Forward Theater Company

King James

by Rajiv Joseph

A basketball on a light wood floor that reads "King James by Rajiv Joseph" in a scripted font that displays like a basketball logo.

Thursday, September 12 - Sunday, September 29

The Playhouse

Age Recommendation

13 and up

Wisconsin Premiere. Directed by Mikael Burke.

A spirited homage to fandom, for sports and theater lovers alike. 

“King” LeBron James was just the hero that Cleveland needed. One of the greatest NBA players to ever hit the court, his influence brought promise and renewal to an entire city. Set against the backdrop of James’ electrifying basketball career, this fast-paced comedy chronicles the turbulent bond between two die-hard fans, whose intertwined fortunes are tied to those of their idol. A hilarious and heartfelt exploration of loyalty, legacy and the shared moments that define us. 

“One slam-dunk of a bromance” — BROADWAYWORLD.COM 

Banner text reads: "Forward Theater Co. 2024 - 25 Season. On the left a human wrist with multiple colorful bracelets and a forward theater tatoo. The background is gold.

Subscriptions available now!

Get season tickets today.

Thanks to our season sponsors

Thanks to our media sponsors

Upcoming Theater Events

  • October 17 - October 19

    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!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • October 17 - October 19

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • October 18

    Saturday

    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.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • October 24 - October 26

    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. 

    Multiple Showtimes
  • October 25

    Saturday

    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!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 6 - November 30

    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. 

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 7 - November 9

    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. 

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 28

    Friday

    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!

    3:00 PM
  • November 29 - 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

    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 9 - April 12

    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 11

    Saturday

    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!

    3:00 PM