Theater

August Wilson’s ‘Fences’: What it means to dream, fail

By Breanna Bylak | Mar. 10

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Theatre Department takes a swing at a classic.

Sweet but bitter: ‘The Wolves’ is an orange slice of life

By Breanna Bylak | Feb. 23

UW Theatre_Peter and the Starcatcher_2022-171.jpg

‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ flew into the hearts of audiences

By Breanna Bylak | Dec. 7

More Theater

ARTS

Bent: presenting queer life in Nazi Germany

By Ace Filter and Diti Belhe | Oct. 26

From Oct. 19 to 29, Bartell Theater is showing the production “Bent.” The play, written by Martin Sherman in 1979, tells a story about the persecution of gay individuals in Nazi Germany. Following the life of Max, a gay man estranged from his wealthy family living in 1930s Berlin, the audience is immersed in the heart-wrenching representation of what life was like living as a queer person under Hitler’s rule.

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15 ways to enjoy performing arts in Madison in the end of 2022

By Breanna Bylak | Oct. 7

The performing arts community in Madison is full and flourishing. From theater to dance to improv, there is something for everyone in downtown Madison. Below are 15 local venues and groups that students, staff, community members and more should be looking forward to:

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Department of Theatre and Drama kicks off sold-out production of 'Heathers the Musical'

By Athena Kafkas | Apr. 22

Hey, Westerburgers! There’s a new kid in town…

ARTS

The Nicest Kids in Town stop by the Overture Center for the Arts

By Emily Knepple | Mar. 11, 2022

Broadway lovers and Madisonians alike had the chance to catch “Hairspray” at the Overture Center for the Arts from Feb. 22-27.

ARTS

Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman shine in “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom”

By Dominic LeRose | Dec. 21, 2020

Adapting the life of playwright August Wilson to the screen, director George C. Wolfe captures the heart of Wilson’s story, creating a film with terrific performances that clearly feels like it’s in the wrong medium.

ARTS

‘Anastasia’: An unforgettable journey to the past

By Lauren Souza | Aug. 8, 2019

The national tour of “Anastasia” stops in Madison for an eight-show run, filling the Overture Center with idyllic sets and songs.

ARTS

Bernadette Peters performs classic musical hits — and misses —at the Overture

By Emma Hellmer | May. 1, 2019

Tony® Award-winning actress Bernadette Peters comes to Madison to dazzle the audience with some of her hit performances on stage and television.

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Summer Arts Preview: Theater

By Emma Hellmer | Apr. 25, 2019

Emma Hellmer, the Daily Cardinal's theater columnist, previews a few musical performances that are coming to Madison this summer.

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UW-Madison graduate student shines spotlight on accessible, sustainable theater

By Robyn Cawley | Apr. 20, 2019

After spending years on the stage, Cyra K. Polizzi is switching roles to create a sustainable, accessible, feminist theater practice — from play programs to accommodating tour locations.

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‘A Raisin in the Sun’ celebrates 60th Anniversary: A look at Broadway’s first African-American woman playwright

By Lauren Souza | Mar. 11, 2019

UW-Madison alumna Lorraine Hansberry debuted her play "A Raisin in the Sun," making her the first African-American female playwright on Broadway.

ARTS

‘Into the Woods’ is a must-see with splendid cast and crew

By Emma Hellmer | Feb. 26, 2019

"Into the Woods" is a tremendous experience that combines the musical magic of different fairy tales into one theater performance that you will never forget.

ARTS

Rock of Ages proves an enjoyable 1980s tribute show with few minor quirks

By Emma Hellmer | Feb. 14, 2019

Glorified 80s rock ‘n’ roll takes the audience back in time at the Overture Center on Feb. 7 as part of the Broadway’s tenth anniversay tour of the classic musical, “Rock of Ages.”

Every actor just seemed to fit perfectly with their character in this production of "Urinetown."

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Best Entertainment of 2018: Theater

By Emma Hellmer | Dec. 8, 2018

Our theater columnist picks her favorite Madison plays from this year.

Forward Theater Company, pictured above, hires upwards of 100 contracts, with over 95 percent of them going to Wisconsin residents.

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Local theater companies provide wages, opportunities for local artists

By Allison Garfield | Nov. 16, 2018

The theater industry is notorious for being difficult to find steady work, no matter what aspect of the field one is pursuing.

"Rocky Horror" is a legacy, a cultural monument and a beacon for anyone who feels outcasted.

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Velvet Darkness carries on cultural legacy of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’

By Emma Hellmer | Oct. 29, 2018

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is more than an objectively bad movie-musical from the ‘70s to the Madison-based shadow cast at Velvet Darkness; it’s a legacy, a cultural monument and a beacon for anyone who feels outcasted. The director of the group, Lantry, has been involved with Velvet Darkness for over 25 years.

Camden Ebert (above) and Jack Gammie played the young brother and sister, who said almost nothing during the show and yet delivered some of the strongest performances of the night.

ARTS

‘Six Characters in Search of an Author’ is self-referential delight

By Emma Hellmer | Oct. 25, 2018

Performances of University Theatre’s personalized version of Luigi Pirandello’s haunting play “Six Characters in Search of an Author” will be held through Oct.

Spitaletta, pictured above with co-star Jennifer Elizabeth Smith, leads the touring cast of the Broadway musical.

ARTS

Star of ‘Something Rotten!’ Richard Spitaletta talks favorite moments, being cast in tour

By Allison Garfield | Oct. 11, 2018

The Broadway hit musical “Something Rotten!” stopped in Madison at part of the Overture Center’s Broadway at the Overture series.