The Capitol Theater

The original Capitol Theatre opened in 1928 as an opulent movie and vaudeville show house. Designed by Rapp & Rapp of Chicago (who also designed Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall, now the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony,as well as the Chicago Theater, Cadillac Palace, and the Ford Oriental theaters in Chicago) it was the ‘sister’ theater to the Orpheum Theater directly across State Street. The theater was decorated in a Moorish Spanish theme and included a Grand Barton theater organ, constructed by the Barton Musical Instrument Company of Oshkosh.

The theater was refurbished in 1980 as the Oscar Mayer Theatre, a multi-purpose performing arts facility, and for 23 seasons it was home to local and visiting performing artists and organizations.

In 2004-2005 the theater was again refurbished, reopening once more as the Capitol Theater. Now in Overture Center for the Arts, the theater is a fresh version of the original facility with improved audience amenities and superb acoustics.  Seating capacity was reduced from 2,214 to 1,100, but all significant architectural and historic elements, including the now-rare Grand Barton theater organ were preserved and restored during the renovation.  The transformation was a remarkable success – improving sight lines, mechanics and acoustics while maintaining the theater’s ambience and charm.

The Capitol Theater lies at the heart of Overture Center for the Arts, just as it has remained at the center of the cultural and social life of Madison for nearly 80 years. Performing in such an aesthetically and acoustically beautiful facility that has had such a rich and endearing history is both an honor and a pleasure for the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and we are proud to call the Capitol Theater “home.”