Michael Goldberg

I first met Michael in 1980 when I began lighting Gilbert and Sullivan productions for the Madison Savoyards. Michael directed The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. His wife, Allisanne, was one of the "three little maids from school" in the Mikado. Michael loved all of the performing arts and all of the people involved in a production. He was a true showman. When I was living in New York City and came back to Madison, I would always go over to the Union Theater to see him. I can remember...

Michael was a mentor and friend. And, for a time, my boss. I worked for him briefly at the Union Theatre and again at Overture Center. He was a kind, supportive man, with a great sense of humor. He had a deep understanding of the arts and was an admired leader in the field--not only locally, but regionally and nationally. I am grateful to have experienced and personally benefited from his empowering style of leadership and more importantly, his friendship. Expressing my sincere condolences...

I can’t say how sorry I was to learn of Michael’s passing, and, lo, all these years on, of the health burdens that he and his family had to endure for so many years. I saw Michael mostly during the time when I had a role in a production of modest operetta, The Zoo, by Sir Arthur Sullivan (but without Gilbert) in, I think, the late 1970’s. Alisanne, whom we all admired, as we admired her singing, was the female lead; the much-lamented David Cosby the conductor; and Michael the stage director....

He had a wonderful life. I worked with Alisanne before her marriage.

https://welltempered.wordpress.com/2026/02/11/michael-goldberg-master-arts-presenter-has-died-at-8/

Michael was a wonderful mentor to me when I worked at The Memorial Union. He will be missed.

Michael was my cousin. He was my only boy cousin and I adored him. His Mom and my Dad were sister and brother. I used to love to visit him - he had the best comic book collection evaaaah! I am so happy that I got to talk to him recently and reminisce about old times. You will be missed Michael - R.I.P.

Rest In Peace, dear Michael. I will never forget singing in the chorus of many Savoyards productions with you. You truly made a difference in this world.

Michael was a dynamic and trusted arts advocate, leading both the Union Theater and the Madison Civic Center over his long career. He´ll be remembered for bringing the highest level of programming to our community. We worked closely for many years to develop the Union Theater´s World Music series. He will be greatly missed.