Comedy, Stand Up Comedy Taylor Tomlinson: The Save Me Tour

Overture Hall

Taylor Tomlinson brings her sharp wit and fearless humor to “The Save Me Tour.” With a knack for turning personal experiences into laugh-out-loud moments, she tackles everything from dating to faith with a fresh, unfiltered perspective.

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.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Musical Landscapes in Color Vol III: Endeavor

Capitol Theater

“Endeavor” is a bold exploration of the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s only fitting that the third installment of the Musical Landscapes in Color project features living Black American composers whose works span nearly three decades of innovation.

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.

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!

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.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations

Capitol Theater

Step into a powerful fusion of music and movement that goes beyond entertainment. In this deeply personal performance, Matthew Morrison—known for his standout role as Will Schuester on “Glee”—takes audiences on a musical journey into the heart of what makes us human.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Primal Light

Overture Hall

This concert opens with a fresh take on the story of resurrection with lush layers of colorful sound evoking a cinematic feel. “Resurrexit” by Mason Bates will take you on a mystical pilgrimage with shimmering exotic tonalities that give way to contemplation and dramatic stirrings of rebirth.

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.

Comedy, Variety Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour

Capitol Theater

Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do. From self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show, nothing is off limits! 

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, Overture Presents An Evening with David Sedaris

Overture Hall

Join David Sedaris, author of bestsellers “Calypso,” “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” and “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” for a special one-night-only event. Sedaris will bring his signature humor and sharp wit to the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Educational/Talks, Free Events, Visual Arts Fall 2025 Exhibitions Reception

Overture Galleries

Join us for a reception and artist talks celebrating the Fall 2025 Overture Galleries. This season’s exhibitions consider the quiet forces that shape our landscapes.

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Overture Presents Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble

Capitol Theater

Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble.”

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. 

2025/26 Season, Broadway The Book of Mormon

Overture Hall

This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. This international sensation is widely regarded as the funniest musical of all time.

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!

Comedy, Overture Presents, Variety Lucy Darling: You’re Welcome

Award-winning performer, charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling continues her vivacious vagabond voyages with “You’re Welcome” — a touring variety show featuring her razor-sharp wit, unquestionable advice, skillful magic and delightful friends.

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.

Classical Music WSMA High School State Honors Music Project Concerts

Overture Hall

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Honors Music Project began in 1967 to provide musically accomplished youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the nation's finest conductors in a professional and highly disciplined setting. This year, more than 1,250 student auditions were performed for the privilege of being one of the 429 students selected for membership in the five prestigious High School State Honors ensembles.

2025/26 Season, Folk Music, Music, Overture Presents Mariachi Rock Revolution

Capitol Theater

Get ready for a rock-fueled, Mariachi-infused spectacle of sight and sound celebrating the tradition of Mariachi. This high-energy show unites arena-rock fans, abuelas raised on Vicente Fernández—and everyone in between.

James Watrous Galleries Añamarié Edwards: The Home of Joy and Warren King: Homecoming

James Watrous Gallery

The James Watrous Gallery presents two concurrent solo exhibitions by artists Añamarié Edwards and Warren King steeped in themes of home, family, joy, identity, healing, migration, and community. 

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.

2025/26 Season, Overture Presents, Variety Cirque Mechanics: Tilt!

Capitol Theater

Enter the world of Cirque Mechanics, where breathtaking acrobatics meet mechanical marvels in a one-of-a-kind circus experience. Inspired by American ingenuity, this high-flying spectacle blends raw, real-world grit with the wonder of modern circus.

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents A Pirate's Life with Archaeologist Lisa Briggs

Capitol Theater

Set sail on a thrilling adventure with archaeologist Lisa Briggs. Dive into the Mediterranean to uncover how pirates shaped the Roman Empire, meet China’s fierce Pirate Queen and step into the lab to track Blackbeard’s trail. History’s greatest treasures await—are you ready to hunt?

2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Claybourne Elder: If the Stars Were Mine

Capitol Theater Stage

Broadway’s hunky gay ex-Mormon dad Claybourne Elder, star of “Company,” “Sunday in the Park…” and HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” presents a hilarious and heartfelt evening that’s part cabaret and part stand-up.

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.