The Mayhem Poets

The Mayhem Poets are sitting on a couch actively playing video games. Two are African American men with short dark hair and purple and blue t-shirts. The third is a caucasian man with a suit jacket and medium brown hair.

Friday, May 5

7:30pm

Capitol Theater

$25 - $35

Age recommendation

All Ages

“Let’s go see a poetry show.” That is a sentence rarely proclaimed and usually responded to with cringes and excuses. The Mayhem Poets are on a mission to change that. Having been dubbed “an amazing ride” by the New York Times, this mind-boggling performance has been described as “The Simpsons meets Malcolm X at a Notorious B.I.G. concert.” These theatre-trained, comedically gifted, lyrical virtuosos seamlessly blend raw elements of hip hop, theater, improv and stand-up comedy to tell gut-wrenching truths that leave audiences forever changed.

The Mayhem Poets’ unique approach to spoken word has landed them feature spots on the Today Show and Eyewitness News after winning first place and a grant for $100k in the Microsoft Idea Wins Challenge in 2006. Since then, they’ve been touring internationally and spreading their mission to reshape society’s view of poetry.

Underwritten by Jeff and Tiffany Mack

But wait! There’s more!

Meet the artist! Stay after the show for a brief, informal Q&A session in the theater with the artist.

A collage of various performances coming to Overture. They are interspersed among rays of bright colors.

Make Your Own Subscription

Save up to 20% on tickets!

Choose three or more Overture Presents shows to build a Make Your Own Subscription and save up to 20% on tickets!

We also offer Broadway at OvertureNational Geographic LiveCabaret and Up Close packages.

Thank you to our sponsor

Upcoming Theater Events at Overture

  • December 6 - December 21

    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! 

    Multiple Showtimes
  • December 6 - December 21

    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!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • December 11 - December 21

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • January 29 - February 15

    Cyber Weekend, 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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 7 - February 22

    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!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 13 - February 15

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 28

    Saturday

    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!

    3:00 PM
  • February 28

    Saturday

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 28

    Saturday

    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.

    7:00 PM
  • March 7 - March 22

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 28 - March 29

    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."

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 4

    Saturday

    2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Theater An Evening with Audra McDonald

    Overture Hall

    Overture Center is honored to welcome the incomparable Audra McDonald to Madison for an unforgettable evening of music and artistry. The Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner stands alone as one of the most celebrated performers of our time.

    7:30 PM
  • April 9 - April 26

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 24 - April 26

    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. 

    Multiple Showtimes
  • May 2 - May 17

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • August 14 - August 22

    Theater Trevor: The Musical

    Playhouse

    Based on the film that inspired the Trevor Project, Trevor: The Musical is a deeply moving and funny story of self-discovery and the power of acceptance is about living your best life with a ton of passion… and a touch of pizzazz. 

    Multiple Showtimes