Educational/Talks, Visual Arts Slow Art: A Mindful Journey Through the Galleries

Overture Galleries

Experience an immersive morning with Overture Galleries and the James Watrous Gallery. Slow Art invites you to pause and connect with art in a deeper, more mindful way.

Comedy, Stand Up Comedy Taylor Tomlinson: The Save Me Tour

Overture Hall

Taylor Tomlinson brings her sharp wit and fearless humor to “The Save Me Tour.” With a knack for turning personal experiences into laugh-out-loud moments, she tackles everything from dating to faith with a fresh, unfiltered perspective.

Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet Rock the Ballet

Starlight Theater MYARTS

“Rock the Ballet” breaks down those barriers, blending classical technique with contemporary flair and music not traditionally associated with ballet.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Musical Landscapes in Color Vol III: Endeavor

Capitol Theater

“Endeavor” is a bold exploration of the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s only fitting that the third installment of the Musical Landscapes in Color project features living Black American composers whose works span nearly three decades of innovation.

Comedy, Family Friendly, Free Events, Improv Comedy, Kids in the Rotunda Monkey Business Institute

Rotunda Stage

Join the Monkey Business Institute for a high-energy show featuring fast-paced improv comedy games! Using audience suggestions and inviting volunteers on stage, they'll create a hilarious and interactive experience.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Winnie the Pooh (And His Pals Too!)

MYArts Sunrise Theater

Step into the gentle world of the Hundred Acre Wood with this delightful Theater for the Very Young production created especially for two to five-year-olds. Perfect for a first-time theater experience!

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Playhouse Theater

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, this captivating musical follows a brilliant little girl with extraordinary powers who refuses to let her cruel parents—or a tyrannical headmistress—hold her back.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations

Capitol Theater

Step into a powerful fusion of music and movement that goes beyond entertainment. In this deeply personal performance, Matthew Morrison—known for his standout role as Will Schuester on “Glee”—takes audiences on a musical journey into the heart of what makes us human.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Primal Light

Overture Hall

This concert opens with a fresh take on the story of resurrection with lush layers of colorful sound evoking a cinematic feel. “Resurrexit” by Mason Bates will take you on a mystical pilgrimage with shimmering exotic tonalities that give way to contemplation and dramatic stirrings of rebirth.

Comedy, Family Friendly, Free Events, Improv Comedy, Kids in the Rotunda, Theater Whoopensocker

Rotunda Stage

Whoopensocker arts residency program and performing ensemble works with emergent readers and writers to create original theater pieces. This show is a combination of sketches, songs and physical theater. It is a fantastic culmination of creativity, celebrated with students, staff and community.

Comedy, Variety Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour

Capitol Theater

Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do. From self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show, nothing is off limits! 

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, Overture Presents An Evening with David Sedaris

Overture Hall

Join David Sedaris, author of bestsellers “Calypso,” “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” and “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” for a special one-night-only event. Sedaris will bring his signature humor and sharp wit to the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Educational/Talks, Free Events, Visual Arts Fall 2025 Exhibitions Reception

Overture Galleries

Join us for a reception and artist talks celebrating the Fall 2025 Overture Galleries. This season’s exhibitions consider the quiet forces that shape our landscapes.

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Overture Presents Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble

Capitol Theater

Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble.”

Theater Rodgers & Hammerstein: From Book to Broadway

Playhouse

"Rodgers & Hammerstein: From Book to Broadway" audiences will not only enjoy wonderful music — they will also learn about how Rodgers and Hammerstein adapted novels, short stories and autobiographies into Broadway entertainment. 

2025/26 Season, Broadway The Book of Mormon

Overture Hall

This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. This international sensation is widely regarded as the funniest musical of all time.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music, Theater The Jerry Ensemble

Rotunda Stage

The Jerry Ensemble of Southern Wisconsin, a premier performance group representing the Jerry Awards, will perform Disney's "Finding Nemo KIDS!" Join us and witness the future stars of musical theater in action!

