Tim Sauers, Co-CEO and Chief Artistic Experiences Officer at the Overture Center, joins Pete and Greg in studio to talk about everything happening this spring. From free community programs like Kids in the Rotunda to major performances, Broadway shows, and uniquely Wisconsin pre-show experiences, he breaks down what makes Overture a hub for arts and culture in Madison.

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Relevant links from this hour:

Upcoming Overture Events: April 2026

Education & Community Engagement Programs (free and low-cost)

• Kids in the Rotunda – FREE
  • Lullaby Project, Saturday April 25, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 

Overture Presents

• Cabaret – Patti Murin: Once Upon a Stage, Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.
• Up Close - Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m.
• Take 6, Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
  

Resident Companies

• Forward Theater: Lady Disdain, Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 26
• Madison Opera: Così fan tutte, Friday, April 24 & Sunday, April 26
  

Local Arts

• Madison Classical Guitar Society presents Leonela Alejandro, Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.
  

May 2026

Education & Community Engagement Programs (free and low-cost)

• Slow Art: Making Responsive Artist Books, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Join us for a Slow Art experience beginning with a guided meditation in Wisconsin Studio, followed by a contemplative viewing of works by Gallery I artists Katherine Steichen Rosing and Sandra Schoen. The event concludes with a hands-on book-making workshop and reflection exercise led by the artists. 

Broadway at Overture

• Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tuesday, May 12 – Sunday, May 17
  • Pre-show experience: Enchanted Parlor, Tuesday, May 12 – Sunday, May 17, 90 minutes before each performance
    • Enjoy sparkling conversation and fairy-tale charm that brings whimsical storybook magic to life. Savor dainty finger sandwiches, decadent petit fours and elegant cakes, served with a refreshing punch fit for royalty. Capture the magic of the moment with a themed photo opportunity and take home a party favor. 

Overture Presents

• Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour, Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9
  • Pre-show experience: Wisco Social, Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9, 90 minutes before each performance
    • Come hang in the "basement”—Wisconsin style. Kick off your night with a pre-show party that feels like your buddy’s legendary basement bar. Grab a brewski or a brandy Old Fashioned, then snap a photo in our ice shanty (because, of course), and enjoy the most Wisconsin pre-show you’ve had all season.  
• Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0, Saturday, May 30, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Resident Companies

• Madison Symphony Orchestra: Voices Eternal, Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3
• Children’s Theater of Madison: Disney’s Newsies The Musical, Saturday, May 2 – Sunday, May 17, MYArts Starlight Theater
• Madison Ballet: Innovation II, Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 10
• Kanopy Dance: The Next Generation of Dance, Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Local Arts

• The MadHatters A Cappella Spring Show, Saturday, May 1, 7pm
• Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters: Joy Harjo: Inhabiting Home on Earth, Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
• Line Breaks Showcase, Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11, 7-9 p.m.