Overture Announces 2018/19 Season, Including ANASTASIA, A BRONX TALE, and More

Overture Center revealed its 2018/19 season, which features nearly 100 performances, including seven new-to-Overture-Hall Broadway titles and 23 new Overture Presents shows.

"We are thrilled to offer another incredible line-up for the upcoming 2018/19 Overture Season," said President and CEO Ted DeDee, who will retire at the end of May 2018. "As I prepare for retirement from my 45-year career in this industry, it gives me such pride to share the offerings, including seven Broadway shows that have never played in Overture Hall. The subscriber base has grown over the last several years, and producers are looking to route shows through Madison, including HAMILTON in the 2019/20 Broadway at Overture season. Leading and watching this organization blossom as a non-profit arts center has been humbling and I thank all of Overture's patrons, supporters, staff and board members for the work and passion put into providing a true home for the arts in Madison."

The Broadway at Overture series features three Wisconsin premieres, two of which are making their only Wisconsin stop in the 2018/19 season in Madison - Broadway's 2017 MISS SAIGON revival and A BRONX TALE. New Overture Presents performances include Los Vivancos present Born to Dance, Ramsey Lewis and His Electric Band, B - The Underwater Bubble Show and a collaboration with Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society called The Music of Words. Returning favorites include the Branford Marsalis Quartet (featuring 2017's Rising Stars grand prize winner Brianna Ware as the opening act), Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis and Soweto Gospel Choir.

2018/19 Broadway at Overture Series:

SOMETHING ROTTEN! | Tuesday, Oct. 9-Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 - Wisconsin premiere

Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of two brothers who set out to write the world's very first MUSICAL!

"The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. Squared!" (New York Magazine)

SCHOOL OF ROCK | Tuesday, Nov. 20-Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 - Thanksgiving week

Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher as he turns straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, rock band.

Features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, original songs from the movie and musical theater's first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage.

FINDING NEVERLAND | Tuesday, Jan. 8-Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019

Directed by visionary Tony winner Diane Paulus and based on the Academy Award-winning film, this Broadway hit tells the incredible story behind one of the world's most beloved characters: Peter Pan.

With pixie dust and faith, playwright J.M. Barrie takes leaves his world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I | Tuesday, Feb. 26-Sunday, March 3, 2019

Based on the 2015 Tony Award-winning Lincoln Center Theater production, THE KING AND I is widely considered one of Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest works.

Set in 1860's Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher brought to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

MISS SAIGON | Tuesday, April 2-Sunday, April 7, 2019 - Wisconsin premiere (2017 Broadway revival) and only Wisconsin engagement

Tells the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who, while working in a bar run by a notorious character called The Engineer, meets an American G.I. in an encounter that will change their lives forever.

Features stunning spectacle, a sensational cast of 42 and a soaring score including Broadway hits like "Last Night of the World" and "The Heat is On in Saigon."

A BRONX TALE | Tuesday, May 14-Sunday, May 19, 2019 - Wisconsin premiere and only Wisconsin engagement

"Jersey Boys meets West Side Story."- amNewYork

Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical, with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes, based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri's story. Set in the Bronx in the 1960s, a man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he'd love to be.

ANASTASIA | Tuesday, July 30-Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019

Inspired by the films, this show is set in the twilight of the Russian Empire to Paris in the 1920s, as a young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past.

Features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak.

In addition to the Broadway at Overture Series, the Overture Presents season offers three other package options - National Geographic Live!, Cabaret and Duck Soup Cinema. Series subscribers can add on any non-Broadway Overture Presents titles to their order, or 'Make Your Own' package by selecting any four or more non-Broadway titles.

2018/19 National Geographic Live! Series (sponsored by Exact Sciences):

Life on the Vertical with Mark Synnott | Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

National Geographic adventure writer made his name as a big wall pioneer with numerous first ascents. He now helps scientists make significant findings in distant, inaccessible places.

View From Above with Terry Virts | Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Gain a deeper understanding of our planet's beauty, climate and place in the universe from former International Space Station Commander Terry Virts.

Standing at the Water's Edge with Cristina Mittermeier | Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Explore four communities and their relationships with water-the Kayapó in the Amazon, the Inuit of Greenland, the First Nations people of British Columbia and native Hawaiians.

I Bought a Rainforest with Charlie Hamilton James | Tuesday, April 30, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

This wildlife documentarian who has always felt at home in nature made a spur-of-the-moment decision to purchase 100 acres of land adjacent to Peru's Manú National Park.

