Hussein Katz
Molly Ringwald is best known for her roles in '80s teen movies like Pretty in Pink, but she's been a singer her entire life.
Overture Center has unveiled its 2014-15 season, and it's a doozie. Filled with live music from around the world, innovative takes on dance and circus arts, and musicals that range from charming classics to irreverent new hits, there are tons of opportunities to get your fill of culture between August 2014 and June 2015.
In addition to featuring blockbuster Broadway fare like Once and The Book of Mormon, plus famous comedians such as Billy Cosby and Lily Tomlin, Overture will highlight what multitalented stars like Pretty in Pink's Molly Ringwald have been up to in recent years.
Here is a rundown of the entire season, with show descriptions from Overture.
Evil Dead the Musical
Aug. 7-10, 2014
All the elements of Sam Raimi's cult classic films combined in one crazy theatrical experience! The only musical where you can choose to sit in the "Splatter Zone" and get drenched from the mayhem, or watch from a safe distance. Splatter Zone tickets are first five rows only! You will get drenched over the course of the performance. (Ponchos can be purchased.)
Men Are From Mars…
Aug. 16, 2014
When Mars and Venus collide, the adventures are earth-shatteringly hysterical. In this one-man show based on the popular book by John Gray, storyteller/actor/comedian Peter Story brings all the truths about relationships, dating, marriage and sex together for the best kind of "it's funny because it's true."
DakhaBrakha
Aug. 28, 2014
Ukrainian "ethnic chaos" band DakhaBrakha, blend folk songs with modern world rhythms to create a world of unexpected new music. The name means "give/take" in the old Ukrainian language and exemplifies the back and forth between roots and future. Presented in cooperation with Marquette Neighborhood Association.
Yakov Smirnoff
Sept. 24, 2014
If you liked him back in the day -- and who didn't, other than maybe the Kremlin -- you'll love seeing him again live! His new national tour is full of insightful and laughter-filled philosophy on life, love, family and country.
Once
Oct. 7-12, 2014
Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, Once is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs.
The Hunts
Oct. 17, 2014
Experience five brothers' and two sisters' passion for compelling music. Stringed instruments, surrounded by enchanting harmonies and thrilling rhythms, conjure an organic yet transcendent indie-folk sound.
360 All Stars
Oct. 23, 2014
Circus reinvented. Swap breakdancers for acrobats, basketball freestyler for juggler, and BMX flatlander for unicycle. Throw in a Roue Cyr artist and live DJ and you get a truly exhilarating experience.
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood
Oct. 25, 2014
The popular stars of Whose Line Is It Anyway? present an evening of extraordinary improv comedy. Colin and Brad will take contributions from the audience to create hilarious and original scenes, just like a live version of Whose Line.
Imago: Frogz
Oct. 26, 2014
Mime meets dance meets acrobatics, with a touch of whimsy. This inventive piece landed twice on Broadway, putting Imago Theatre on the map. Come see whyt the Boston Globe called it "deeply satisfying" and "truly goofy fun."
BalletBoyz
Oct. 28, 2014
One of the most original and innovative -- and let's be honest, easy on the eyes -- forces in modern dance. Former Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt lead the company and its distinctive style, fusing spectacular dance with stunning music and film.
Smokey Joe's Cafe Nov. 2, 2014
Smokey Joe's Cafe featuring the Coasters Come to the hottest joint in town. This Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning tribute to legendary songwriters Leiber and Stoller is a dazzling, song-and-dance celebration of over 40 of rock 'n' roll's greatest hits.
Bill Cosby
Nov. 13, 2014
Over a career that spans half a century, he changed the face of American entertainment. But when the lights go down, it's still just him, in a chair, with more wit and wisdom than ever.
An Irish Christmas
Nov. 14, 2014
Riverdance star Kevin Horton and Magic of the Dance stars Ciaran Maguire and Collette Dunne join the Kerry Trad Orchestra and a host of actors and singers for a celebration of the holiday season in Ireland, with glorious music, traditional dance, lively storytelling, and plenty of Irish soul.
Stella Queen of the Snow
Nov. 16, 2014
Overture favorite Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia returns with a tale of two children and a day in the snow. The forest, snowballs, snow angels and the mysterious white stuff itself provide fuel for Sam's questions and Stella's answers as they discover the world of winter together.