Comedy, Overture Presents, Variety Lucy Darling: You’re Welcome

Overture Hall GA

Award-winning performer, charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling continues her vivacious vagabond voyages with “You’re Welcome” — a touring variety show featuring her razor-sharp wit, unquestionable advice, skillful magic and delightful friends.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Wayne the Wizard

Rotunda Stage

Get ready for spooky fun and silly surprises! Wayne the Wizard brings Halloween to life with colorful magic, comedy ventriloquism and lots of audience participation.

Classical Music WSMA High School State Honors Music Project Concerts

Overture Hall

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Honors Music Project began in 1967 to provide musically accomplished youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the nation's finest conductors in a professional and highly disciplined setting. This year, more than 1,250 student auditions were performed for the privilege of being one of the 429 students selected for membership in the five prestigious High School State Honors ensembles.

2025/26 Season, Folk Music, Music, Overture Presents Mariachi Rock Revolution

Capitol Theater

Get ready for a rock-fueled, Mariachi-infused spectacle of sight and sound celebrating the tradition of Mariachi. This high-energy show unites arena-rock fans, abuelas raised on Vicente Fernández—and everyone in between.

James Watrous Galleries Añamarié Edwards: The Home of Joy and Warren King: Homecoming

James Watrous Gallery

The James Watrous Gallery presents two concurrent solo exhibitions by artists Añamarié Edwards and Warren King steeped in themes of home, family, joy, identity, healing, migration, and community. 

Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Zoozort

Rotunda Stage

Do you love learning about wildlife? Then join us for Zoozort's live animal program, where you'll discover special abilities, behaviors and habitats of some of the world’s most amazing animals.

2025/26 Season, Overture Presents, Variety Cirque Mechanics: Tilt!

Capitol Theater

Enter the world of Cirque Mechanics, where breathtaking acrobatics meet mechanical marvels in a one-of-a-kind circus experience. Inspired by American ingenuity, this high-flying spectacle blends raw, real-world grit with the wonder of modern circus.

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents A Pirate's Life with Archaeologist Lisa Briggs

Capitol Theater

Set sail on a thrilling adventure with archaeologist Lisa Briggs. Dive into the Mediterranean to uncover how pirates shaped the Roman Empire, meet China’s fierce Pirate Queen and step into the lab to track Blackbeard’s trail. History’s greatest treasures await—are you ready to hunt?

2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Claybourne Elder: If the Stars Were Mine

Capitol Theater Stage

Broadway’s hunky gay ex-Mormon dad Claybourne Elder, star of “Company,” “Sunday in the Park…” and HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” presents a hilarious and heartfelt evening that’s part cabaret and part stand-up.

Forward Theater, Theater Gutenberg! The Musical!

Playhouse

Bud and Doug have poured their hearts (and not much research) into their brand-new, Broadway-bound musical about Johann Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. A chaotic and hilarious celebration of big dreams, bad ideas and the magic of live theater. 

Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater La Bohème

Overture Hall

The greatest love story in opera, “La Bohème” remains eternally young. Set to a ravishing score, Puccini’s classic opera tells of the lives, loves and losses of a group of young artists in a Bohemian quarter of Paris. 

2025/26 Season, Dance The Rhythm Project

Promenade Hall

TNW Ensemble Theater's “The Rhythm Project” features a diverse array of Madison’s finest percussive dancers and musicians, with a recorded narration providing historical context and wry observations about these dance forms. 

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Up Close Royal Wood

Capitol Theater Stage

Experience the soul-stirring sound of Royal Wood up close on Overture’s historic Capitol Theater stage! Wood is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose music blends heartfelt lyricism with masterful musicianship.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Birds of a Feather

Rotunda Stage

Birds of a Feather (Little Miss Ann + Suzi Shelton) will perform classic favorites and new songs from their debut album "Rock Together," featuring themes of friendship, adventure and community.

