Shannon Hall, a Wisconsin Union Theater venue, has welcomed an impressive roster of performers over the years, from acclaimed musicians to celebrated comedians. Among its most memorable guests? Broadway stars who have graced the stage with show-stopping talent. Here's a look at some of the legendary performers who brought their Broadway magic to Madison.
Henry Fonda (1905-1982)
Henry Fonda, 1948, from the New York Public Library, licensed under CC
Henry Fonda was an American actor whose career spanned five decades on Broadway and in Hollywood. Fonda was best known for his roles in classic films, including "12 Angry Men," "The Grapes of Wrath," and "On Golden Pond," which earned him an Academy Award. On Broadway, he originated the title role in the hit play "Mister Roberts," a performance that became one of his most celebrated stage achievements.
During the 1950-1951 season, Shannon Hall hosted a production of "Mister Roberts" starring Henry Fonda, alongside other distinguished performers including violinist Isaac Stern, soprano Lotte Lehmann, poet Ogden Nash and the First Drama Quartet.
Idina Menzel (1971)
Idina Menzel, 2008, from Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC
Idina Menzel is a Tony Award-winning American actress, singer and songwriter often hailed as the "Queen of Broadway." She is recognized worldwide for her powerhouse voice, bringing life to memorable characters, including Maureen Johnson in the original Broadway cast of "Rent" and the witch Elphaba in the "Wizard of Oz"-inspired musical "Wicked," a role that earned her a Tony Award.
Beyond Broadway, Menzel has achieved mainstream success through film and television, most notably voicing Elsa in Disney's "Frozen" franchise. She has also appeared in "Enchanted," "Enchanted 2" and the television series "Glee."
Menzel performed at Shannon Hall on Nov. 2, 2008, featuring beloved songs from "Rent" and "Wicked" alongside surprise covers.
"We've got some fun covers in our pocket that we're going to surprise people with, so each performance is a little different," Menzel told The Badger Herald. "They should expect a fun, eclectic, spontaneous evening."
Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles, 2025 by Bryan Berlin, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Sara Bareilles is an award-winning American singer, songwriter, actress and producer who has made a significant mark on both the music industry and Broadway. She made her Broadway debut composing the music and lyrics for the 2015 musical "Waitress," in which she also starred in the lead role. The production became a surprise hit and transferred to Broadway in 2016.
Bareilles' theatrical work extends beyond "Waitress." She contributed to the 2017 musical "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical" and composed additional arrangements for a 2022 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods," earning Tony nominations for both productions. More recently, she portrayed Mary Magdalene in NBC's 2018 live telecast of "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert."
Bareilles performed at Shannon Hall on April 21, 2012, delivering an intimate evening of original songs and covers that resonated with the Madison audience.
“She was so humble throughout her whole performance that it felt more like one was enjoying the company of a friend rather than a famous pop-rock artist,” said Jenna Quilty, a writer for The Badger Herald. “Sara Bareilles brought an overall charismatic and enjoyable performance to Madison.”
Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga, 2025 by Philip Romano, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Most people recognize her voice from Disney's "Aladdin" and "Mulan," but musical theater fans know Lea Salonga as the star of numerous Broadway productions, including "Les Misérables," "Allegiance" and her Tony Award-winning role as Kim in "Miss Saigon."
Salonga is "known across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch," according to Broadway World, while The Village Voice praised her "clear, glistening soprano" as "all but embedded in the American musical subconscious." Most recently, she starred on Broadway in "Old Friends" after headlining productions in Los Angeles and London.
Salonga performed at Shannon Hall on April 30, 2017, bringing her legendary vocal talent to the Wisconsin Union Theater stage.
André De Shields
André De Shields, 2009 by Lia Chang, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Tony Award-winning actor André De Shields graduated from UW–Madison in 1970, though his journey wasn't easy. During his time on campus, De Shields was repeatedly denied roles in university theater productions. Determined, he found his stage with Madison's avant-garde theater scene.
His perseverance led to a legendary 50-year Broadway career. De Shields played iconic roles, including the title character in "The Wiz" and Hermes in "Hadestown," winning the 2019 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He also earned Tony nominations for "Play On!" and "The Full Monty," as well as an Emmy for "Ain't Misbehavin'."
De Shields has returned to Madison multiple times, serving as the 2007 spring commencement speaker and appearing at Memorial Union events. His legacy continues through the André De Shields Fund, which provides grants to underrepresented undergraduate artists developing original work.
From his time at UW–Madison to winning Broadway's highest honor, De Shields proves that perseverance and talent can overcome any obstacle.
An Evening with André De Shields at UW-Madison Memorial Union:
These aren't the only Broadway stars who have graced Shannon Hall's stage. Over the years, Madison has welcomed numerous other notable performers, including:
- Uta Hagen
- Paul Robeson
- Alfred Lunt
- Lynn Fontanne
- Ani DiFranco