Karen Olivo
Nov. 20, 2014
Her role in Harry's Law made her famous, but Broadway's always been her home. Until just last year, that is, when she settled right here in Madison, increasing the number of Tony winners living here by one.
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Nov. 25-30
One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son. The new production will feature Broadway and television star Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray, Hair) as the Narrator and Broadway star Ace Young (Grease, Hair) as Joseph.
Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music
Jan. 3, 2015
Sing along to the most successful movie musical of all time! Sing along with Julie Andrews, wave your edelweiss, dance in the gazebo with Liesl, snuggle up with Gretel and join in earnest choruses of "My Favorite Things" … and go home happier than you've been in weeks.
I Love Lucy
Jan. 6-11, 2015
This is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history. It's 1952, and you are a member of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience where you experience firsthand the filming of two hilarious I Love Lucy episodes, complete with charming host, '50s-style harmonies from the Crystaltone Singers and the side-splitting antics of America's favorite foursome: Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel.
Jose James
Jan. 16, 2015
A trailblazer with an intoxicating blend of jazz, hip-hop, R&B and electronica, James is equally comfortable onstage with a jazz legend like McCoy Tyner and in the studio with a rapper like Oh No. And, of course, headlining Capitol Theater.
Blue Man Group
Jan. 23-25, 2015
Blue Man Group best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment.
Peking Acrobats
Feb. 8, 2015
Since 1958, they've toured the world, leaving audiences spellbound. They'll vault, juggle and climb, at times high above the Overture Hall stage. A live Chinese orchestra plays, lights dazzle, and clouds of fog roll in to complete the scene, fit for an emperor, or you and your family.
Joel Sartore
Feb. 10, 2015
An intimate and humorous look at what could be the best--and worst--job in the world as he plays expedition leader, psychologist, medic and coach, as well as photographer, on expedition with National Geographic.
Pedrito Martinez Group
Feb. 12, 2015
The Cuban-born, New York-based percussionist has appeared on more than 100 albums and toured with the top Cuban and American musicians. But he's at his best as a bandleader, especially with the first five rows of seats removed to make room for dancing.
Urban Bush Women
Feb. 18, 2015
They've made an indelible mark on dance with bold, innovative, demanding and exciting works. With contemporary dance, music and text, they enliven the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of African-Americans and the African Diaspora, and turn struggle into pure joy.
Sid the Science Kid
Feb. 22, 2015
The popular PBS Kids show comes to life as Sid, May, Gabriela, Gerald and teacher Susie explore with interactive activities, cooperative problem solving and plenty of laughs to go around. It will have the whole family cheering, exploring, dancing and excited to learn together.
Donald Johanson
March 3, 2015
Who better to tell our story than the man who discovered Lucy? That archeological discovery from 1974 helped place a missing branch on the family tree as we knew it, and Dr. Johanson has remained at the forefront of the field.
Peter Smith
March 5, 2015
Weaving stories from Cole Porter's life among the songs, Peter Smith creates an evening that'll leave you not only tapping your feet, but pondering some fascinating tidbits from the life of one of the greats of American music.
Robert Irvine
March 8, 2015
No recipes. No script. No holds barred. The host of the popular show on Food Network is bringing his high-energy cooking experience to the stage where you choose the challenges.
The Book of Mormon
March 10-15, 2015
The New York Times named it "the best musical of this century." The Washington Post says it's "the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." And Entertainment Weekly calls it "the funniest musical of all time." Even Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls is "a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry." It's The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award-winning musical from the creators of South Park. Contains explicit language.
Magic of Bill Blagg Live
March 13, 2015
Called "simply amazing" by The Chicago Tribune, this show is packed with new mind-blowing illusions and a trademark off-the-cuff personality.
Flautistico
March 20, 2015
Stephanie Jutt, local flutist, Latina, and artistic director of Overture resident company Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, presents a concert celebrating Latin American and Spanish culture. The evening will feature the music of Spain, Argentina and Venezuela, with spoken word, tango, and original art by Carolyn Kallenborn.
Cameron Carpenter
March 21, 2015
Remember those analogy questions on standardized tests? Try this one: Guitar is to Jimi Hendrix as Organ is to ___________. The answer's Cameron Carpenter. Forget what you think you know about the organ. You'll hear jazz standards and pop favorites, original compositions and a whole new take on classical.
