Leah Lin
Some show tunes are so good that they stand on their own in concert. Here are five chances to hear live renditions of Broadway hits and other goodies from now through the start of winter.
Overture Center's Playhouse, Sept. 26
Fresco Opera Theatre morphed into a strolling minstrel show of sorts over the summer, presenting show tunes from an earlier era -- arias from classic operas -- on the Capitol Square. This project culminates with a slightly more formal concert at a much posher location: Overture Center. Soprano Melanie Cain, the company's cofounder and artistic director, will provide the vocals with fellow singers Diana Kelly Eiler and Rachel Edie Warrick.
UW Memorial Union, Fredric March Play Circle, Oct. 10
Calling all Rachel Berrys! Four Seasons Theatre invites divas and divos to this night dedicated to belting out show tunes. Bring along sheet music for "Don't Rain on My Parade" -- or any other material you think will impress -- and Four Seasons will provide live piano accompaniment. No Tonys will be awarded, but there will probably be lots of standing ovations.
I Was Here: The Second Chances Concert
Brink Lounge, Nov. 1
Most of Music Theatre of Madison's new season takes place in 2015, but this presentation should be a highlight of the fall. The company will present snippets of three well-liked shows from years past -- john & jen, Floyd Collins and The Glorious Ones -- and revive the audience's favorite in 2016.
Overture Center's Capitol Theater, Nov. 20
Tony Award-winning actress Karen Olivo received a lot of press last year when she left her Broadway career to relocate to Madison. In this cabaret performance, Olivo shows off her incredible power and depth, and something else too: local talent. Olivo brought in a handful of her best UW students to arrange, play and duet on her songs, which will include standards and some new music, too. The show is sold out, so see if you can snag a ticket from someone who can't go.
Overture Center's Capitol Theater, Jan. 3
Do you whistle "The Hills Are Alive" in the shower? Does "Edelweiss" make you teary? Warm up your singing voice and head to this screening of the classic Julie Andrews film, which sprang from a 1959 Broadway musical. It may be one of your "favorite things" of the year.
