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 – FREELullaby Project, Saturday April 25, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 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.Forward Theater: Lady Disdain, Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 26Madison Opera: Così fan tutte, Friday, April 24 & Sunday, April 26Madison Classical Guitar Society presents Leonela Alejandro, Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.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. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tuesday, May 12 – Sunday, May 17Pre-show experience: Enchanted Parlor, Tuesday, May 12 – Sunday, May 17, 90 minutes before each performanceEnjoy 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. Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour, Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9Pre-show experience: Wisco Social, Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9, 90 minutes before each performanceCome 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.Madison Symphony Orchestra: Voices Eternal, Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3Children’s Theater of Madison: Disney’s Newsies The Musical, Saturday, May 2 – Sunday, May 17, MYArts Starlight TheaterMadison Ballet: Innovation II, Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 10Kanopy Dance: The Next Generation of Dance, Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.The MadHatters A Cappella Spring Show, Saturday, May 1, 7pmWisconsin 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.