2025/26 Season, Broadway, Six-Show Package Some Like It Hot

Overture Hall

Set in Prohibition-era Chicago, this four-time Tony Award®-winning musical follows two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they board a cross-country train, embarking on the trip of a lifetime.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks I - Eroica

Capitol Theater

“Eroica” kicks off the 2025/26 Masterworks Season in Capitol Theater, encapsulating the timeless beauty of classical music.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Beni Daiko

Rotunda Stage

Beni Daiko will introduce Japanese culture through powerful Taiko drumming, traditional lion dance and modern interpretations. Get ready for an interactive experience with audience participation!

Music The MadHatters A Cappella Fall Show

Capitol Theater

With their unmistakable attire in their Wisconsin red jackets, the MadHatters A Capella Fall Shows brings everyone together to clap their hands and stomp to the beat.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Greg Zelek with Caleb Hudson, Trumpet

Overture Hall

Trumpeter Caleb Hudson has made a name for himself as one of the most virtuosic trumpet soloists as well as a respected pedagogue. Experience his incredible talent in a program featuring many arrangements for organ and trumpet.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Handel's Messiah

Bethel Lutheran Church

Kicking off the holiday season early, join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of Madison for a favorite holiday tradition.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Radiance

Overture Hall

“Rainbow Body,” a luminous work by American composer Christopher Theofanidis, weaves ancient and modern worlds together to take us on a spellbinding journey. Inspired by the chant “Ave Maria” by medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen, the piece reimagines her melodies in lush, cinematic orchestration.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Ken Lonnquist

Rotunda Stage

Enjoy a delightful performance by Ken Lonnquist, who writes and sings humorous, literate and thoughtful songs about nature, the environment and current issues.

Duck Soup Cinema, Film, Variety For Heaven's Sake

Capitol Theater

Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "For Heaven's Sake." Harold Lloyd plays a carefree millionaire whose misadventures with a mission—and its charming founder’s daughter—spark a chain of comedic events and unexpected transformation.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Cash Box Kings

Rotunda Stage

The Cash Box Kings bring the classic Chicago blues era to life, tailored to teach children about this timeless genre. This be-bopping blues party promises to get everyone on their feet and grooving!

2025/26 Season, Family Friendly, Overture Presents, Theater Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas

Overture Hall

Follow the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole... his adventure begins!

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Yid Vicious

Rotunda Stage

Yid Vicious brings klezmer for all ages to the Rotunda Stage. Get ready to dance as we celebrate the wonders of the season with Yiddish dance beats, special guests and shenanigans galore.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!

MYArts Starlight Theater

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Terrific tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics—it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs! 

Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance Winter Fantasia: Reimagined

Promenade Hall

Kanopy lights up the stage for the holidays with “Winter Fantasia: Reimagined,” a dazzling dance celebration showcasing a mosaic of cultural traditions.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music A Madison Symphony Christmas

Overture Hall

This spectacular annual celebration has become a joyful way to begin the holiday season in our community for concertgoers of all ages. The Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir join us to bring this special concert to life.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Stuart Stotts

Rotunda Stage

Stuart Stotts is an energetic singer and storyteller who loves engaging audiences. In a family-friendly setting, you'll find yourself singing, moving, sharing ideas and laughing together.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater A Christmas Carol

Capitol Theater

Children Theater of Madison's signature production transports audiences into the world of Charles Dickens’ Victorian England and the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Join us as the ghosts of Scrooge’s past, present and future teach him about generosity and the joy of giving!

Theater The Hello Girls: A New American Musical

Playhouse

From New York to Paris, from ragtime to jazz: “The Hello Girls” chronicles the story of America’s first women soldiers in this new musical inspired by history.

Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet The Nutcracker

Overture Hall

Madison Ballet's The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score to life with stunning choreography, lavish costumes and a dazzling cast of dancers from our company, school and community, under the glorious Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Andrew Sewell.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music The Handphibians

Rotunda Stage

The Handphibians will bring the vibrant sounds of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife, Brazil, to life with their songs and traditional drumming rhythms.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Fox & Branch's Will Branch

Rotunda Stage

Get ready to sing, dance and laugh with Fox & Branch's Will Branch! This lively duo brings families together with a high-energy mix of traditional and original songs played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and washboard.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Variety The Reset

Capitol Theater

Experience sound and music like never before at “The Reset—a transformative journey beyond the typical concert. Renowned singer and sound healer Davin Youngs layers vocals, crystal bowls, tuning forks and electronic beats into a mind-body “sound bath.”

Broadway Yorktown Tavern

Promenade Hall GA

Enjoy a revolutionary pre-show feast before evening performances of “Hamilton.” Savor a rustic three-course meal with era-inspired drinks and themed cocktails, enough to leave you satisfied. Seats are limited—don’t throw away your shot to make your night unforgettable!

2025/26 Season, Broadway Hamilton

Overture Hall

Winner of 11 Tony Awards®, a Grammy® and the Pulitzer Prize, “Hamilton” brings history to life with its electrifying score and powerful storytelling. Experience the musical revolution that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music David Landau

Rotunda Stage

David’s personal appearances are upbeat musical programs that keep children engaged and constantly thinking. The kids sing some, move some, dance some, shout just a little bit and laugh a bunch.

2025/26 Season, Overture Presents, Variety Bill Blagg: Family Magic

Capitol Theater

Enjoy 60 minutes of non-stop magical fun, specifically designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. Blagg’s unique blend of comedy, audience participation and mind-bending magic may bring objects to life and make audience members float in mid-air!

2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Kyle Taylor Parker: Juke Joint Jubilee

Capitol Theater Stage

Don’t miss Broadway powerhouse Kyle Taylor Parker in a thrilling evening of soulful vocals and show-stopping storytelling. From his acclaimed turns in “Kinky Boots” and “Smokey Joe’s Café” to his celebrated solo albums, KTP is ready to dazzle and delight in this intimate cabaret concert.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Up Close Layale Chaker

Capitol Theater Stage

Witness the mesmerizing sounds of composer and violinist Layale Chaker who blends classical contemporary, jazz, Arabic music and improvisation.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Panchromatic Steel

Rotunda Stage

Panchromatic Steel fuses island styles with pop hits, rock and jazz into a high-energy blend that's easy to love. At the heart of their sound is the steelpan, an instrument from Trinidad and Tobago, adding vibrant Caribbean flair.

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents Wild Cats Revealed with Filmmaker Sandesh Kadur

Capitol Theater

From towering Himalayas to dense jungles, India is home to the world’s most diverse wild cats. Join filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur as he unveils rare felines—like the grumpy-faces Palla’s cat and the fishing cat—through captivating images and video.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Heartbeat

Overture Hall

The Symphony's new year begins with Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Escaramuza” (meaning “skirmish” in Spanish), a dynamic and colorful work inspired by her Peruvian heritage. This spirited piece captures the energy of the lively Kachampa Andean dance, celebrating the agility and strength of Inca warriors.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Magic Morgan & Liliana

Rotunda Stage

Magic Morgan & Liliana blend the art of illusion and comedy to create wholesome family entertainment. Expect humor, magic, mime and more as they dazzle the audience.

2025/26 Season, Jazz, Music, Overture Presents Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Overture Hall

Experience Duke Ellington’s boundary-breaking music—rooted in African rhythms and infused with jazz, blues, spirituals and gospel—as the world’s premier big band returns to Madison. Enjoy an unforgettable night of swing, soul and sensational musicianship that celebrates Ellington’s enduring influence around the globe.

Forward Theater, Theater Ironbound

Playhouse

An immigrant fighting for a better life learns what’s fleeting and what lasts in this clear-eyed and darkly funny portrait spanning 22 years. “Ironbound” is a meditation on hope, love and staying human.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks II - Prokofiev Prowess

Capitol Theater

Join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for an electrifying evening showcasing the fiery virtuosity of guest pianist Ilya Yakushev in Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 3.”

