Children's Theater of Madison
A Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 6 - Sunday, December 21
Capitol Theater
Runtime
2 hours with a 15-minute intermission
Age Recommendation
8 and up
Our 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! A Madison tradition for over 40 years, with a message that still resonates today.
Based on the book by Charles Dickens. Adapted by Chaz T. Martin. With Music by Mark Wurzelbacher. Directed by Brian Cowing.
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Sat, Dec 6, 2025
2:00 PM
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Sun, Dec 7, 2025
2:00 PM
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Sat, Dec 13, 2025
2:00 PM
Sign Interpreted
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Sat, Dec 13, 2025
7:00 PM
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Sun, Dec 14, 2025
2:00 PM
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Fri, Dec 19, 2025
7:00 PM
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Sat, Dec 20, 2025
2:00 PM
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Sat, Dec 20, 2025
7:00 PM
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Sun, Dec 21, 2025
2:00 PM
Upcoming Family Friendly Events
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October 10 - October 12
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
October 11
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
October 11 - 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 11 - 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 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 -
October 29
Wednesday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 1
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 8
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 15
Saturday
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!
Multiple Showtimes -
November 22
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 28
Friday
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!
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
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
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 4 - December 7
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 6
Saturday
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.
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 12 - December 21
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 13
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 20
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 10
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 17
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 24
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 31
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 7
Saturday
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.
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
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 14
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 21
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 28
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
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 14
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 21
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 28
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 3 - April 5
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.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 4
Saturday
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.
Multiple Showtimes