Culture | Mar. 2026
TRENDING: CENTER STAGE
By Redding Worth
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc
KYLE DOUGAN-LEBLANC is a theater director and creative producer who believes deeply in the power of musicals to bring people together. Through his company, Music Theater Works, he has created a home for audiences who value great storytelling, strong voices, and the shared joy of live performance. He approaches each production as an open invitation—to laugh, to listen, and to connect across generations. The company’s work honors the beloved musicals audiences return to time and again, while also nurturing the future of the art form through thoughtful leadership and care. Whether it’s a first experience with theater or a cherished tradition, Dougan-LeBlanc strives to make every show at Music Theater Works feel welcoming, meaningful, and always worth returning to.
ON HIS NIGHTSTAND
“Heated Rivalry, which I picked up from Pink Couch Books in Wilmette. I rushed over after they posted on Instagram that they had a few copies left, and I was lucky enough to snag one. I’m also reading The Happiest Kids in the World, as I look for ways to slow down and create more intentional routines with our 2-year-old twins. Alongside those are books on design, art, and history. My husband, Justin Dougan-LeBlanc, is a fashion designer, so we often share and trade books. Reading at night feels reflective; it reminds me that meaningful artistic and philanthropic work is built patiently, through dialogue, intention, and a long view of impact.”
IN HIS EARBUDS
“My listening habits reflect both focus and joy. I often turn to David Bowie and The Irrepressibles, music that encourages theatricality, emotional range, and playfulness, whether I’m moving through the house, preparing for rehearsals, or walking with my twins along the lakefront. I also listen to long-form podcasts featuring museum directors, architects, and arts leaders discussing governance, sustainability, and cultural stewardship.”
ON HIS MOBILE
“Online, I’m fairly selective. I follow cultural institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as North Shore arts and nonprofit organizations doing meaningful work in the community, like Curt’s Café and the North Shore Art League. I’m also drawn to design accounts such as My Tiny Estate and Josh & Matt and gardening accounts like Redleaf Ranch. I enjoy following Juju’s Vintage for quirky vintage jewelry and keeping up with Jessica Hanley’s bedding and housewares company, Piglet in Bed. I also follow fellow Winnetka resident Lauren Harper for her work in gun violence prevention. For me, the digital space isn’t about trends, it’s a way to stay connected to daily life, creativity, and a broader cultural ecosystem shaped by stewardship, curiosity, and enduring value.”
