"There's No Business Like Show Business": Downtown Theaters and Madison's Identity

Abstract

Madison theaters are a main aspect of the city’s unique social, economic and political identity. This paper will trace the background and major changes in three theaters: the Majestic, the Orpheum, and the Overture Center. Through our study of these changes, we draw connections with major events and changes in Madison’s history and analyze the ways that the theaters reflected and at times affected these events. Each theater has had its own unique history and has specialized in an area, which is beneficial to them while not hurting the other theaters economically or socially. Though facing some limitations politically, they have been and continue to be a crucial part of Madison’s identity.