Forward Theater Company
Primary Trust
by Eboni Booth
Thursday, September 4 - Sunday, September 21
The Playhouse
$54 - $69
Runtime
95 minutes
Age Recommendation
12 and up
Wisconsin Premiere. The New York Times Critics Pick. Directed by Mikael Burke.
Kenneth has never needed much: a steady job, a quiet routine and a mai tai (or two) with his best friend. But when life pulls the rug out from under him, Kenneth is forced to step beyond the familiar and into the unknown. What he discovers is a world richer and more expansive than he ever imagined. This 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner and whimsical new comedy reminds us that sometimes the smallest steps lead to the most extraordinary transformations.
“An utterly absorbing, very funny, darn near perfect play.” – The Daily Beast
Forward Theater Company
Subscriptions available now!
Four extraordinary plays about people who refuse to accept the status quo in their own lives. Characters who challenge expectations, take control and remind us that change is always possible.
Sponsored by
Upcoming Theater Events
-
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 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 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 -
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