"The Phantom of the Opera"
Sorry, Madison theatergoers: If you’re dying to see Hamilton — Broadway’s hip-hop sensation about the Founding Fathers — the best advice is to buy a block of tickets for that show’s Chicago premiere, beginning Sept. 27.
Not surprisingly, Hamilton is not part of Overture Center's upcoming season. We get to see a “bigger and better” production of the 1986 crowd-pleaser Phantom of the Opera instead.
When it comes to landing Broadway hits, Madison’s a growing market — but we’re not that big.
But according to Ted DeDee, Overture president and CEO, Madisonians’ appetite for Broadway is growing. DeDee says the Overture’s subscription base for Broadway has increased by nearly 2,000 subscriptions in the past five years, for a total of 6,550 in the current 2015-16 season. As ticket sales and subscriptions grow, so does the prestige of the venue, allowing it to attract top-quality talent.
Overture’s 2016-17 Broadway season is a balancing act, including several musicals that have become perennial favorites as well as some highly regarded premieres.
Phantom of the Opera
“The 2016-17 season marks a triumph: the return of Phantom of the Opera, 12 years after it was the first Broadway show to perform on the brand-new stage of Overture Hall, soon after Overture opened in 2004,” DeDee said at a press conference on Monday, March 28. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production and tour of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Phantom will play for two weeks beginning Jan. 25, 2017.
Cinderella
On Oct. 4-9, 2016, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will light up the stage with a contemporary take on the classic tale.
The Illusionists — Live from Broadway
The New York Times called this one “A high-tech magic extravaganza.” It’s a box office sensation featuring seven of the world’s most astonishing illusionists. By booking it right after Thanksgiving, Nov. 22-27, 2016, Overture is hoping to bring in a family audience.
Cabaret
Another perennial favorite, this May 21-26, 2017, production is the touring version of the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony winner for best revival, set in a nightclub in pre-World War II Germany.
"Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
This true story of the woman who created a soundtrack for a generation has received several Tony awards and a 2015 Grammy. At the press conference, cast member Rebecca LaChance said the legendary Carole King attended the Broadway show in disguise, then walked onstage and sang with the cast, stunning audience and cast alike. Plays June 13-18, 2017.
Jersey Boys and The Book of Mormon
You can’t argue with success, and these Tony winners are truly back by popular demand. Overture VP of programming and community engagement Tim Sauers says Overture could not keep up with demand at Madison’s first runs for these shows, noting that The Book of Mormon sold out its run within three hours.
Other Highlights
Overture’s celebrity appearances include Tony Bennett (Oct. 28, 2016), Garrison Keillor (Oct.16, 2016), and violinist Itzhak Perlman (April 29, 2017).
In the comedy series, Arsenio Hall appears (April 14, 2017), the Capitol Steps (Oct. 14, 2016), and The Second City Summer Blockbuster (June 2, 2017).
Overture also announced its first-ever puppet festival, March 31-April 2, 2017, including the extravaganza Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live and the mythic shadow puppetry of Manual Cinema’s Luna del Ray.
Music offerings include Drumline Live, Boyz II Men, and Wild Sound with Third Coast Percussion, featuring Wilco’s drummer Glenn Kotche.
For those fans curious about the evolution of The Book of Mormon, Trey Parker’s Cannibal! The Musical might be a satisfying choice. And fans of the HBO epic Game of Thrones will want to check out the parody show, Graeme of Thrones.
For more information, contact the Overture Center for the Arts.