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Angela Puerta

Rotunda Stage

Angela Puerta and her band bring a unique blend of entertainment and education to young audiences by incorporating small instruments that kids can play along with during the show. The interactive experience not only keeps kids engaged but also fosters a love for music in both English and Spanish.

2025/26 Season, Classical Music, Film, Music, Overture Presents Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert

Overture Hall

In the epic finale to the Harry Potter Film Concert Series the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war!

2025/26 Season, Dance, Overture Presents Step Afrika!'s The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence

Overture Hall

Watch as the energy of percussive dance, African traditions and contemporary movement collide. With powerful rhythms, storytelling and audience participation, this celebration of African culture and artistry will leave your heart pounding.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Drum Power

Rotunda Stage

The Drum Power advanced performing group features local youth ages 12-16, showcasing drumming and dance from Guinea, Senegal and Mali in West Africa and Salvador Bahia and Rio, Brazil.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater The Hobbit

MYArts Starlight Theater

When homebody Bilbo Baggins is whisked away by a band of dwarves and a very mysterious wizard, he finds himself facing trolls, goblins and a fire-breathing dragon—with only his courage and a bit of luck to guide him!

2025/26 Season, Cover Bands, Folk Music, Music, Overture Presents The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Overture Hall

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this show also features a full live band performing all the duo’s hits, including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and many more.

2025/26 Season, Broadway, Six-Show Package Kimberly Akimbo

Overture Hall

Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush... and possible felony charges.

Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet Pointes of View

Promenade Hall

From tutus to combat boots, each work in "Pointes of View" offers a bold reinterpretation of classical technique, pushing boundaries while honoring ballet’s rich traditions.

Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater Everlasting Faint

Capitol Theater

Based on the true story of the 1897 “Greenbrier Ghost,” “Everlasting Faint” is a ghost story, a maternal love story, a true crime drama and an all-American opera. Don’t miss this world premiere by Madison composer Scott Gendel and librettist Sandra Flores-Strand.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Jazz, Kids in the Rotunda, Music NOLA Tribute

Rotunda Stage

Get ready for a musical journey with the New Orleans Tribute! This talented group, featuring members from Mama Digdown's Brass Band and Madison's top jazz musicians, brings the vibrant sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Secondline music to you—no plane ticket needed.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Playful Pursuits

Overture Hall

“Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a decidedly playful overture by a very youthful Felix Mendelssohn. This sparkling work captures the magic of the fairy kingdom, the humor of the lovers’ entanglements and the grandeur of Theseus’ court.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music L.E.X

Rotunda Stage

L.E.X delivers original kid-friendly hip-hop music with positive themes like regulating emotions, being kind, chasing dreams and navigating childhood experiences.

Duck Soup Cinema, Film, Variety Peter Pan

Capitol Theater

Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "Peter Pan." A spirited boy whisks the Darling children to a magical island for high-flying adventures and daring battles with pirates in this beautifully restored silent-film fantasy.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Felix Hell, Organist

Overture Hall

Organist Felix Hell, who first performed in Madison in 2012, returns with a brilliant and unique program that he calls “Cathedral of Sound: The Organ as Orchestra.”

Classic Rock, Music Joe Bonamassa

Overture Hall

Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and cited by Guitar World Magazine as “the world's biggest blues guitarist,” Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream.

2025/26 Season, Dance, Overture Presents Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Overture Hall

From tutus to toe shoes, the all-male troupe transforms classical ballet into an outrageous, yet deeply skilled, spectacle. With impeccable technique, over-the-top personas and a touch of slapstick, the Trocks deliver a performance as breathtaking as it is hilarious.

Classical Music, Kanopy Dance, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks III - Regeneration with Kanopy Dance Company

Capitol Theater

Universal rhythms explored through music and movement—weaving together themes of transformation and the endless cycle of renewal.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Mark Hayward

Rotunda Stage

Mark Hayward's performance is a delightful mix of comedy and object manipulation. Using props like yo-yos, tops, juggling equipment and even a mousetrap, he creates a fun and witty show that everyone can enjoy.

