Barbara Ballen: Attending Overture shows brings a joy she can’t give up
Shari Gasper
The music draws me and the heartwarming stories of love, family and friendship.
Barbara Ballen of Madison gently rummages through a gallon-size plastic bag stuffed with hundreds of tickets from Overture performances, pulling out memory after memory.
“I’ve got my tickets from ‘Cats’ from 1996, 1998 and 2004, ‘Grease’ from 2000, 2004 and 2009, ‘Les Miserables’ from 2001 and 2011, ‘Annie’ from 2000 and 2007, and at least four shows of ‘Wicked,’” said Ballen.
The tickets tell a story of a long relationship with Overture Center, where Ballen has attended shows for 27 years, since back when Overture was the Madison Civic Center.
Ballen moved with her husband and children from the East Coast to Madison in 1995.
“I was thrilled to live only 15 minutes away from a wonderful fine arts theater,” said Ballen. “I was used to traveling 1-1/2 hours via train into New York to see shows, so this was a delight for me.”
Once settled in her new home, Ballen introduced herself to the then-called Oscar Mayer Theater, and she has never stopped attending shows. She subscribes to the “Broadway at Overture” series and attends as many other shows as she can.
“The music draws me,” she said, “and the heartwarming stories of love, family and friendship.”
For about a decade, Ballen was seeing 15-20 shows a year. When her kids were in college, she had to cut back due to the expense, but she almost never misses a Broadway show.
“Even if I’ve already seen the musical, it’s a new experience each time,” she said.
Ballen explained that she’s seen many great shows, more than just Broadway. She made it a point to introduce her five children to theater over the years, too.
“My tickets show our attendance at shows like ‘Frogz’ in 2003, ‘Franklin’s Big Adventure’ in 2001, ‘Busy Town’ in 1998, ‘Lily's Purple Plastic Purse’ in 2001, and I could go on and on,” she said. “I have also enjoyed shows such as ‘Riverdance,’ ‘Hubbard Street Dancers,’ ‘Glen Miller Orchestra,’ ‘Four Bitchin’ Babes’ and ‘Stomp.’”
Sadly, 11 years ago, her husband, Ron, suffered two nearly fatal strokes. Today, Ballen serves as his primary caretaker, a full-time job. Going to a show at Overture now requires additional planning, logistically and financially, but it remains a priority in Ballen’s life.
“I had to fight hard to develop a new ‘norm’ in our lives. One of the hardest things I fought for was not to give up my Overture ‘life.’ It brings me so much happiness,” she said. “I have truly been blessed. With lots of juggling and seeking out extra caretaking help, I have only had to give up a couple of Broadway performances since 2011.”
Ballen’s absolute favorite Broadway shows include “Phantom of the Opera,” “Wicked,” “Disney’s The Lion King,” “Les Miserables” and “Rent.” She also enjoys attending Cocktails with Tim & Karra and Duck Soup Cinema and taking her grandchildren to Kids in the Rotunda and Children’s Theater of Madison shows.
“To be financially smart, I have to limit the number of shows I go to, but there’s nothing Overture presents that I wouldn’t attend if I could,” she said.
Broadway shows have always been her interest, whereas her husband prefers sports and jazz. So, over the years, Ballen has attended the performances with her children and friends. Her season subscription includes five seats: one for Ballen, two for friends who are regulars, one for Ballen’s daughter whenever possible and one for another friend.
“I have a good group of friends to choose from,” said Ballen. “I like to invite friends or family members who would enjoy a fun night out or who need some extra happiness in their life."
Ballen and her guests arrive at Overture early, usually by 6 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. performance, where they sit together and catch up. The time with her friends is special, making the show “a bonus” to the evening.
Ballen is grateful for her experiences at Overture and the opportunity to share them with her family and friends. She’s looking forward to the Broadway lineup and more this season.
“When something brings you this much joy, you figure out how to make it work,” she said.