Libman & Hudson and Northern Sky Theater: A Legacy of Original Musicals
Few creative partnerships have been as enduring and beloved as that of Paul Libman and Dave Hudson with Northern Sky Theater. Since their first production, Muskie Love, premiered in 2004, their musicals have become a staple of Door County summers, returning season after season to delight audiences under the stars.
With few years passing without a Libman/Hudson show on the lineup, their work has helped define the humor, heart, and storytelling magic that make Northern Sky Theater one of the most unique companies in the country.
A Theater Like No Other
Located in Door County, Wisconsin, Northern Sky Theater is a rare gem—a company dedicated solely to the creation and performance of original musicals. Known for its warmth, humor, and deep Midwestern sensibility, the theater is a destination for audiences from across the region, whether in its magical outdoor amphitheater or its intimate indoor space.
For Libman & Hudson, Northern Sky has been the perfect artistic home. Their shows, brimming with wit, charm, and unforgettable characters, have captivated thousands of theatergoers, creating memories that span generations.
The Musicals of Libman & Hudson at Northern Sky
Muskie Love (2004, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2018)
A Midwestern twist on Much Ado About Nothing, this musical comedy follows rival fishing guides on Lake Michigan. Full of love, laughs, and fish tales, Muskie Love remains one of Northern Sky’s most popular shows.
A Cabin with a View (2006, 2007)
Inspired by A Room with a View, this romantic comedy moves the story to 1950s America, bouncing between college life and a quirky Dude Ranch. The show became a major hit, with some of the most memorable musical numbers in Northern Sky’s history.
Main-Travelled Roads (2007)
A Richard Rodgers Award-winning musical based on the stories of Hamlin Garland, this powerful show explores rural Midwestern life in the late 19th century. It later toured across the region, solidifying its place in American musical theater.
Cheeseheads! The Musical (2009, 2010, 2012, 2023)
Inspired by real-life events, this hilarious and heartwarming show follows a group of Wisconsin cheese factory workers who win the lottery—but still love their jobs too much to quit! A true celebration of dairy culture, small-town life, and unexpected dreams, Cheeseheads! returned to the stage in 2023, proving its enduring appeal.
Bing! The Cherry Musical (2011)
A lively musical celebrating Door County’s cherry industry, packed with sweet melodies, humor, and local history.
No Bones About It (2015, 2016, 2025)
A barbecue-flavored twist on Romeo & Juliet, this musical pits two competing BBQ families against each other in a sizzling showdown of love, rivalry, and deliciously funny consequences. With a 2025 revival on the way, audiences will once again get to enjoy this finger-lickin’ good musical.
Naked Radio (2017, 2021)
A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud musical comedy about two small-town radio DJs trapped in a Midwest blizzard. Forced to improvise an entire radio broadcast, they create outrageous characters, hilarious sketches, and unexpected musical numbers to keep the town entertained. Naked Radio returned in 2021, proving it to be a modern classic.
A Lasting Impact
For over 20 years, the musicals of Libman & Hudson have been an integral part of Northern Sky Theater’s legacy, drawing audiences back year after year for original, unforgettable experiences. Their collaborations have brought joy, laughter, and a deep sense of connection to generations of theatergoers.
Which Libman & Hudson show is your favorite? Let us know, and we’ll see you under the stars at Northern Sky Theater!