2025/26 Season, Fringe Festival, Overture Presents, Variety, Visual Arts "Earthlings: Revisited" By Jeanne C. Wilkinson

Rotunda Studio

Free exhibition in Rotunda Studio! Step into artist Jeanne Wilkinson’s “Cloud Tunnel” and immerse yourself in a mesmerizing interplay of shifting images and color.

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Fringe Festival, Improv Comedy, Overture Presents Chris Grace: Sardines (a comedy about death)

The Playhouse

After performing his smash-hit show “Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson” last year to an adoring and 100% satisfied audience, Chris Grace is back for Overture Center's second annual Fringe Festival! This time, the actor and comedian is moving from solving racism to solving... death?

2025/26 Season, Fringe Festival, Overture Presents, Theater, Variety Dinosaur World Live

Overture Hall

Dare to enter a prehistoric realm where lifelike dinosaurs roar before your eyes. From the mighty T. Rex to the towering Giraffatitan, meet incredible creatures up close in an interactive family show. Don’t miss this thrilling Jurassic adventure live on stage!

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Fringe Festival, Improv Comedy, Overture Presents Baby Wants Candy

The Playhouse

They’re back! Prepare for an unforgettable night of spontaneous hilarity as Baby Wants Candy brings you a fully improvised musical—made up on the spot from a single audience suggestion.

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Fringe Festival, Overture Presents, Theater, Variety Caitlin Cook - The Writing on the Stall

Promenade Hall

Caitlin Cook's hit bathroom graffiti musical transforms stall scribbles into the lyrics of her original songs and trail markers along her journey in this confessional, immersive and uproarious one-of-a-kind show.

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Fringe Festival, Overture Presents, Theater, Variety The Naked Magicians

Capitol Theater

Brace yourself for a magic show like no other! Direct from Las Vegas and London’s West End, Australia’s “The Naked Magicians” deliver world-class illusions and nonstop laughs—while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile. 18+ only.

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Fringe Festival, Improv Comedy, Overture Presents Shamilton

The Playhouse

Join members of famed musical improv group Baby Wants Candy as they create an epic musical on the spot based on a historical celebrity of your choosing—from Genghis Khan to Kim Kardashian.

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents The Untold Story of Sharks with Marine Biologist Jess Cramp

Capitol Theater

Dive into our planet’s waters and observe the fascinating lives of sharks with marine biologist Jess Cramp. Fifty years after “Jaws,” discover the real story of these ancient predators, the trailblazing women of shark science and Cramp’s mission to protect them.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Tiara’s Hat Parade

MYArts Starlight Theater

A heartwarming one-woman show celebrating creativity, resilience and the importance of community. Based on Kelly Starling Lyons' award-winning best-selling children's book, this touching story shows how one small gesture can impact an entire community and that kindness is always in fashion.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents DRUM TAO: The Best

Capitol Theater

Experience the pulse-pounding power of Drum TAO, where traditional Japanese Wadaiko drums meet breathtaking performance and modern spectacle. Renowned for their dynamic choreography, striking visuals and thunderous rhythms, “Drum TAO” delivers a performance that is more than just a concert—it’s a full-body experience.

2025/26 Season, Broadway, Six-Show Package Back to the Future: The Musical

Overture Hall

When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally alters history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future.

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company

Rotunda Stage

Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.

Comedy, Stand Up Comedy Craig Ferguson: Pants on Fire

Capitol Theater

Get ready for a night of sharp wit, big laughs and unforgettable stories with Craig Ferguson, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian, actor, writer and director.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Force of Nature

Overture Hall

Strauss’ “Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks” is a mischievous tone poem that follows the antics of a legendary trickster. From daring escapades to clever pranks, the music captures Till’s irreverent spirit with virtuosic orchestral writing and humor.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease

Rotunda Stage

One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.

