Forward Theater Company
Guilty Pleasures Monologue Festival
Thursday, May 8 - Saturday, May 10
Promenade Hall
Age Recommendation
13 and up
Twelve original monologues. Written by playwrights in Wisconsin and across the country.
Revealing the comedies and tragedies found in our hidden vices.
Indulge in an evening of confession and hilarity at our eighth Monologue Festival, “Guilty Pleasures”! This time, the stage becomes a sanctuary for the secret indulgences we dare not admit. This festival of original works promises a delightful journey through the joys, embarrassments and sweet reliefs that come from embracing our most private delights.
-
Thu, May 8, 2025
7:30 PM
-
Fri, May 9, 2025
7:30 PM
-
Sat, May 10, 2025
2:00 PM
-
Sat, May 10, 2025
7:30 PM
Thanks to our season sponsors
-
Distillery
-
-
-
-
Thanks to our media sponsors
Upcoming Theater Events
-
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
Saturday
Dance, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Folk Music, Free Events, Music, Theater, Variety, Visual Arts International Festival
Multiple Venues
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community and enjoy nearly 30 FREE performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase and learn about the many local businesses with global connections.
10:00 AM -
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