Beyond the stage: Immersive experiences at Overture

At Overture Center, we believe that unforgettable performances begin long before the curtain rises. From the moment you arrive, we want you to feel the energy and magic that make the arts so special. 

That’s why we’ve been expanding our lineup of immersive experiences, inviting guests to meet fellow art lovers and deepen their connection to the shows they love.  

When “Wicked” came to Madison in July, we aspired to create more than a night at the theater. We wanted audiences to feel like they were stepping into the world of Oz, creating an unforgettable experience for Glinda and Elphaba superfans.  

Our Ozdust Lounge, inspired by the musical’s epic Emerald City, offered a whimsical pre-show escape. Guests enjoyed show-themed food and beverages, mingled with fellow Ozians and, of course, snapped lots of photos. It was a place to share excitement and enjoy all things pink and green before heading into the theater.  

This January as “Hamilton” takes the Overture Hall stage, we’re thrilled to introduce Yorktown Tavern, a new immersive experience inspired by the Colonial-era and the show’s revolutionary spirit, that’s sure to elevate any “Hamilton” fan experience. 

Before evening performances, guests are invited to step into Overture’s Promenade Hall, transformed into an intimate restaurant setting, and savor a rustic three-course meal. Raise a glass at the bar and enjoy beverages inspired by the era alongside show-themed cocktails.  

Just as “Hamilton” blends history with modern storytelling, Yorktown Tavern blends historical flavor with a contemporary Overture spin. It’s designed to transport you not just back in time, but deeper into the world of the show. in the Promenade Lobby on select show dates (Jan. 6, 9, 15 and 17 matinee). Featuring early printings of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, this remarkable collection brings America’s founding era—and its most complex characters—to life.

Immersive experiences like Ozdust Lounge and Yorktown Tavern reflect Overture Center’s ongoing mission of creating extraordinary experiences through the arts. Keep an eye out for more pre-show fun this season, including a magical event paired with “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” this May! 

These experiences aren’t limited to Broadway blockbusters. We have other unique artistic experiences planned for our 2026 Fringe Festival, combining visual and performing arts.  

The captivating world of Jeanne Wilkinson’s “Earthlings: Revisited” comes to life as an interactive installation that merges art, technology and imagination. Two translucent fabric scrims, suspended between dual streams of projected imagery, create a continually morphing tapestry of light and color, transforming every moment into a meditative, magical experience. Visitors are invited to step into this immersive environment, where their presence casts moving shadows and adds a touch of mystery to the vibrant flow around them.  

Describing “Earthlings: Revisited” in a recent Substack essay, writer David Gibson raves about its “mad energy,” noting that after exploring it, “We… leave with a greater connection to the possibilities for ourselves. We are not only bodies passing through a cloud but become it.”  

Come see why stepping into “Earthlings: Revisited” is more than just viewing art—it’s a journey of transformation. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will run from Saturday, February 28 –through Sunday, March 8 in Overture’s Rotunda Studio. 

The arts have always had the power to transport us, and these pre-show and immersive experiences offer another way to step into the story. 

Stay tuned for more unique experiences throughout the season. Whether you're sipping a themed cocktail, chatting with friends in a transformed lobby or discovering a new artistic world before the curtain even rises, Overture is proud to bring you closer to the magic of the arts.