2025/26 Season, Classical Music, Cover Bands, Music, Overture Presents One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen and The Works

Capitol Theater

Get ready to rock! This high-energy, two-hour stage show brings the legendary music and iconic theatrics of Queen to life, featuring the incredible Gary Mullen & The Works.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks IV - Dueling Violins

Capitol Theater

Prepare to be mesmerized as two extraordinary violin masters, Gilles Apap and Eric Silberger, return to the stage for “Dueling Violins”—not as rivals, but as creative counterparts.

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Madison Ballet

Rotunda Stage

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before! Audience members will have an up-close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal.

Educational/Talks, Theater New Works: On Deck

Playhouse

Experience "Steady She Goes" and "Dan Seavey: Confessions of a Great Lakes Pirate" as part of the Four Seasons Theatre's production "New Works: On Deck."

Classical Music, Film, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert

Overture Hall

Madison Symphony Orchestra’s MSO at the Movies presents “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert,” featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film led by conductor Kyle Knox at Overture Hall.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music An Evening of Chamber Music and Organ

Overture Hall

Trumpeter Caleb Hudson has made a name for himself as one of the most virtuosic trumpet soloists as well as a respected pedagogue. Experience his incredible talent in a program featuring many arrangements for organ and trumpet.

Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet ChoreograpHER

Starlight Theater MYARTS

The highlight of our 2025/26 season is a bold celebration of the female choreographic voice. Although women have long been the faces of ballet, they remain vastly underrepresented in choreography —especially women of color.

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Trinity Irish Dance Academy

Overture Hall Main Lobby

Get ready for a high-energy showcase that will leave you breathless! In this performance, you’ll witness the incredible talent of Trinity students, some as young as 3.5 years old, as they bring traditional Irish steps and vibrant choreography to life on stage.

Comedy, Variety Justin Willman: One for the Ages

Capitol Theater

Fresh off the release of “Magic Lover,” Netflix’s first-ever magic comedy special, Justin Willman is hitting the road with an all-new tour: “One for the Ages.”

Forward Theater, Theater Lady Disdain

Playhouse

Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” gets a makeover in this fierce and sexy comedy about the hottest books on the market and standing up for those you love—including yourself.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Four the Soul

Overture Hall

Peruvian composer Jimmy López’s “Fiesta! Four Pop Dances for Orchestra” is a vibrant and exhilarating celebration of life, culture and happiness. Filled with pulsating rhythms, bold colors and infectious energy, it draws from the rich traditions of Latin American music and ends with a blazing techno finale.

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance

Rotunda Stage

Performing traditional music from Guinea and Mali, West Africa, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble incorporates song, dance, drum and theater into high-energy entertainment for all audiences.

2025/26 Season, Family Friendly, Overture Presents, Theater Billy Goats Gruff

Capitol Theater

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings three beloved stories to life with a fresh, playful twist! Featuring laughter, surprises and a Q&A session, it’s a must-see for ages 3–7!

2025/26 Season, Broadway Riverdance 30: The New Generation

Overture Hall

Celebrating 30 years of the global sensation that has captivated audiences worldwide! "Riverdance" fuses Irish and international dance and music, featuring mesmerizing choreography, stunning costumes and cutting-edge visuals brought to life by an all-new generation of performers.

Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance Divine Mythologies

Promenade Hall

Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble and Kanopy Dance collaborate on a rare remarkable performance of Anna Sokolow’s epic “Odes," a luminous, searing vision of humanity, unsparing in its demands for intense physical concentration and dramatic depth.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks V - Saint-Saëns & Salome

Capitol Theater

Closing the 2025/26 Masterworks season is an evening of works known for their virtuosic demands and lush expressive beauty.

Classic Rock, Family Friendly, Music, Popular Music The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Overture Hall

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight presents a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic rock and metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy. Witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal.

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Duke Otherwise

Rotunda Stage

Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Duke Otherwise! This playful wordsmith, spirited performer and captivating tap dancer brings music and laughter to audiences of all ages.