Molly Ringwald
March 27, 2015
Funny how becoming a famous actor can put a music career on hold. The Pretty in Pink star has been singing all along, spurred on by her pianist father, Bob Ringwald. But she focused on acting until she dropped the album Except Sometimes recently. Come see a side you've never seen.
Four Bitchin Babes
March 28, 2015
Four Bitchin' Babes present "The Best Of the Babes!" With over two decades of touring and nine recording projects, the Babes take to the stage, performing highlights that celebrate their many shows and cast members. With whimsical songs, shtick, and luxurious girl group harmonies, these gals offer a great night of music and laughs.
The McCartney Years
April 9, 2015
Note-for-note, harmonies and riffs " every song is played live with nothing pre-recorded and to the standard set by McCartney himself in the early 1970s. The amazing Dutch-born Yuri Pool and his band perform with an attention to detail that'll make you believe you've traveled in time.
Annie Griffiths
April 14, 2015
Underneath all of the things that divide us, we are all pretty much the same. That's what Annie Griffiths has learned through years as a photographer of indigenous cultures. Journey alongside her as she finds common ground in uncommon places for Overture's National Geographic series.
Hubbard Street Dance
April 15, 2015
Their inventive choreography entrances as their virtuosity remains unparalleled. The Chicago Sun Times says they deliver "a sublime blend of emotional intensity and technical brilliance." It's no wonder they fill Overture Hall with enthusiastic admirers year after year.
Second City
April 17, 2015
Madison's got plenty of quirks to poke fun at, and Chicago's most famous sketch and improv comedy troupe is coming to do just that.
Wild Kratts Live
April 19, 2015
Experience the astounding "creature" fundamentals and the infectious excitement of the Kratt Brothers that make the hit Emmy-nominated television series Wild Kratts so popular with kids and their families.
T. Oliver Reid
April 23, 2015
By the age of nine, T. Oliver Reid was singing the entire cast recording of Annie every afternoon. Thirty years later, he's worked with some of Broadway's biggest stars in Broadway's biggest shows.
Martha Redbone Roots Project
April 24, 2015
Martha Redbone's distinct music flows equally from her own unique, award-winning blend of Native American elements with funk and her deep roots in Appalachian folk and Piedmont blues.
Kurt Elling: Sinatra Swings
April 25, 2015
With numerous Grammy nominations, Kurt Elling has been named the "standout male vocalist of our time" by The New York Times. He'll pay fitting tribute to Old Blue Eyes.
Mamma Mia!
April 28-May 3, 2015
More than 50 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make this musical filled with ABBA songs the ultimate feel-good show.
Bryan Smith
May 5, 2015
Get behind the National Geographic camera! Bryan Smith, an award-winning filmmaker for the National Geographic Channel, shares gripping moments from his assignments to document extreme feats and high adventure in the world's most challenging environments.
The Gruffalo's Child
May 9, 2015
One wild and windy night the Gruffalo's child tiptoes out into the snow. The Big Bad Mouse doesn't really exist...does he? Tall Stories Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's captivating sequel to life in this new magical, musical adaptation.
Church Basement Ladies
May 16-17, 2015
As the 1970s shook up the social order, the church basement remained the same. That's what's comforting the ladies of First Cornucopia Lutheran as they celebrate the church's centennial. Meet church basement ladies of old and tap your toes as the ladies of 1979 handle a changing world with grace and humor.
Dirty Dancing
May 26-31, 2015
Dirty Dancing is both a movie and a record-breaking live theater sensation, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. You'll have the time of your life watching the cast perform songs such as "Hungry Eyes," "Hey Baby," "Do you Love Me?" and, of course, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life."
Lily Tomlin
June 12, 2015
Over a 40-year career Tomlin has transformed herself into a small army of unforgettable characters. She breathes life into a cast that spans age, gender and race. Don't miss this chance: Tomlin is truly one of the greats of our time.
Sing-a-Long-a Grease
June 19, 2015
Wannabe T-Birds and Pink Ladies: Now is your chance to don those jackets and grease up those quiffs as we screen the classic film with the lyrics on screen. Your host for the evening will do a vocal warm up, teach you how to hand jive, and show you how to use the items in your free fun pack.
