Lives of Firefighters
    Written by
    Set in Chicago’s oldest fire station (now Firehouse Art Studio) the immersive play "Fire House” is only loosely tethered to a realistic portrayal of what fire fighters do. What it conveys is an impressionistic vision of the experience that fire…
  • Spamalot Is Every Monty Python Fan’s Dream Come to Life
    Written by
    Spamalot rides into the Windy City courtesy of Broadway In Chicago, inviting theatergoers to join King Arthur’s quest now through May 31 at the CIBC Theatre. Fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail - the 1975 cult classic -…
  • Raven Theatre announces the 2026-27 season
    Raven Theatre, under the director of Executive Artistic Director Jonathan Berry, announces its 44th season, to include Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop, directed by Mikael Burke in a co-production with About Face Theatre; Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, directed by Raven Executive Artistic Director Jonathan…

Guests Online

We have 646 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.