Overture Center for the Arts
Monumental closer
John DeMain, conductor of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, chose to end his 25th season with a real barn-burner: Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, “Symphony of a Thousand.” Read more
Ross Zentner
Secrets of the chocolate factory
"Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka" has some sweet moments, but some of the magic is lost in this Children’s Theater of Madison production for young audiences. Read more
James Gill
Slavic splendor
A water spirit pursues a prince in Madison Opera’s resplendent production of Antonin Dvorak’s “Rusalka,” the company’s first Czech opera. Read more
Piano perfection
Marc-André Hamelin, one of the greatest pianists of our day, joins the Madison Symphony Orchestra for a remarkable evening of Strauss and Ravel — with an encore of Rachmaninoff. Read more
Joan Marcus
Overture reveals “Hamilton” dates
Overture reveals “Hamilton” dates and almost 100 other shows, from “SpongeBob” to naked magicians. Read more
Matthew Murphy
The Heat is on in Saigon
Theater critic Gwendolyn Rice reviews Overture’s “Miss Saigon,” with an eye toward understanding the show’s popularity — and problematic nature. Read more
Matthew Murphy and Johan Persson
The panel that wasn’t
Overture Center hosts a touring version of “Miss Saigon” next week. But the venue is embroiled in controversy after cancelling a panel discussion about Asian stereotypes. Read more
Ross Zentner
The rhythm of love
Director Jessica Lanius has created a lovely picture of young love in Theatre LILA’s “Romeo+Juliet.” The show is this weekend only at the Overture Center. Read more
DeMain's delights
The Madison Symphony Orchestra's conductor celebrates silver anniversary with program of personal favorites for March concerts. Read more
Our rare instrument
The Capitol Theater’s Grand Barton Organ is one of few surviving the silent film era. Overture Center has secured funds for a long-overdue restoration of the gem. Read more
The Russian connection
Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev joins Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for an evening of jazz-inspired works and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, a taut and unsettling piece. Read more
courtesy of Madame Chu
Tasty journey
Longtime vendors like Spice Yatra and new vendors like Madame Chu love introducing Madisonians to their culture’s cuisines at International Fest. They start dishing it up on Saturday, Feb. 23. Read more
Benjamin Ealovega
Wondrous works
Madison Symphony Orchestra welcomes 2019 Grammy-winning violinist James Ehnes for a magnificent performance of Brahms’ Violin Concerto. Read more
Hillary Schave
Sandra Gajic’s epic journey
Catherine Capellaro talks to Overture’s new president and CEO, Sandra Gajic, about her journey from her childhood in Yugoslavia to Madison, by way of Canada. It’s an immigrant’s tale, and a love story about the performing arts. Read more
James Gill
A score for Sondheim
Some purists wonder whether opera companies should produce operettas. Madison Opera’s scintillating production of “A Little Night Music" proves why they should. Read more
Meeting Mendelssohn
Madison Symphony Orchestra delivers an excellent multimedia exploration of Felix Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony. Read more
Jeremy Daniel
Stage magic
“Finding Neverland,” at Overture Hall through Jan. 13, brings the magic of “Peter Pan” to life by telling the backstory of J.M. Barrie, “the man who never wanted to grow up.” Read more
Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade
Sticking it to The Man
The book and score of the screen-to-stage sensation “School of Rock” are nothing to write home about. But the show features a delightful pack of 9-12-year-olds who jump around and play their instruments — for real. Read more
Ross Zentner
Worth the wait
Forward Theater Company chose the best show for its first musical: “Fun Home” is an eloquent and poignant story based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir about family dysfunction, homosexuality, suicide and growing up in a funeral home. Read more
James Gill
Satisfying double bill
Madison Opera delivers a passionate and lavish double bill of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci.” It plays once more on Nov. 4. Read more
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Michael Rausch
Beth Kille
