presented by Rock & Roll History Productions in partnership with Four Seasons Theatre and the Wisconsin Union
Equal parts rock opera and documentary, The Greatest War uses words, imagery, and music to tell the story of the Armistice and the war that preceded it. Using letters, diaries, and articles written by Wisconsinites, it looks to connect us with people that were caught up in the war – their experiences and their hopes and dreams – and points to the links between their past and our world today.
Drama Desk Award, 2019, Unique Theatrical Experience
ALL IS CALM, takes place on the Western Front, Christmas, 1914. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. Tickets (starting at $20) available at Overture Center Box Office in person, online, or by phone at (608) 258-4141.
A celebrated vocalist with the Stan Kenton, Gene Krupa, and Woody Herman orchestras, jazz singer Anita O’Day experienced both “high times and hard times.” Onstage, O’Day was a revolutionary artist, refusing the limits of the standard “girl singer” and forging her own unique path. Offstage, though, she struggled with addiction. Madison favorite Sarah Streich and the FST Jazz Trio will share O’Day’s tumultuous story and memorable music from her celebrated Verve recordings from the 1950s.
Four Seasons Theatre has a long history of bringing musical theatre to non-traditional venues. Tamara Brognano, our talented FST Outreach Coordinator, has programmed 20+ outreach concerts each year in assisted living facilities, high schools, and community centers and 10+ library programs each season.
In celebration of our 15th anniversary we’re expanding our community engagement and launching “Anything Goes: Musical Matinees with Mike” on select Sundays at Café Coda. Professor Mike Leckrone will moderate a series of musical conversations that bring together glimpses of pop music history with live performances by Four Seasons Theatre singers and musicians. An endearing glance at the music of the Great American Songbook, the programs will provide an opportunity to learn how American popular music from 1900s-1950s was affected by ragtime, jazz, dance music, big bands, and musical theatre.
Our first “Musical Matinee with Mike” will be held on Sunday, April 5 with doors open at 2 p and program at 2:30 pm. Tickets ($10) benefit our FST Outreach programs and will go on sale Sunday, March 1.