2018/19 Cabaret Series:

This unique musical dining experience begins with hors d'oeuvres in the Capitol Theater Lobby, followed by a gourmet dinner, courtesy of Catering a Fresco, served on the historic Capitol Theater stage, which is transformed into an elegant nightclub for the evening.

E. Faye Butler - Songbook of Jazz | Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, 7 p.m.

Ten Chimneys presents a night of storytelling and live music as Butler performs songs by the artists who defined our culture through the evolution of American Jazz.

Josh Young Sings Andrew Lloyd Webber | Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, 7 p.m.

Nominated for a Tony Award in his Broadway debut as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Young will sing Lloyd Webber showtunes from The Phantom of the Opera, Evita and more.

Matt Beilis - The Soul of Pop | Thursday, May 2, 2019, 7 p.m.

His songs reflect his willingness to combine electronic beats with soaring pop hooks that has led to gigs at many notable New York City venues such as the Canal Room and The Bitter End.

2018/19 Duck Soup Cinema Series (sponsored by Goodman's Jewelers):

Overture's Duck Soup Cinema silent film series is nationally known for providing an authentic silent film experience in the historic Capitol Theater, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in January 2018. Film showings include vaudeville entertainment with an emcee, door prizes and a classic feature film with live organ accompaniment on the theater's original 1928 Grand Barton Organ.

The Kid Brother | Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, 2 & 7 p.m.

This 1927 mystery with a touch of slapstick features silent screen giant Harold Lloyd.

Duck Soup Cinema Debut: Ella Cinders | Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, 2 & 7 p.m.

This 1926 reimagining of the Cinderella story stars Colleen Moore.

The Wind | Thursday, March 7, 2019, 7 p.m. (special feature film)

This acclaimed 1928 drama was star Lillian Gish's last of the silent era.

Grandma's Boy | Saturday, April 13, 2019, 2 & 7 p.m.

In this 1922 comedy, a timid man (Harold Lloyd) gets a valuable lesson from his grandmother.

Overture Presents Debuts:

The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show | Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

Whitney's musical legacy is brought to life in this stage show by Belinda Davids, RiSA chart-topping artists in her home country of South Africa.

iLuminate | Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

As seen on America's Got Talent, this electrifying dance crew moves to Latin, contemporary and hip-hop tunes alongside colorful multimedia projections on a darkened stage.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story | Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, 2 & 8 p.m. | Capitol Theater

Concert uses huge projection photos, original film footage and a full live band performing all the hits including "Mrs Robinson," "Cecilia," "Homeward Bound" and many more.

Wild Kratts - LIVE! | Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, 1 & 4:30 p.m. | Capitol Theater

Brothers Martin and Chris return with a new exciting adventure, activating their fan-favorite Creature Power Suits to go "Off to the Creature Rescue!"

The Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue | Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, 8 p.m. | Capitol Theater

"Ha, ha, ha" becomes "ho, ho, ho" when Chicago's legendary comedy theater slays the season. See upcoming comedy stars and hilarious holiday satire, recommended for mature audiences.

The Rainbow Fish | Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, 3 p.m. | Capitol Theater

Children will go under the sea to find new colorful friends and learn valuable life lessons when The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents classic stories by author Marcus Pfister.

Ramsey Lewis and His Electric Band | Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, 7:30 p.m. | Capitol Theater

Renowned Chicago jazz pianist and multiple Grammy Award winner will perform familiar favorites and new interpretations.

Los Vivancos present Born to Dance | Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

Six brothers set fire to the stage with tap-dance, humor, martial arts and musical virtuosity in dazzling display of physical prowess in a flamenco fusion show.

Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure | Sunday, March 10, 2019, 1 & 4:30 p.m. | Capitol Theater

Explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles once lived. Actors, technology, puppets, science and imagination, connect young audiences to paleontology.

Cirque Mechanics: 42 FT - A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels | Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15, 2019, 7:30 p.m. (both nights) | Capitol Theater

This show combines mechanical marvels from gears to pulleys, acrobatics and a bit of clowning around to tell the tale of American industrial ingenuity.

Aseré! - Havana Cuba All-Stars | Friday, March 15, 2019, 8 p.m. | Overture Hall

Composed of the island nation's best and most well-known musicians, The Havana Cuba All-Stars will perform an eclectic program celebrating the musical legacy of Cuba.

The Church Basement Ladies in Rise Up, O Men | Saturday, March 23, 2019, 2 & 8 p.m. | Capitol Theater

The latest addition from the minds and hearts of authors/humorists Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson, authors of the best-selling book Growing Up Lutheran.

