Forward Theater Company
Summer, 1976
by David Auburn
Thursday, January 30 - Sunday, February 16
The Playhouse
Age Recommendation
16 and up
Wisconsin Premiere. Directed by Laura Gordon.
Sometimes friendships are all the fireworks you need.
The summer of America’s Bicentennial finds Diana, an artist, and Alice, a professor’s wife, thrown together through a faculty babysitting co-op at Ohio State. As they navigate migraines and marriage crises, tantrums and road trips, they build an expansive and intimate friendship as full of possibility, and as fleeting, as summer.
“It’s sharply observant…subtly, insistently feminist.” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
Version B (Sat/Sun): Heidi Armbruster as Alice / Colleen Madden as Diana.
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Thu, Jan 30, 2025
7:30 PM
Thanks to our season sponsors
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Distillery
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Thanks to our media sponsors
Upcoming Theater Events
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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 -
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