2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Patti Murin: Once Upon a Stage

Capitol Theater Stage

Broadway star Patti Murin invites you on a journey through the music that has shaped her illustrious career. Murin brings her signature warmth, themes of love, resilience and the power of dreams—weaving in heartfelt reflections on motherhood and its impact on her life and artistry.

Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater Così fan tutte

Overture Hall

Two sisters, two suitors and a drunken wager about the nature of fidelity—what could possibly go wrong? Mozart’s deliciously risqué romantic comedy is full of sublime arias, sparkling ensembles and the complications that ensue when young love and flirtation encounter reality. 

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Up Close Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner

Capitol Theater Stage

Hailed as a “gifted virtuoso” (San Francisco Chronicle) with “masterful technique and a veritable deluge of sonorities” (La Presse Montreal), pianist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner captivates audiences worldwide with his mesmerizing artistry and profound musical storytelling.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Lullaby Project

Rotunda Stage

Join local musicians and teaching artists for a very special day of sharing songs created for the little ones in your life.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Popular Music Take 6

Capitol Theater

Experience the genius of Take 6, the most awarded a cappella group in history! Don’t miss the extraordinary vocal orchestra that continues to amaze audiences with their enduring legacy of harmony, faith and friendship.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Voices Eternal

Overture Hall

Hear the world premiere of composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer "EARTH: A Choral Symphony," commissioned by the Symphony for their 100th Anniversary. The piece explores themes of truth and possibility focusing on the wonder of Earth and our place in its story.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Disney’s Newsies The Musical

MYArts Starlight Theater

When powerful New York newspaper publishers raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack Kelly rallies his ragtag group of “newsies” to fight back. Inspired by true events, this high-energy musical tells the story of young people discovering their voice.

Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet Innovation II

Promenade Hall

In this invigorating artistic initiative, the dancers of Madison Ballet step into the role of choreographer, creating new works on one another.

Comedy, Stand Up Comedy, Variety Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour

Overture Hall

Get ready for a night of big laughs, Midwest charm and good old-fashioned fun with comedian, author and podcast host Charlie Berens!

2025/26 Season, Broadway, Six-Show Package Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Overture Hall

Disney’s beloved musical returns for its 30th-anniversary production, reimagined by the original creative team. With mesmerizing costumes, unforgettable songs and a touch of magic, this breathtaking tale of love and transformation will delight audiences of all ages!

Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance The Next Generation of Dance

Promenade Hall

Watch the next generation of dancers and choreographers in Kanopy’s pre-professional training program, Kanopy 2 and the Kanopy Academy, ignite the stage with new ideas, new expressions and even original choreography and costuming developed and built by the dancers themselves.

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Overture Presents Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0

Overture Hall

Dive into another classic Wild Kratts adventure with the Kratt brothers as they combine live action and animation, with Martin and Chris Kratt live on stage and the rest of the Wild Kratts team on screen, at the Tortuga HQ.

Duck Soup Cinema The Signal Tower

Capitol Theater

Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "The Signal Tower." A devoted railroad signalman’s life is thrown into turmoil when a colleague’s interest in his wife sparks a tense and dangerous clash, set against breathtaking mountain scenery.

Classical Music, Free Events, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music A Community Gift and Dream — for the Love of Music

During this free, two-day festival celebration, MSO musicians and diverse community groups will perform on a rotating schedule throughout Overture Center for the Arts. The Sunday concert features some of the “greatest hits” of classical music and will be the final concert Maestro John DeMain conducts as Music Director.

2025/26 Season, Broadway, Six-Show Package Water for Elephants

Overture Hall

Based on the bestselling novel, “Water for Elephants” is a stunning, spectacle-filled musical about a young man who finds love and a new life with a traveling circus. Featuring a soaring score, breathtaking choreography and a sweeping story.

2025/26 Season, Broadway, Six-Show Package The Great Gatsby

Overture Hall

Step into the captivating world of a Tony Award®- winning musical that brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel to life. This story of extravagance and longing unfolds on stage with exhilarating choreography and a jazz- and pop-infused score, capturing the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.