The Music of Words | Saturday, April 6, 2019, 8 p.m. | Promenade Hall

Join Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society for an evening of poetry, piano and flute.

B - The Underwater Bubble Show | Sunday, April 14, 2019 2 & 6 p.m. | Capitol Theater

Inspired by Cirque du Soleil, this show is a visual and musical modern-day fairytale with drama, mime, dance, puppetry, soap bubbles, lavish costumes, laser technology and snow cannons.

An Evening with Bernadette Peters | Friday, April 19, 2019, 8 p.m. | Overture Hall

The three-time Tony Award recipient dives deep into her illustrious career songbook with an evening of her greatest hits.

Ballet Hispánico | Thursday, May 9, 2019, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

Under the artistic direction of Eduardo Vilaro, this company presents a diverse repertory that fuses Latin dance with classical and contemporary techniques.

Returning Overture Presents:

Whose Live Anyway? | Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

A completely improvised 90-minute show of games, scenes and songs, starring Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Joel Murray and Bob Derkach.

Ballet Folklórico de México | Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

Features ballet works and music that represent the traditional culture of Mexico with colorful costumes, precise choreography and soaring music

Soweto Gospel Choir - Songs of the Free | Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

The two-time Grammy-winning choir of more than 30-member ensemble that blends African gospel, spirituals, reggae and American pop into its concert performances.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis | Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

The holiday tradition brightens the season featuring familiar Mannheim holiday classics.

ABBA MANIA from London's West End | Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, 8 p.m. | Overture Hall

The world's No. 1 touring production that recreates a live stage performance by ABBA.

Rock of Ages | Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this Tenth Anniversary Tour features the music of hit bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake.

An Evening with Branford Marsalis Quartet | Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 7:30 p.m. | Overture Hall

The oldest member of the legendary Marsalis musical family brings the rich tones of his tenor and soprano saxophones for a night of genuine jazz.

Performance features 2017's Rising Stars grand prize winner Brianna Ware as the opening act.

How shows are selected: "When I begin looking at content for an upcoming season, I look for performances that align with our newly revised mission to 'Elevate our community's creative culture, economy and quality of life through the arts'," commented Tim Sauers, Overture's vice president of programming and community engagement. "The blend of unique new and returning performances on our Overture Presents season really provides an opportunity for just about anyone to experience the arts in a way that is meaningful to them."

Overture Center partners with Broadway Across America (BAA) to bring touring Broadway productions to Madison. "We're looking forward to bringing another incredible year of Broadway titles to Overture patrons," said Jim Sheeley, President - North Region for BAA. "Every time I come to Madison, I'm amazed at the 'big-city' experiences and artistic opportunities provided at Overture. The 2018/19 season is no exception to this, with seven new Broadway touring productions making their Overture Hall debuts, some on the first year of their national tours. You may be disappointed if you don't jump on the subscription train this year, especially with the anticipation for HAMILTON in the 2019/20 season!"

Becoming a subscriber or renewing a subscription is the only way to secure seats now for the 2018/19 season. For best pricing and availability, or to renew a current subscription, orders must be received before Monday, May 14, 2018, at overture.org, by mailing or emailing the order form in the center of the brochure, or in-person at the box office (201 State Street). New to subscriptions this year is a four-installment payment plan.

The only way to guarantee seats for Broadway shows and avoid potential price increases closer to the show is to subscribe to the Broadway at Overture 7-show package. This will be the only Broadway series package available for the 2018/19 season. Single tickets for individual shows for Broadway at Overture performances will go on sale to the public throughout the season, subject to availability.

Broadway at Overture 7-show subscribers from the 2018/19 season will have ?rst access to HAMILTON when renewing their full subscription for the 2019/20 Broadway at Overture season. Subscriber additional tickets and exchanges may be restricted for all shows in the 19/20 season, including HAMILTON. For more information about the 2019/20 engagement of HAMILTON, visit overture.org/Hamilton/faq.

Patrons can create an Overture Presents Make Your Own Series package with four (or more) non-Broadway titles. Single tickets for Overture Presents shows will go on sale to the public in Summer 2018.

Many shows offer discounted group tickets for orders of 10 or more tickets in the same show/performance. Group requests will be accepted beginning on Tuesday, April 10 (orders to be processed Summer 2018) by emailing groups@overture.org with seating reservations locked in during early July.

Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wis., features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and five galleries where national and international touring artists, ten resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in nearly 700,000 educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture.org

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