By Jessica Steinhoff | Photo courtesy of Madison Symphony Orchestra
THEATER AND DANCE
Local stages are on fire this winter, with everything from Broadway musicals to cerebral street-dance performances.
“What the Constitution Means to Me”
Jan. 22 & 23, Capitol Theater, Overture Center
Hailed “not just the best play on Broadway, but also the most important” by The New York Times, Heidi Schreck’s autobiographical tale explores how the Constitution doesn’t always prevent discrimination and violence. overture.org
Movement Art Is with Third Coast Percussion
Jan. 27, Hamel Music Center
A street-dance troupe and a percussion ensemble team up to explore a provocative question: How do our roots shape our perspective? music.wisc.edu/concerts-events
COMEDY
Whether you want to analyze current events or escape reality, these events can help — and make you laugh.
“SmartLess”
Feb. 9, Orpheum Theater
Watch Jason Bateman from “Arrested Development,” Sean Hayes from “Will & Grace” and Will Arnett from “BoJack Horseman” improvise their way to hiccups and epiphanies as they celebrate their podcast’s anniversary. madisonorpheum.com
“She’s a Woman” Starring Miz Cracker
Feb. 14, Majestic Theatre
Seeking a hilariously pessimistic Valentine’s Day gift or anti-Valentine’s outing? Look no further than this evening of saucy commentary by a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum. majesticmadison.com
LIVE MUSIC
Musicians from around the world are bringing a wealth of sounds to Madison this winter, including psychedelic neo-soul and old-school blues.
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra: “The Triple”
Jan. 28, Capitol Theater, Overture Center
The orchestra celebrates three greats at this engagement: Bill Banfield, its first composer in residence; Patrice Rushen, a groundbreaking Black composer; and great of greats Beethoven, whose seldom-performed Triple Concerto rounds out the program. wcoconcerts.org
Hippo Campus
Feb. 17, The Sylvee
With angular melodies and an upbeat vibe reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, this Twin Cities band is a favorite on the festival circuit, appearing at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and others. thesylvee.com
Jacob Banks
Feb. 18, Majestic Theatre
If you gravitate toward steamy R&B or brokenhearted blues, don’t miss this Nigerian-English singer’s baritone croon in concert. majesticmadison.com
Davina and the Vagabonds
Feb. 19, Stoughton Opera House
Davina Sowers’ vintage-style jazz and blues vocals have drawn comparisons to Amy Winehouse and Etta James, and her piano skills must be seen to be believed. stoughtonoperahouse.com
The Marías Present: “Cinema”
Feb. 26, Majestic Theatre
Psychedelic soul mingles with Latin lounge music when in this band’s songs, which feature lyrics in English and Spanish. majesticmadison.com
